Hot Bike in the 1980s | Gallery
Come the 1980s, Hot Bike was a key factor in supporting the aftermarket companies’ attempts to become successful in selling all sorts of custom parts to consumers. This was very apparent during the “digger” era where builders and businesses were more than happy to make a wild motorcycle with just as much “show” as there was “go.” These bikes were very popular at bike shows, as their garish paint and plating amazed both old and young. During this time Hot Bike also supported classic bikes and had their fair share of new-model road tests as well. The mid-1980s saw in influx of custom motorcycle magazines, and it was at this time publisher Tom McMullen decided to combine both Hot Bike and Street Chopper into one publication.
Hulkamania running wild on us.
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
1961 Panhead we ran in the Jan.`85 issue. Choppers were still popular but the digger era had come to a close.
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Pro Street-style bikes were on the rise bolt-ons were starting to make their presence felt.
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike November 1984: Not even the custom bike industry escaped the pleather craze unscathed.
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Crazy-assed Freight Train dragger bike
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Previewing the FXR back in 1985.
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike Feb. 1983: Change started in `82 when Tom McMullen ran Street Chopper and Custom Cycle as the magazine’s title. By the time the February 1983 issue came out, that had changed to the Street Chopper/Hot Bike combo on the cover.
By The Hot Bike Staff
April, 1983. Note that Street Chopper hogs most of the title. Not for long, though.
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike January 1984: Motor guru Nigel Patrick and his drag bike.
By The Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike February 1984: Hair bands weren’t the only ones in chaps…
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike August 1984. By this time, Street Chopper is completely gone from the title.
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike September 1984
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike August 1985
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike October 1985
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike February 1986
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike April 1986
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike November 1986
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike March 1987
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
Hot Bike May 1988
Photo: Hot Bike Staff
