The State of Arizona's 100-year anniversary is just around the corner! If you have been out and about lately, you may have noticed that the Arizona Centennial Foundation has selected a rather unusual mascot for the state's 100th birthday.Rather than choose a mascot, person, or event that defines Arizona's history, the Foundation has selected a custom built "chopper" bike, created by Arizona resident and bike builder Paul Yaffe.
Yaffe's "Copper Chopper" features a one-off frame design built around a highly customized Harley Davidson engine. The bike's eye catching appearance is heavy on Arizona symbols and icons.
For example, the sides of the gas tank have an engraved and polished plaque of the state flag, while the top of the gas tank has an airbrushed design with a banner that proclaims "Grand Canyon State." The leather seat has a heat-stamped pattern displaying the bike's official name "Copper Chopper." A piece to the side of the engine displays a map of Arizona's major cities.
While the symbolism here is obvious, there are other details of the bike that prove how seriously Mr. Yaffe takes his work. The engine's displacement is 100 cubic inches, one for each year of statehood. It also produces 100 ft-lbs of torque and 125 horsepower, which is quite a lot for a motorcycle!
The bike has been is currently on tour, making appearances at Centennial themed events throughout the state. At each event, officials are selling raffle tickets to win the custom chopper bike for just $5 per entry. The approximate retail value of the Copper Chopper is $100,000 according to the contest rules. Tickets are being sold at each stop and at over 600 Circle K convenience stores.
For build photos and finished photos of the Copper Chopper, please visit the Paul Yaffe website.
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