The "Coke Bike" at Wheels Through Time is a common favorite among visitors.  Built by David and Asa Cargill in the late 1960s and early 70s, the bike began life as a 1948 Harley-Davidson Panhead, and after a massive amount of custom work by the Cargills and a few other major players of the 1970s chopper era, it bears nearly no resemblance to its original form. 

Motorcycle customization during this time took a turn in a new direction, with long front ends, tall sissy bars, king/queen seats and funky handlebars....... The Chopper era had set in, and it was only a matter of time before the imagination took hold and new ideas were put into motion........Which makes me wonder ---- Could this have been the first "Theme Bike"?

Nearly every part on this bike is a tribute to Coke, from the bottle shaped gas caps, arrow theme throughout, "Coke" slogans, and custom red and white paint.  The Cargills were even so proud of their machine that they sent a letter to Coca-Cola, offering the motorcycle for use during photo-shoots, commercials, and advertising campaigns.  What the Cargills didn't expect was a certified return letter from the Coca-Cola Legal Division, asking them to "cease and desist" from displaying the motorcycle in public, and to ensure those who have seen the machine that there is no affiliation between "Coke" and the motorcycle -- I suppose a good indication of how the "American public" viewed the Chopper crowd, and motorcyclists in general.

With all of the popularity of motorcycles on TV and in everyday culture, I wonder if Coca-Cola would do the same thing today?