The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

The End of American Chopper
February 15, 2010

After six surprisingly successful seasons, The Learning Channel (TLC) pulled the plug on American Chopper. This show chronicled the Teutel family’s business, Orange County Choppers, as they built one of a kind choppers each episode for various companies and events.

This show took chopper building from the garage and put it in the living room of people across the world that knew nothing about the science and artistry of custom motorcycles. This show helped lead the resurgence of the motorcycle industry in the U.S. and across the world.

This show also chronicled the slow demise of the Teutel family.

Over the 6 seasons, Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. fought constantly over just about everything. While their growing feud made compelling TV, it was apparent that things would end in a huge train wreck…and they did.

Paul Jr., the principal designer and co-owner of Orange County Choppers, left the show and the company along with his younger brother Mikey. The three main members if the Teutel clan do not speak to each other and Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. have taken their feud to court over ownership of the company and money.

The last episode ended with both Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. expressing how they regret that things have gotten so bad but neither was willing to take steps toward reconciliation. Both were moving forward with new families and with new business ventures.

What does this mean for the motorcycle industry?

The Teutel family fell apart due to the huge and conflicting egos of Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. And while the show has ended, Orange County Choppers is doing better than ever; despite the economy. Regardless of their legal battle, choppers are here to stay.

TLC decided to go in another direction and American Chopper got the axe. That’s show business. Thankfully, the motorcycle industry is not quite that fickle. The Teutel family helped revive the motorcycle industry and even their big egos cannot slow down the momentum they helped create.

I don’t know what the future holds for the Teutel family and Orange County Choppers. All I know is I am thankful for what they have done to help the motorcycle industry survive and prosper.

And who knows. Maybe Paul Jr. will get his own show.