Moscow, Russia, is a city defined by its stark contrasts: a sprawling metropolis where centuries-old Orthodox cathedrals sit in the shadow of Soviet-era brutalism and gleaming glass-fronted skyscrapers. It is a place of immense history and, increasingly, a thriving hub for high-end custom motorcycle fabrication. Nestled within this vibrant, creative landscape is Copper Chopper, a workshop that has eschewed the mundane world of repairs to focus entirely on the art of exclusive, hand-crafted motorcycles.
Established in 2016, Copper Chopper operates with a singular mandate: to produce machines that function as functional sculpture. We recently featured the workshop’s ‘Cor Ferro’, a wildly imaginative Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 chopper that proved they could handle modern platforms with flair, but Copper Chopper’s founder, Alexey Sorokin, has a deep-seated reverence for the classics. And when it comes to the pantheon of chopper donor engines, there is one that sits comfortably at the throne: the 1956 Harley-Davidson Panhead.
For many, the Panhead is the ultimate chopper motor, a perfect marriage of reliability, performance, and undeniable aesthetic presence. It is the engine that powered the golden age of American counter-culture, and finding one in 2025 is a rare treat. When this specific 1956 engine came to Alexey, it was, by all accounts, a project that would have deterred a lesser builder. It was in poor condition, necessitating a complete, ground-up restoration.
The engine was stripped, with every component meticulously inspected. The pistons were replaced, the cylinders were bored, and nearly every internal part and exterior fastener was replaced. To ensure the build could run as well as it looked, Alexey opted for a fresh S&S carburetor. The engine was then paired with a 4-speed Ratchet top transmission. By polishing the transmission cases, Alexey created visual cohesion that links the cam cover, the gearbox, and the primary drive, making the powertrain look less like a collection of parts and more like a unified, singular block of power.
The chassis surrounding the bike's heart is an homage to the past. While it visually mimics the stance of an original Straight-Leg Panhead frame, it was built entirely from scratch in the Copper Chopper studio. This allowed for perfect geometry and a clean backbone for the mid-tunnel peanut-style gas tank. Up front, a classic springer fork provides that iconic chopper profile, complemented by a compact FNA mini headlight and comfortable, riserless, low-rise stainless steel risers.
In keeping with the purist chopper ethos, the handlebar area has been de-cluttered. Copper Chopper implemented a traditional foot-clutch and hand-shift system, utilizing a beautiful stainless-steel pedal and linkage setup. The hand shifter, positioned next to the gas tank, is a direct callback to the tank-shift bikes of the mid-century era. The attention to detail is staggering; Alexey even hand-engraved the clutch and brake pedals with a chiseled pattern. It’s a detail that catches the sunlight in a striking way, while also serving a practical purpose: ensuring the rider's foot remains planted during shifts.
The rolling stock follows the classic chopper formula: a 21-inch wheel up front and an 18-inch wheel at the rear. The rear is stopped by a period-correct juice drum brake, while the front utilizes a mini drum brake. While the latter is less about stopping power and more about a "gentle request" to slow down, it is an exceptionally tidy package that leaves the front end looking clean. For the foot-clutch rider, the mini-drum offers a bit of forgiveness, particularly when navigating the delicate balance of a hill start. Both ends are wrapped in modern, vintage-style tires that bridge the gap between classic looks and current-day safety.
The metalwork is quintessential chopper art. The fuel tank is complemented by a horseshoe-style oil tank, featuring custom-plumbed hard lines that add an industrial, handcrafted texture to the build. A Manta Ray-style fender is anchored by custom struts, keeping the rear end low and tight. The entire machine is finished in a soft yellow and cream paint scheme, providing a stunning contrast to the deep black frame.
“I found this particular color scheme and logo variation online,” Alexey explains. “Specifically, I came across a photo of a fuel tank from the Harley-Davidson Museum. Using those images, the painter and I recreated our own version.” It is a fitting end to a build that honors the roots of American motorcycling. In an era where modern tech often dictates the direction of custom builds, Alexey Sorokin’s Panhead is a refreshing reminder of what happens when vision, patience, and impeccable metalwork collide.
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