Ep 6. Strikes and Reverse Trikes

As with all reality shows, American Chopper is about the personalities on the screen, and season 12 episode 6, "Strikes and Reverse Trikes" delivers that and more.

The episode starts with a few of the OCC crew sitting around talking, including Paul Teutul Sr, Paul Teutul Jr, and Mike Ammirati. They're discussing the idea of a new project, and Teutul Sr. suggests doing something with a reverse trike. This prompts some discussion about what a reverse trike is, which is an interesting insight for those who may not know the difference between a trike and a reverse trike. Essentially, a reverse trike only has two wheels, but they're placed like a tricycle - two in the front and one in the back - instead of the standard motorcycle configuration of two in the back.

With the idea of a reverse trike on the table, the team decides that they want to create the machine for a charity ride that benefits autism research. They're excited about the chance to support a good cause and get creative with their build. And, to make things extra interesting, they decide to turn it into a competition, pitting Teutul Sr. and Ammirati against Teutul Jr. and another member of the team, Nick Hansford.

While it's always fun to see the OCC crew get competitive with one another, there's a sense of purpose and passion in this episode that sets it apart. The team is visibly invested in the charity ride, with Ammirati even speaking about his own personal connection to autism. He talks about the challenges his family has faced in living with a child who has autism and how important it is to support research and programs that can help those affected. It's clear that the team sees this project as more than just a chance to show off their skills and creativity - it's a chance to make a difference in the world.

As the two teams get to work on their reverse trikes, viewers get to see the creative process in action. Teutul Jr.'s team goes for a sleek, futuristic design that's all hard edges and geometric shapes. They have to do some tricky maneuvering to get the engine situated in the right spot, which provides some drama and tension. Teutul Sr.'s team, on the other hand, goes for a more classic chopper look, with a throwback feel that nods to some of the early builds that put OCC on the map. They have some issues with sizing and measurements, which leads to some setbacks, but they persevere and ultimately come up with an impressive design.

There are some great moments throughout the episode, including a test drive of the reverse trikes that ends up being hilariously disastrous, as well as some heartfelt scenes where the team talks about why this project is so important to them. Fans of the show will appreciate the banter between Teutul Sr. and Jr., which is as entertaining as ever, but there's a real sense of camaraderie and teamwork on display that makes this episode stand out.

Ultimately, the episode culminates in the charity ride, which provides a chance for the OCC crew to show off their reverse trikes and support a good cause. It's a heartwarming event and a reminder that even in the macho world of chopper building, there's room for compassion and kindness.

Overall, "Strikes and Reverse Trikes" is a standout episode of American Chopper that succeeds in showcasing the personalities and skills of the OCC crew while also shining a light on an important issue. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and a great entry point for those who may be less familiar with it.