A low rider refers to a vehicle in which the suspension and hydraulics have been modified to make rides as low as possible. Low riders have controls with its height adjustable suspension. Most of these are typical cars from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. It has a lot of accessories on the market to cater to the enthusiast. And due to many modifications to their internal parts, such wrinkles are more prone to damage or obstruction along the way and are not allowed to be legally driven on the streets.
Lowriding began in East Los Angeles as a phenomenon for Mexican Americans, with the majority of its riders being Latino. A custom hydraulic suspension system is a very common feature here. They have direct control over the suspension to alter the height, from simple systems to complex systems. It varies the combination of two battery-powered hydraulic pumps to produce a specific movement of the vehicle.
Lowriders became popular and began as part of the metropolitan civilization of California and the American Southwest. Its objective is to navigate as slowly as possible as its motto says, “Bajito y Suavecito” or “Low and Slow”. His urban culture became universal in the early 1990s in West Coast hip hop.
In today’s new age, the low driving perspective varies in many other cultures. The vehicles have new visual styles and appearance, but it’s still an important thing for the Chicano community. For all intents and purposes, all options in low riders are still available from low rider builders with their styles varying from coast to coast.
Summer is the most anticipated season as it is the time when they go out and hang out with their group. Some riders and tavern owners have their weekly meetings with their friends. Some will go to a drag race for a more exciting experience. Low riders are usually seen at pre-arranged shows or competitions.
In 1962, one of the most popular Low Rider cars was the 1964 Chevy Impala hardtop edition. Another model was the 1958 – 1964 Impalas. Meanwhile, the 1961 – 1964 Chevrolet Impala became the best-selling car along with the 1978 – 88 GM bodies. The Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, the Buick Regal and the Pontiac Grand Prix were also all the rage on the market. The relative edition of 1973 – 1977 became the entry level low riders.
During the intense customization of Low Rider cars, some go through the restoration of stock cars, particularly American cars in the 1930s and 1960s. Other countries such as the Volvo PV544, VW Beetle, Morris Minor, Ford Zodiac, Vauxhall Cresta , Vauxhall Victor will be their substitutes for the American car due to the scarcity of imported cars and their costs in producing new vehicles.
Low Rider cars were only available for one year when riders got inspired and customized their own bikes for low riding as well. A well-modified bike, these inspired bikes feature long, curved banana seats, swept-up handlebars, and rear-seat bars. It is excessively chromed with big wheels and the use of velvet as common accessories of these custom two-wheeled rides.
Low Rider bikes first appeared and were recognized in the 1960s. It was first seen customized by George Barris in America. After that, Schwinn Co. brought to market the new muscle bike or so-called Sting-Ray first used by George Barris. He appeared in the Munster.
Until now, Low Rider bikes are famous and popular with their new designs and distinctive appearance, fully customized and modified bodywork as well as its air hydraulic cylinder. Features include a height-adjustable suspension, highly refined chrome, metal frame, twisted forks, handlebars or spokes, rear seat bars, and the mounted two-seater.