Orange County Choppers, commonly known as OCC, is a name that resonates with motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. Founded in 1999 by Paul Teutul Sr., the company quickly rose to fame for its custom-built choppers and eye-catching designs. The popularity of OCC surged further with the reality television show American Chopper, which followed the creative process, challenges, and family dynamics within the Teutul family as they designed one-of-a-kind motorcycles.
Over the years, fans of the brand have frequently asked whether OCC is still in business, particularly after changes in location and the conclusion of the original television series. This article dives deep into the history, evolution, and current operations of Orange County Choppers, providing a clear answer to the question and explaining the brand’s legacy in the world of custom motorcycles.
A Brief History of Orange County Choppers
Orange County Choppers was founded in 1999 in Newburgh, New York, by Paul Teutul Sr., a former construction business owner with a passion for motorcycles. From the beginning, OCC distinguished itself by focusing on custom motorcycle builds, emphasizing craftsmanship, unique design, and quality engineering.
The company quickly gained attention in the motorcycle industry for producing bikes that were more than transportation—they were works of art. Each bike was tailored to the client’s specifications, whether themed around a business, organization, or personal story. OCC’s dedication to high-quality, personalized motorcycles became its defining feature and helped it stand out in a competitive market.
Is Orange County Choppers Still in Business?
Yes, Orange County Choppers is still very much in business. The company continues to produce custom motorcycles, maintain its brand presence, and engage with fans worldwide. While the original Newburgh location closed, OCC relocated its operations to Florida, where it now runs the OCC Road House & Museum.
This facility serves multiple purposes: it functions as a custom motorcycle workshop, a museum for fans, and an experience center for visitors interested in the history of OCC and the art of chopper design. The move to Florida allowed OCC to continue operations in a modern space that better suits both production and visitor engagement.
Relocation and New Facility in Florida
The relocation to Florida marked a new chapter for OCC. The OCC Road House & Museum is not only a working workshop but also a destination for motorcycle enthusiasts and tourists. Visitors can witness the fabrication process, explore exhibits showcasing iconic motorcycles, and interact with staff to learn about OCC’s history and craftsmanship.
This strategic move allowed OCC to modernize its operations, reduce overhead costs, and maintain public interest through a physical brand experience. The Florida facility has become a hub for enthusiasts and continues to host events and custom bike unveilings.
Current Products and Custom Bike Builds
Today, OCC continues to build custom motorcycles for clients worldwide. The company specializes in one-off designs, themed bikes, and collaborative projects with businesses and organizations. Each build reflects OCC’s commitment to precision engineering, creative design, and storytelling.
In addition to motorcycles, OCC offers branded merchandise, including apparel, collectibles, and accessories. These products allow fans to engage with the brand even if they cannot purchase a custom motorcycle. This dual focus on motorcycles and merchandise helps keep the company financially sustainable while maintaining its iconic status.
Merchandise, Museum, and Fan Engagement
The OCC Museum plays a crucial role in maintaining the brand’s visibility. It displays past creations, showcases the evolution of custom chopper design, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fabrication process. Visitors can experience the craftsmanship and creativity that made OCC famous.
Social media also plays a role in engagement. OCC maintains active profiles where it shares new builds, events, and behind-the-scenes content. These platforms help retain fan interest, even without a current television series. By combining physical and digital presence, OCC continues to stay relevant in the motorcycle world.
Media Presence and Brand Activities
Although American Chopper no longer runs regularly, OCC occasionally collaborates with media outlets and participates in motorcycle shows and events. Paul Teutul Sr. remains a public face for the company, attending conventions, speaking engagements, and promotional events.
OCC’s media strategy focuses on leveraging nostalgia, promoting custom bike culture, and highlighting the craftsmanship that made the brand famous. This approach keeps OCC connected to a global audience and ensures that it remains a recognizable name in motorcycles and pop culture.
Rise to Fame: American Chopper TV Series
OCC’s rise to international fame was cemented by the reality TV series American Chopper, which premiered in 2003. The show followed the Teutul family, primarily Paul Sr. and his son Paul Jr., showcasing the process of designing, fabricating, and assembling custom motorcycles.
The series was a major success because it combined engineering, artistry, and family drama. Viewers watched as bikes went from concept to completion, witnessing the intense creative process and occasional conflicts between family members. American Chopper became a cultural phenomenon, bringing OCC into households worldwide and turning it into a household name in custom motorcycles.
Challenges and Changes Over the Years
Despite its popularity, OCC faced challenges that affected its operations and public perception. Internal family conflicts, including disputes between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr., often made headlines, creating uncertainty about the company’s future. Additionally, the original American Chopper series ended, and subsequent attempts to revive it did not achieve the same level of popularity.
Financial and operational adjustments were necessary. The original Newburgh headquarters closed in 2020, leading many fans to wonder whether the company had shut down entirely. However, these changes were part of a strategic relocation and restructuring rather than a closure of business operations.
Legacy of Paul Teutul Sr. and OCC
The legacy of OCC is closely tied to its founder, Paul Teutul Sr. His vision, leadership, and commitment to craftsmanship established OCC as a pioneer in custom motorcycles. Beyond the bikes, the brand became known for its storytelling, creativity, and showmanship, largely through American Chopper.
Paul Sr.’s ability to balance business operations with public engagement has allowed OCC to survive changes in the market and transitions in leadership. His influence ensures that OCC continues to operate as a respected name in custom motorcycles.
How OCC Adapted to Changing Markets
OCC has successfully adapted to challenges by diversifying its business model. The company no longer relies solely on television fame. Instead, it focuses on custom motorcycle production, merchandise sales, museum experiences, and digital engagement.
This approach allows OCC to remain profitable and relevant even in a competitive motorcycle market. By embracing multiple revenue streams, the company can continue delivering value to clients and fans alike.
Future Outlook for Orange County Choppers
Looking ahead, OCC’s future appears stable and promising. The Florida facility ensures that production and fan engagement can continue. Continued involvement in events, media appearances, and custom builds will help maintain brand visibility.
While OCC may not dominate television as it once did, its craftsmanship, brand recognition, and loyal fan base ensure long-term sustainability. Custom motorcycle enthusiasts continue to regard OCC as a leader in design and quality.
Conclusion
Orange County Choppers is far from out of business. Despite relocating from Newburgh, New York, and the end of its original television show, the company continues to thrive in Florida. Through custom motorcycle builds, branded merchandise, a museum experience, and active fan engagement, OCC maintains its presence in the motorcycle world.
The brand’s resilience demonstrates how strong craftsmanship, strategic adaptation, and effective fan engagement can sustain a company through changing market conditions. OCC remains a symbol of creativity, engineering excellence, and motorcycle culture, with a future that continues to excite enthusiasts worldwide.
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