Profiles

In June 2002, motorcycle builder Billy Lane of Melbourne Beach was on top of the world.He and his team of “gearheads” sold custom-built motorcycles at $30,000 to $40,000 a pop out of his well-established shop, Choppers Inc., on U.S. 1 in Melbourne. The Discovery Channel's motorcycle-themed reality competition series “Monster Garage” had just featured Lane […]

That's Tim, the old guy, in the back. For some Americans these are the best of times, and for others just keeping afloat is a daily challenge. For many of us working stiffs the lack of funds was the biggest hurdle to owning our own scoot. Too often we hear good bros say they bought

Taking a fast rewind to the year 1978, Brian Hatano started his first ten-year stint working for Eddie Paul at E.P. Industries in El Segundo, CA, Eddie already a topgun in Hollywood thanks to his radical stuntwork as well as his SFX aka special effects inventiveness that eventually led to him being described as “Mad

It gives me great pleasure to write this story. I had a problem with the title, because Dave accomplished so many things, but first he’s a rider who has logged over two million miles on a Harley-Davidson. That’s right, and over 900,000 on his current 1991 FXRP. But hang on for just a couple more

When we think of engraving, we might think of the U.S. Mint where money is printed from intricately engraved metal plates, the stuff Humphrey Bogart was also chasing down along with counterfeiters. But I think it’s all digital now. Gone are the master craftsmen who made a little money making big money for Uncle Sam.

Here’s the story of a young French, Spanish and Apache artist and Indian MC rider. Peter Oropeza is a man of spirit in a world of greed and quarterly reports. Through life’s peaks and valleys he’s sought meaning and direction. “It’s not about just making money,” Peter explained. “I needed a way to feed my

Have you ever wondered who makes some of the seats you see on those fantastic high dollar bikes on the Discovery Channels Biker Build Off series? It must be some factory in Southern California, you're thinking. A huge conglomerate with dozens of employees in an assembly line set-up perhaps with a vast show room? No

Gold Coast Choppers latest creation “Alien” has landed an array of trophies at Gold Coast Bike Week. Alien’s first public viewing was on Saturday. However lucky riders on the S&S Chopper Shop Ride got a sneak preview on Friday as Twin Tech Motorcycles was the first Bike Shop on the list for the ride to

1. How did you get started in the Bike building industry? First let me say I’ve been a biker since my early teens with my first Honda moto-cross bike then migrated onto the street with a series of crotch rockets and cruisers. Only when I grew up and got into my 30s did I come

When Arlin started riding this was the style. From Bob T.With so many fly-by-night operations around these days, it is great to see an original chopper builder still rockin’ 30 years later. It’s not hard to see why he’s flourished in today’s environment, once you speak with Arlin Fatland, owner and founder of 2-Wheelers motorcycle

• Latisha with the DAvid Mann Bike- This is an image of myself with the David Mann bike. Many people who have watched the show remember me as the only female painter featured and the only artist to incorporate metal etching. Latisha Wood was born the baby of a large family with four brothers and

As you saw, if you're a regular reader of BIKERNET, I just returned from the Canadian Championship of Bike Building in Wembley Alberta. While I was there I had the pleasure of meeting a group of youngsters from the Bernice MacNaughton High School in Moncton, New Brunswick and their teacher Marc “MAZZ” Mazerolle. TBear and

Reprinted Courtesy of WomenRidersNow.com Marjorie always had a warm smile for those who visited her in her office.One of the biggest and most respected engine manufacturers in the motorcycle industry, S&S Cycle, may not have existed if it wasn't for Marjorie Smith. “If it wasn't for her willingness to continue the business in 1959 and

Funny sounding title ain’t it. The story actually should intrigue the adventurer in all of us. Sharon Wynn has raised a family to include children, grand children, and even a great grandchild. She has helped mold the young minds of children for over 30 years, as a part of Texas’s educational system. You could say

While he builds hi-visual impact motorcycles, some people call California Master Builder Matt Hotch “The Invisible Man” thanks to his ability to make lines and cables disappear to create a totally uncluttered, seamless design.Growing up in Minneapolis, he was up on two wheels by age 10. “My Grandfather was one of those guys who came

We receive more international news all the time since Bikernet is read world wide. I’m fortunate to be able to bring you a taste of the talented Nicolas Chauvin from France. He’s one of the builders selected by S&S this year as they expanded their competition to Europe. We will feature all the bikes involved

Dick’s biz card.After watching “The History of the Chopper” Jesse did on the Discovery Channel, it brought back memories of Dick Allen back in the day. I was fresh out of the Marine Corps in 1971. I bought a H-D three wheeler and chopped it up. Saw the Dick Allen Springer front-end around the South

One foot inside Rockem and Sockem, and you sense the Mesa, Arizona bike shop goes way beyond being a bike building enterprise, more like an all-encompassing way of life. There’s definitely a heavy vibe. Maybe it’s the punching bag or the flame painted walls. Maybe it’s the blue-eyed coyote shop dog wandering up to check

Riding a motorcycle has become as much a reflection of individualism as it has a symbol of freedom. There’s nothing quite like screaming down the road on a bike that is distinctly yours. One of the best ways to customize your bike is using quality, machined parts that fit. Not every biker, however, wants the

You maybe asking yourself, What the hell? BMW's on Bikernet? That's down right Un-American. So let me back up a bit to tell the tale. I have a soft spot in the back of my cranium for old school cafe racers. When I came to the Bikernet compound, a 1982 R-65LS came with me as well. Bandit let

Axiom customer service representative.Axiom Cycles: A Small Custom Tailor Shop with a Big Rep for Service and QualityIf you remember your high school math an axiom is something universally regarded as true. About a year ago Mark Nemets, himself a rider for over 20 years, chucked the corporate world of computer and finance consulting to

She needs a jacket. Scott Jordon was into skiing, motorcycling and other outdoor sports including a bit of sports car racing, but couldn’t find the type of clothing to carry what he needed to carry without looking like he was preparing to climb Mt. Everest. He wanted outdoor clothing that would keep him comfortable and

As you will see, this poster was sent to us to see if a father & mother could help their son make a little money from his art. Here's their story and a not so great picture of the poster, but we'll let you decide whether or not you like it.I love it and my