A New American Motorcycle Company is Born: Motus Motorcycles Unveils MST Series of American Sportbikes

DAYTONA BEACH, Fl - March 10, 2011 - After months and months of fabrication and development, a new American sportbike engineered from the ground up was introduced to the public at the 70th Daytona Bike Week.

This comfortable touring machine is powered by the mighty KMV4 "baby block" engine, a gasoline direct injected, 90 degree V4.


Motus Motorcycles, a 2-year old company based in Birmingham, Alabama introduced the Motus MST series to a crowd gathered at 2pm Thursday at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show at the Ocean Center. The Motus MST series focuses squarely on performance, comfort and range.

Along with a team of engineers, co-founders Lee Conn and Brian Case are personally riding the MST's on an "American Sport Tour" around the US to make sure the pre-production machines are of the quality and durability they demand. They intend to be seen at more than 250 events across the USA.

"There is just no better way to make sure the MST's meet our standards of durability, comfort, and performance than to personally ride the machines and iterate them as we identify issues. Along the way, we are meeting with friends, supporters and high quality dealers that have inquired about carrying Motus in their area," said Brian Case, vice president and director of design.

"We decided early on that no corners would be cut with the MST series. Motus is about precision, quality and attention to detail rather than speed to production," said Brian Case, vice president and director of design. "We are more focused on building great bikes than rushing to meet artificial deadlines," said Case. "Rather than hype the brand with computer renderings of a bike we hadn't even built yet, we engineered the bikes to be functional and actually work first, and then show the world what we have done so far."



The Motus MST's were developed quietly and revealed privately first at the facility of Motus's partner Pratt & Miller Engineering in New Hudson, Michigan and then at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in the hometown of Motus, Birmingham, Alabama. (Video, Feb. 2011.)

"We are so proud to show the world the MST series," said Motus president, Lee Conn. "We poured our hearts and souls into these motorcycles and hope that it shows in terms of the quality and character of the machines. The MST's are exhilarating to ride - a very powerful experience unlike any other motorcycle I've ever ridden. There is usable power everywhere in rev-range, excellent feedback from the road, very responsive to inputs and...the sound of the KMV4 still gives me goose bumps every time one cranks," said Conn. The MST prototypes, including the base model MST and the premium MST-R, are scheduled to go into production in late 2011 after extensive testing and refinement.

Conceived and designed in Alabama and engineered in Michigan, the MST prototypes were built using a combination of sophisticated computer aided engineering tools as well as rapid prototyping processes. The transmission, chassis, and bodywork are all purpose built at Pratt & Miller Engineering for high performance, durability, all day comfort, and long range.

"Motus came to Pratt & Miller with some very ambitious engineering and technical challenges and we felt we had the right tools and resources to exceed their expectations in terms of a high level of work in a shortened period of time," said Brandon Widmer, director of business development at Pratt & Miller Engineering. "The MST project has been exciting and challenging allowing us to employ many of our core strengths including complex chassis engineering and optimization, gearbox design and testing, metal and carbon composite fabrication and vehicle validation that is taking place now."

"The MST project has been an absolute blast for us at Pratt & Miller. The work ethic and intensity of the guys at Motus meshes well with our mindset and it has been gratifying to apply some of the skills and technologies we have developed from our endurance racing programs to this new American motorcycle," said Gary Pratt, co-founder of Pratt & Miller.

Download full Press Kit with logos, pictures, FAQ's:

http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/press/presskit/2011/2011mar.zip

About Motus

Motus is strategically located in Birmingham, Alabama, in the heart of the growing southern automotive corridor with Honda, Mercedes, Toyota, Hyundai, and Volkswagen nearby. Birmingham is also home of the Barber Motorsports Park which houses a world class road course and the world's largest motorcycle museum. Founded in 2008, Motus is a privately held company preparing to enter the market with the first V4-powered American sport touring motorcycle. The MST series motorcycles and accessories will be sold internationally through a network of independent dealers and distributors.

The Motus MST series of comfortable American sportbikes have been engineered from the ground up for performance, comfort, and range. The MST concept is a fresh take on what an American motorcycle can be, with optimum rider and passenger comfort for extended, spirited journeys, and quality components for responsive handling. The Motus MST series, including the MST and the premium MST-R, are powered by KMV4 gasoline direct injected V4 engines that feature proven durability and range extending technologies.

For more information about Motus, please visit the website at www.motusmotorcycles.com or email info@motusmotorcycles.com

About Pratt & Miller

Pratt & Miller Engineering is one of the most sophisticated engineering companies in the world and a respected industry leader in the automotive, motorsports, military, and aerospace industries. Pratt & Miller's extensive design, engineering, manufacturing, and vehicle program management capabilities are well established through their numerous championships in the American Le Mans Series, Rolex Grand-Am series, NASCAR and six 24 hours of Le Mans victories in the GT1 category. In addition to motorsports, Pratt & Miller Engineering has played a prominent role developing commercial, aerospace, and defense projects.

For more information about Pratt & Miller Engineering, please visit the website at www.prattmiller.com or contact Brandon Widmer at or bwidmer@prattmiller.com

SOURCE Motus Motorcycles

V8 Motorcycle Parade & Bike Show Raises Funds for Children's Hospitals at Daytona Bike Week 2011

The crowd on Main Street was four-deep to watch the 7th Annual V8 Motorcycle Parade on Wednesday during the 70th Daytona Bike Week.

Photos - by Bruce Abowitt.

A record 127 of the V8 bikes and trikes participated in the parade and a scenic ride that finished with a free Rat's Hole V8 Motorcycle Show at Daytona Lagoon, across from the Ocean Center at 601 N. Earl Street in Daytona Beach.


All V8 owners are welcome to participate in the parade, scenic ride and bike show that is sponsored by Boss Hoss. The annual event is organized by Bill Taylor and other area V8 owners, who are united by their love of the big machines and a desire to raise money for the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.

The V8 owners rolled out for the parade at 1pm from the Custom Works, Boss Hoss dealership at 806 N. Beach Street.

"We had perfect weather and perfect escort help from both the Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach police departments for a scenic loop ride that was just outstanding," said Bill Taylor, who is president of the Midatlantic Chapter of the Boss Hoss Riders Association.



Last year, 105 V8 bikes and trikes from all over the country participated in the parade and ride-in V8 Motorcycle Show. "We met some V8 owners this year that live in California," said Taylor. "Each year, a few more new people join the parade and it just continues to get bigger every year."


Ted and Pam Smith led the parade and ride on their Rat's Hole V8 Custom Trike. They also played host to the V8 Motorcycle Show at 2pm at Daytona Lagoon. The show was open to the public and free to attend. Custom Works provided food and entertainment.


"Everyone loved the band, One Hit Wonder out of St. Augustine and the party continued until after 5pm," said Taylor. The V8 riders expect to donate more than $1,500 to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Donations will also be collected at the 39th Annual Rat's Hole Chopper Show on Saturday. Look for the purple buckets! Here's a link to more photos.



More than 90 bikes have pre-registered for the Saturday, March 12th Rat's Hole Show. "We expect to see a couple dozen more bikes register on Saturday morning," said Ted Smith. This year's show features a "World Bike Showdown" with bike builders from Australia, Canada, USA and the EAU on stage with their newest bike builds. Everyone who attends the show will receive a ballot to cast their vote for a favorite bike in the special competition. A new Rat's Hole custom trophy will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in 22 classes.

Ron Finch at Daytona Bike Week with "Outsider"

Ron Finch of Finch's Custom Styled Cycles is in Daytona Beach for the 70th Rally and you can see his new side-car bike "Outsider" at the 39th Rat's Hole Chopper Show - World Bike Showdown - Saturday, March 12th at Daytona Lagoon, next door to the Ocean Center at 601 Earl Street.


He is also featured in the Daytona Beach Ratty Rag, a limited edition of 20,000 free newspapers published by the Rat's Hole for the 70th Daytona Bike Week. Grab a copy on the street or at the bike show on Saturday.

For details or to register a bike go to http://www.ratshole.com/

Daytona Bike Week was originally the "Run To The Sun" Rally.
Click the newsapaper cover image for event details.

What a Blast From the Past - CK this out: Daytona 1980 Bike Week!

What's Happening at 70th Daytona Bike Week?

What a blast from the past! Check out this photo collection of Daytona Bike Week 1980!

Hard to believe that was 31 years ago! I was there, and I was also there in 1972 when Big Daddy Rat, Karl Smith presented his first-ever Rat's Hole Chopper Show.

The weather has been perfect for the 70th Daytona Bike Week! Nothing like last spring when women were running around in fur hats!

Here's a taste of Daytona Bike Week on RallyTV - Day 2 of the 70th. You can see Cris Sommers Simmons with her 1915 Harley-Davidson "Effie" at the Harley-Davidson Women's Zone on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach, every day between 2 and 4pm. Her husband, Pat Simmons of the Doobie Brothers was at the rally with her for one night.

Fox Sports is in town, no doubt filming the Supercross and Daytona 200 motorcycle races. They also filmed some of the messages etched on paver bricks being installed in the new biker's Heritage Walkway at 316 Main Street Station.

The Main Street Station web-cam was live over the weekend and will be live again on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Noon to 8pm (March 10-12.) Click this link to watch video streams.


It was perfect riding weather, Saturday and several thousand riders headed west 25 miles to the DeLand Rally for the Pro-Am Bike Show. There was also a Church of Chop Bike & Hot Rod Show in nearby DeLeon Springs. A free 5:30pm Jonny Lang concert at Orlando Harley-Davidson was also a ride option.

Ryan Villopoto - Kawasaki won the Saturday night AMA Supercross series race at Daytona International Speedway, which is also an FIM World Championship race.

Don't miss the V8 Motorcycle Parade on Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach at 1pm Wednesday. More than 120 custom V8 motorcycles and trikes are expected to participate in the V8 Parade, a scenic ride of the loop north of Daytona Beach and a 2pm (free) V8 Motorcycle Show.

2011 Daytona Bike Shows: Still ahead is the International Motorcycle Show that opens Wednesday at the Ocean Center. The V8 Ride-in Motorcycle Show, next door to the Ocean Center at 2pm Wednesday at the Rat's Hole/Daytona Lagoon location. The Cycle Source - Limpnickie Lot swap meet and bike show, Tattoo Willie's Old School Chopper Show on Thursday, and a Sport Bikefest in South Daytona.

Confederate Railroad will be in concert at the Iron Horse Saloon on US1 on Wednesday, March 9th and Sons of Anarchy's Tommy Flanagan "Chibs" will be at Iron Horse from 4 to 8 pm Thursday the 10th to take pictures with rally goers, sign autographs etc. Jasmin Cain, JB Walker, Cheap Whiskey Band and Big Engine are also on the lineup for Bike Week 2011.

Main Street Entertainment: The Razorbacks are headlining nightly except Monday at The Bank & Blues Club. Full Moon is featuring RidlynGrip on its inside stage and Bad Manners on its outside stage. Dirty Harry's features classic and modern Rock including KGBLick and Crachrocket. Main Street Station bands include Broad Bent Betty, Smokin' Mirrors, From Out of Nowhere, Josh Adams and Microwave Dave. The Boot Hill lineup includes AD/DC Highway To Hell, Miss Hap and Liquor Box.

V-8 Motorcycle Parade & Bike Show at Daytona Bike Week 2011

The 7th Annual V8 Motorcycle Run
is due to roll down Beach Street at 1 pm in downtown Daytona Beach on Wednesday, March 9th. More than 120 V-8 bikes and trikes are expected to ride the scenic loop together, north of Daytona Beach and return for the Rat's Hole V-8 Motorcycle Show at Daytona Lagoon.

"It was an awesome sight to watch 105 custom V-8s roll into the 2010 Rat's Hole Show, and this year's event promises to be even bigger and more spectacular," said Ted Smith, owner of Rat's Hole Shows. Best of all, the show is free and open to the public. Gates open at 2 pm.

- Boss Hoss sponsors the annual charity run that raises money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children. But all brands of V8 motorcycles and trikes are welcome, including home-built customs. This has always been a non-brand specific "V8 Motorcycle Run."


"Please bring ALL brands of bikes and trikes so we can enjoy the incredible machinery as a group," said "Wild Bill" Taylor, who organizes the annual ride. "The ride begins promptly at 1pm so please plan on arriving early to bench-race and hang out."

Start: Custom Cycle Works / Daytona Beach Boss Hoss - 806 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach

End: Daytona Lagoon - Rat's Hole Show.
601 N. Earl Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.

- "This is a very cool ending point! " said Taylor. "We will park our scooters all around the interior of the waterpark - all paved, easy access, just two blocks from Main Street and it's right next door to the Daytona Beach Ocean Center Arena."

- As usual, please come with a generous heart and give freely to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Look for the maroon donation buckets. Every dollar goes to the Shriners with the exception of a small donation to the local Police Department for their help with an escort. We are working on expanding our police escort for 2011 to make the ride better than ever!

- Everyone who participates will receive a Free T-shirt and Free Mug! The first mug of beer is also free at the V8 Show.

"I can't believe that this ride is now in it's 7th year of raising money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children! Our community of V8 Bike/Trike Riders makes the V8 Motorcycle Ownership experience like no other... Thanks to all who support events such as this and others that help to keep our group tight!!!" said Bill.

Travel Channel To Film Rat's Hole World Bike Showdown

The Travel Channel will be filming the 39th Rat's Hole Chopper Show - World Bike Showdown on Saturday, March 12th at Daytona Lagoon, 612 N. Earl Street during the 70th Daytona Bike Week!

Come join the party.. everyone through the gate will receive one ballot to vote for their favorite bike in the World Bike Showdown.

Bike builders from Australia, Canada, EAU & USA will be live on stage! Come early to pick up your copy of the free Daytona Beach Ratty Rag, featuring interviews with bike builders Cyril Huze, Dave Perewitz, Ron Finch, Tako of Sickasso Creations, and more...

First published for Daytona Bike Week 1974, the first, oldest and longest running (free) biker newspaper went out of circulation at the turn of the new century... and now it's BACK! A limited 20,000 copies will be issued and available (free) at the Rat's Hole Show, so you better show up early this year on Saturday, March 12th to grab your copy! The all-day show will feature 22 classes of bikes, Miss Ratmate & Tattoo Contests, emceed by Radical Randy at Daytona Lagoon water park, next to the parking garage, just off of (A1A) Atlantic Ave. beachside - 614 N. Earl Street, Daytona Beach.

"If you were awarded one of the big, bronze colored Big Daddy Rat trophies in the last couple of years, get ready to add a new trophy to your collection," said Ted Smith, owner of Rat's Hole Shows. "We are going to unveil a new tri-colored custom trophy that will be awarded to the top 1st, 2nd & 3rd place winners in every category."

There is always excitement and anticipation going into a Rat's Hole Show, said Tako of Sickasso Creations. "I will be bringing three bikes that have never been shown. Mostreet that I built for former Boston Red Socks player, Mo Vaugn; plus another Pro Street bike that I am just finishing called "Twisted" and then the Gothic & Old School "Death Bike."

To register a bike, go to http://www.ratshole.com/

Click here to view a Rat's Hole Facebook gallery.

Daytona Bike Week: Charity Road Report

When bikers converge on Daytona Beach to celebrate the 70^th Daytona Bike Week, March 4 to 13, 2011, they will also have the opportunity to help feed needy children by way of a donation or the purchase of a T-shirt, with all proceeds going to the Bread of Life Pantry & Back Pack Program.

The Florida-based Rider NOW magazine will be selling the T-shirts and collecting donations at their booth, directly in front of the Boot Hill Saloon on Main Street, Daytona Beach.

Click the image to enlarge for details.

We are all acutely aware that it’s a tough economy for everyone, however those who depend on the kindness and generosity of others feel the pinch even more. This past year, the Marine’s Toys for Tots program distributed a record number of toys to needy children across the nation, thanks in part to the continued support of bikers who participated in toy runs in spite of their own personal financial troubles.

Here's a Charity Road Report from Johnny Lange of Strip Club Choppers, who had the opportunity to help with three charity events over the past few months in Florida.

"Although the SCC Tour wasn’t on the road very much from November to February, we didn’t allow that to freeze over the spirit of bikers giving back to the community. During these frigid months SCC was fortunate to be involved in three charity events.

Rider Now magazine asked us to participate in a food drive for a church in Ocala Florida. Val, the magazine editor, donated a bunch of food and we donated clothing and parts to be auctioned off as well as participating in a photo shoot that graced the cover of the magazine.

The second charitable event was unplanned, two police officers were killed in St Petersburg Florida in January and when Johnny worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice years ago (who would have guessed that one) he worked closely with this department. The Full Throttle Bike Builders Invitational in Clearwater Florida turned into an informal fundraiser for those fallen officers and the biker community rallied on the spur of the moment to raise almost 70k!

The third charity that caught our attention was for a one-year-old girl named Victoria with acute leukemia. My friend Aaron Blowout Morrow, the stereo typical big bad ass biker, and we mean big, took pledges for every pound he could lose, this just might cure cancer altogether, way to go Aaron. You can find additional info at Victoriasvoyage.com.

I guess the bottom line is no matter how tough the biker community may seem on the outside, we have a heart the size of a V-twin on the inside. It has been said about our culture that we are the first to support a good cause and the first to step up and protect our country. It’s 100% true. Even though times are tough and many of us can’t afford to donate monetarily we can give our time through volunteering, product donations or even weight loss, go figure, hey A+ for creativity.

The weather is clearing; the sun is starting to shine on the open road and the 2011riding season is upon us. Come by and see us from March 4th to the 13th in Daytona at the Hang Dawg Saloon right across from the Iron Horse Saloon on US1. And for you guys planning your year in advance here are some other events we will be at so far: Thunder in the Hill Country, Bandera Texas, March 31- April 3 and the Carts, Bikers and Babes Rally, April 8-10, in Somerville Texas. For additional info visit www.stripclubchoppers.com

What's Happening At The 70th Daytona Bike Week, March 4th?

Racing's North Turn Bar & Grill at Ponce Inlet sits on the exact location where motorcyclists and future NASCAR racers used to come flying down A1A, then make the turn onto the beach for a 2-mile stretch of racing north along the shoreline of Daytona Beach. The last beach race was in 1958.

Follow this link to the latest news about 2 eXciting new projects that commemorate the 70th Daytona Bike Week - March 4 - 13, 2011.

Daytona Bike Week 2011 Bike Shows & Races

Here's the latest update on the 70th Daytona Bike Week - March 4 to 13th, 2011.

BIKE SHOWS - At least 7 bike shows have been announced: Limpnickie Lot, Church of Chop, Pro-Am, Ol School Chopper, Sport Bike Fest, Boarwalk Ride-in & Rat's Hole Chopper Show.

Bator's Classic Daytona Motorcycle Auction  during Bike Week will include the Eddie James (estate) BMW collection.

The Daytona 200 and Daytona Supercross have been moved to stand-alone weekends.

The Daytona Supercross will kick off race week at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, March 5th. The Daytona Flat Track, just behind Turn 1, will come alive March 5 for three days of amateur racing. The AMA Pro Flat Track events are scheduled from March 10-11 and the Daytona 200 will be raced on Saturday night, March 12th.

DAYTONA BEACH - In preparation for the 70th anniversary of Bike Week, the Daytona Regional Chamber's Bike Week Festival Task Force has selected the official logo design.

The official Bike Week 2011 logo was submitted by Hayworth Creative Public Relations of Ormond Beach, Fla., which has previously submitted winning designs for the 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2010. Each of those logos is the work of illustrator and designer Brian Boesch of Itchy Illustration.

2011 DAYTONA BIKE WEEK - BIKE SHOWS

Limpnickie Lot - Stone Edge Skate Park, 1848 S. Ridgewood Ave. South Daytona. Ride-in bike show TBA and a great place to check out a new generation of builders.
Church of Chop - Old School Rod & Bike Show at The Junkyard Saloon, DeLeon Springs - Friday, March 4th and Saturday, March 5th.
Pro-Am Bike Show - at The DeLand Bike Rally - Sunday, March 6th to Thurs., March 10th.
Ol School Chopper Show - at Willie's Tropical Tattoo, 824 S. Yonge St., Ormond Beach -
Thursday, March 10th.
Boardwalk Ride-in Bike Show - Oceanside boardwalk at Main Street - Friday, March 11th.
- 20 classes from domestic to metric with 50 trophies. Call Bill Chaffin at 386.871.0398.
Rat's Hole Bike Show - Daytona Lagoon, beachside on Earl Street - Sat., March 12th.
Sport Bike Fest - Hottest Custom Contest - at Martini's Chop House, 1815 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, Saturday, March 12th.

Bator's Daytona Classic Motorcycle Auction - Thursday's Parts & Memorabilia Auction, March 10 will include the massive BMW (estate) collection of motorcycle icon, Eddie James. Swap Meet, March 9 to 11; Classic Motorcycle Auction on Friday, March 11.

DAYTONA BIKE WEEK 2010 was the backdrop for an Indian Motorcycle Wedding. The bride and groom rode into the Daytona Beach Hilton on their Indian Motorcycles for the reception and lead a parade down Main Street.


BIKE RACES
The Daytona International Speedway has repaved the track. And the 2011 Daytona 200 Motorcycle Week will have a radical new look from season's past as Daytona International Speedway splits its two biggest races into back-to-back weekend events.


In recent years, the Daytona Supercross and Daytona 200 have been staged on consecutive days over the final days of 'Cycle Week on Friday and Saturday, or Saturday and Sunday. Now those two major motorcycle events will be held on different weekends during the traditional Bike Week time frame. The first weekend of activity will focus solely on the Supercross course, which will be carved into the infield grass dividing the tri-oval from pit road.

The Daytona Supercross, the birthplace of Supercross in the United States and the longest continuous Supercross event in America since 1971, will now kick off 'Cycle Week on Saturday night, March 5. The Daytona 200, a motorcycle race that has a history back to the 1930s, will be staged one a week later on March 12.

"Moving the Daytona 200 and Daytona Supercross to stand-alone weekends will further allow us to grow both events as well as the remainder of the March motorcycle schedule," Speedway president Joie Chitwood III said. "This new-look schedule gives motorcycle fans a better opportunity to enjoy all the different racing events that are showcased here."


The most historic, demanding and challenging Supercross event of the year, which has recently featured star riders such as Ryan Villopoto, James Stewart, Chad Reed, Kevin Windham and Andrew Short, this year served as the finale to the two-wheel racing program. For more information, call the Speedway at 800-748-7467.

Daytona Bike Week - Get a Start on the Rally Season

The 69th anniversary of Daytona Bike Week is being held February 26 - March 7, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The start of Daytona Bike Week is often announced on the morning TV news shows. You know, where somebody sticks their face in front of the camera and announces: "We're at the opening of Daytona Bike Week. Good Morning America," and then you see a whole line of bikes roar off in front of the camera. Unfortunately, most of the remainder of Bike Week will not be seen by non-motorcyclists.

Check out my article, Daytona, for details.

Here in the frigid Northeast, I hear plenty of people talking about going to Daytona. Some are riding down with friends. Riding sometimes means riding in a car and towing a trailer with the bike on it. After all, the 1500 miles down with uncertain weather conditions has left many a rider stranded in a snow storm or Nor'easter. After that happens to you once, you tend to be a little more cautious the next time you go.

Maybe you want to skip Daytona and concentrate on planning to go to some smaller rallies this year. Be sure to read my article, Motorcycle Rallies, where I discuss rallies and give you information about the top rallies that I like. Of course, your views may be different -- this is Motorcycle Views after all.

I just got my registration information for the Americade Motorcycle Rally. That one is my favorite and I've gone almost every year since 1994.

It can get expensive going to lots of rallies, especially if you're taking two bikes. Double gas, double tolls. You just have to pick and choose what appeals to you most in these uncertain economic times. Motorcycle rallies are a lot of fun. If you've never attended a rally, you owe it to yourself to go. You just might find a rally or two that you'll want to go to every year, just like I go to Americade, regardless of the weather.

Blast From the Past: 2003 Indian Larry Interview

Indian Larry is a legend in the motorcycle world, his motorcycles are timeless and unique. Five year's after his unfortunate stuntriding accident, going into Daytona Bike Week 2010, most of us are giving a thought to Indian Larry. Daytona was one of his favorite rallies.

He was a skilled machinist, metal-sculptor, master motorcycle mechanic and visionary. He won countless custom shows and put his total attention and focus into everything he touched. Larry's inspiration came from the motorcycle clubs of 50s-60s, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and the legendary Kenny Howard better known as Von Dutch. Larry originated his own style blending the hard-core motorcycle, classic chopper and hotrod race bike to form a graceful piece of rolling art. For over 30 years he built custom motorcycles. His talents and beliefs transcended the OUT OF THE BOX theories of the day -- He used his brilliant imagination to build old school choppers even better then the builders of the 60's.

"His creations are works of art that boldly cut the wind like a sharp knife," said Don V. (http://choppersapparel.com/) in a November 2003 interview with Indian Larry .

"The influences of the greatest creative minds in motorcycle history safely reside and are well kept inside this one of a kind artist! Indian Larry's friendly nature and willingness to help others as he did in the chopper build off with Billy Lane are his trade mark."

Here's the entire Q & A November 2003 interview, story and photos:

Don V: Who was the one person that influenced you the most?

Indian Larry: Ed Roth was my biggest influence; I met him in the 60's. I went to California as a starry eyed kid to try to work with him. But unfortunately he told me "you have no California experience kid!" So he sent me off to work for a great car painter by the name of Larry Watson. I did prep and primer work for Larry and then finally returned to NY still in pursuit of my dream! But the influence of Ed Roth still stuck with me because Big Daddy was the type who did not worry about what others thought he just built what he liked and that is exactly what I do. I don't care about what others have to say and now most of the bikes I build range in price from $65,000 to $100,000. I do things my way from concept to completion.

Don V: What do you feel is the most important detail when building a custom bike?

Indian Larry: Number one is to give the buyer exactly what they want detail by detail. A custom bike should be built to accommodate the person riding it and be ergonomically correct. I feel a rigid frame is the best, it should be stripped down to eliminate unneeded components and also be powerful, nibble, with quick response and speed. Choppers are a living sculpture and all the parts need to be visible to the eye. I don't understand sometimes what some of the custom builders around the country are trying to accomplish by hiding most of the inner workings of their bikes. A lot of the builders today do not even know how to spoke a wheel! The billet wheels in use today by most builders I feel detract from the looks of the bikes. I am old school all the way and always will be.

Don V: What are your favorite motors to use in your choppers?

Indian Larry: Well Don, 96 to 106 cubic inch motors are perfect and among the most popular but I have gone all the way up to 126. I use mostly S&S components because they are made well, dependable and are the oldest company reproducing Harley engines. I also like to use Patrick racing engines when the need arises. Most of the motors I use are sand cast shovels and pans. A 106 cubic inch panhead front and a shovelhead rear cylinder, with duel carbs is my favorite motor out of all of them.

Don V: Your seats are very low on the frame. Do you feel this helps the rider get in tune with feeling the bike under him?

Indian Larry: It provides a low center of gravity and helps tremendously when cornering. The rigid factor of the frame allows for a cool, comfortable overall feeling. It also helps the rider flow with the bike and enables him to feel as one with the machine. This to me is the best way to build a chopper!

Don V: Are all your bikes hardtails?

Indian Larry: I build both styles of choppers, but I would have to say the rigid frame is my favorite. I have no problem riding 300 miles a day on one. Ergonomics are a big factor with me because first and foremost the bike has got to be comfortable. So many people have told me that a rigid frame is bad for your back but I feel they are wrong and the opposite applies with me. I feel a rigid is good for the back and is very comfortable.

Don V: Of all the bikes you have built, do you have a favorite?

Indian Larry: The Rat Fink dedication bike is one of my favorites, but also the Wild Child bike I built for the Chopper Build Off with Billy Lane. It had a pan front and a shovel rear, and the thing is to make them both work together for smooth consistent power. I guess you could say all the bikes I build are favorites of mine and one of a kind. I loved building them all and will build many more. (Larry's creations can be seen at indianlarry.com/)

Don V: Do you plan to build any special bikes for Bike Week 2004 or Sturgis?

Indian Larry: I am working on one right now, and getting it ready for Sturgis. It has a pan front, shovel rear with an Evo crankcase. I should have no trouble getting 225mph out of her. I am really looking forward to it, and I feel the fans will appreciate this beautiful work of art.

Don V: Do you have a favorite hang out in Daytona?

Indian Larry: After finishing the day I like to get on the bike and head out of the city and ride to St. Augustine or some place where I can get a good meal, relax and take a swim if possible. I love my fans and feel it is an honor to meet them all but want some time alone to regroup for the next day and I find a nice long ride provides the needed medicine.

Don V: Are you and Billy Lane planning anything special for Bike Week 2004?

Indian Larry: This year we will have the entire lot in front of Stevens Tires across the street from the Wreck. Our tee shirts and pictures will be available, but it also gives us a chance to meet the fans one on one and shake their hands. It is a great experience for me, I love it! I have always felt that everyone should do what they love and some day the recognition will come without seeking it. I feel humbled by the fan attention and appreciate every one of them.

Don V: What is your favorite event to attend?

Indian Larry: I like them all but I think Daytona, Sturgis and Myrtle Beach are the best.

Don V: Are custom cars also a passion with you Larry?

Indian Larry: I used to build a lot of cars, I am a real gear head at heart. But I found my passion was to combine my love of cars and motorcycles and built hot rod bikes.

Don V: What kind of stunts do you perform?

Indian Larry: I do the triple firewall crash, stand on the seat at about 55+mph, ride with no hands, wheelies and lay down on the bike seat backwards.

Don V: Have you ever ridden the Wall Of Death?

Indian Larry: Not yet but it would really mean a lot to me. I would love to do it with your friend Samantha Morgan, Don!

Don V: You are also an artist Larry, are any of your metal sculptures on display anywhere?

Indian Larry: I have helped on several projects and worked as an ironworker in NY, but my motorcycles are my artwork. They are a true expression of my creative talents and feelings. The best day is one of creation, when I can take nothing but raw components and make something meaningful by putting all of my creative energy into it.

Don V: You mentioned something to me about coming to Florida. If you did, where do you think you would like to locate?

Indian Larry: Well, as I said I love to swim, so Miami is probably where I would like to be when we get ready to leave NY.

"Take me home, carry me home, back to Gasoline Alley where I belong;" That's how the early 70's Rod Stewart Song went, and it still hold's true today. Old Skool choppers like "back in the day" still rule at this NYC shop. Deep in the heart of Brooklyn, NY's industrial waterfront district lies Indian Larry's GASOLINE ALLEY NYC. Neatly tucked between warehouses and commercial buildings, magic is being made daily.

I caught up with Indian Larry and his partner Gerard while the Discovery Channel was at the shop filming another biker build-off for their Motorcycle Mania show. This time it's Indian Larry vs. Master builder Paul Yaffee. It was hetic, indeed. The Horse will feature the Gasoline Alley NYC crew's bike from conception through the building process and final judging at the Laconia M.C. Rally this June in an upcoming issue.


Gasoline Alley was started about three years ago at this location on Brooklyn's North 14 Street. Both Larry and Gerard have a long and illustrious history of chopper building. Their clients include the likes of Tyson Beckford and Evan Sienfield of Bio-Hazard and OZ on HBO among many other notables. They don't discriminate to just the celebrity set. You will find folks from every walk of life drifting in and out of Gasoline Alley NYC. Larry and Gerard take pride in treating everyone equally. From the highest of the high to a dirt bag photojournalist like me. Everyone is made to feel welcome and they take the time to make sure you get just what you need.

Indian Larry's resume reads like something out of fiction. A metal sculptor, motorcycle artist, stuntman and movie celebrity, Indian Larry was also featured in a previous Discovery Channel biker special with Jesse James. As for Larry's other credits, the movies QUIZ SHOW, 200 CIGARETTES, ROCKET'S RED GLARE as well as TV commercials for Burger King and Harley-Davidson and a bunch of music videos.
While I shot the new Discovery bike, I spied this sweet old skool Panhead tucked lovingly in the rear of the work area. As fate would have it the, lovely Suzy McCoppin, co-star of HBO's GAMES PEOPLE PLAY and INFAMOUS was also conveniently at hand. (Regular readers know that the old Teddy Bear always has a young lovely near by.) I just couldn't let this opportunity pass. Also on hand for the build was Paul Cox, master of leather. Larry surrounds himself with the cream of chopperdom. Paul made seats for Billy Lane's Choppers Inc, Jesse James West Coast Choppers among others and is also one hell of a machinist. In attendance was Knucklehead Steve, another renowned fixture in the NYC chopper scene. I sorta twisted Larry's arm and he agreed to share this sweet ride with us.

This baby is a neo/classic rigid style Panhead chopper right out of the past. Three months in gestation, it's birth was eagerly awaited by it's owner Chris Hynes.
It sports an 88-cubic-inch neo/Pan engine rebuilt by Accurate engineering with S&S cases and pistons topped off with STD heads and Mallory ignition. Also in the power plant are Andrews cams, Jims lifters and an S&S Super E carb. The hydraulic clutch helps shift the JIMS 6-speed tranny with graceful ease.

The frame is a custom 2002 Atlas/Gasoline Alley NYC special with a 35-degree rake and stretched 2 inches in the down tubes. It takes a Primo Brute IV 3-inch belt drive to handle the power.

The gas tank is a modified Paughco that was lovingly remolded and shot with sweet epoxy black pearl by Robert Pradke/Custom Auto Design and the oil system is a Gasoline Alley NYC custom design fed by a Choppers Inc. oil tank. The seat by Paul Cox Custom Leather Design is almost too damned pretty to put your ass on.

Up front 6-inch billet risers are topped off by a tasteful set of ape hangers. Keeping with the NYC tradition, there is no front fender and no speedometer. If you ride in NYC, you need balls of steel, and with this traditional set up, they'll be well tempered by the end of one rush hour commute. The Excel wheels and hubs with Avon tires mounted 21"x 215 front and 18" x 5.5" rear make this baby sit real proud.

Building a bike like this from the ground up is what Gasoline Alley NYC is famous for. Real Old Skool styling and new cutting edge technology can work exceedingly well together, if done properly and tastefully. You won't find the traditional Billet Barge here in this shop. Every bike is a work of art. Larry and Gerard take pride in their craftsmanship and every hand that works on a bike or that manufactures a custom part is the hand of a true artist.

" And if I'm called away and it's my turn to go,
Should the blood run cold in my veins,
Just one favor I'll be asking you,
Don't bury me here it's too cold,
Take me back,
Carry me back,
Down to Gasoline Alley where I started from"

Discovery Channel Shows - The scene could be a wise-guy movie, a London fog-covered street at dusk or a tale being told in a downtown bar. Although these all sound mysterious enough, we actually find former Marine corporal, Bill Cardone, in a Brooklyn back-alley rolling out another piece of art known as - the great American chopper.

Discovery Channel has recently departed the shop and the next craze of reality TV has captured a wide array of the international public. "Indian Larry" just beat out Billy Lane on "Biker Build Off IV" where men take raw steel and turn them into fine-tuned precision motorcycles. But where is the Marine Corps connection here on North 14th Street?

Cardone, 47, of Flushing, N.Y., a former Electronics Technician with MWCS-28, is burrowed into this famous East River shop known as "Gasoline Alley, NYC." Cardone, a right-hand man to world-renowned chopper artist "Indian Larry," has been in this business since the mid-80's.

"I started tearing down mini-bikes when I was a kid, and just kept with it," said Cardone.
Cardone credits the Marine Corps for directing his life. "I was running with the wrong crowd. The Marine Corps taught me discipline, how to act like a man and work with other people."

A meritorious PFC out of boot camp in 1973, Cardone got out as a corporal from Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, N.C., in 1977. He then worked as a truck mechanic until his itch for building bikes landed him with his first professional job at Jar Choppers in the Bayside area of Brooklyn, N.Y., for 10-years.

"I actually consider myself an artist," said Cardone. "It is a true sense of accomplishment to picture something in your head and eventually watch it roll out of the shop and down the street."
Cardone also owned his own shop, East End Custom Cycles in Queens Village, N.Y., for about 2-years before coming to Gasoline Alley, NYC.

"A friend brought him by," said Indian Larry, co-owner of Gasoline Alley, NYC. "We have a small crew here and I was impressed and surprised with what the guy had done. He is a good mechanic, fabricator and on the road he doubles as my bodyguard."

The shop is not what one would expect. Throw away the stereotypes and fill it with artistic minds that are open and question everything. Cardone credits people in the shop as "at the top of their game."
"To work here, you have to be a hard working and conscientious guy," said Gerard Mortillaro, co-owner of Gasoline Alley, NYC. "Generally, anybody with a military background has those qualities."

Cardone is not the only military tie in the shop either. Gerard Mortillaro also had a major influence from his father, Sgt. Maj. Louis F. Mortillaro, USA. Mortillaro, who obviously is a proud son, went on about a lifetime career that spanned the Army Air Corps, North Africa and Europe with civilian governmental service to follow.

Discovery Channel, which in this case is accurately named, brought this already famous shop that is tucked into a side street warehouse area, into the limelight. Hits on the website (gasolinealleynyc) reached a record high. "The show has brought people by and the phone has not stopped ringing," said Cardone.

And when asked about his future, he said, "I'm happy right here."
http://www.indianlarry.com/

Originally published by Don V of ChoppersApparel.com: www.choppersapparel.com/indianlarry/info/index.html

2010 Daytona Bike Week, Feb. 26 to March 7

I just love this photo of Indian Larry with Kimmy Cruz - 5 years later, we are all missing him... going into Daytona Bike Week 2010.

Daytona Bike Week in 14 days and the motel rooms are almost all booked. This is a good sign for a great rally week... and a great rally season!!




You can find the "almost famous" Kimmy Cruz bartending, nights at the long-bar outside Froggy's on Main Street -- and every day taking thousands of photographs all over Daytona Bike Week -- Feb. 26 to March 7, 2010. 

Kimmy Cruz will be at the Dealers Expo Show in Indy this weekend, Feb. 13 & 14th.

Look for her at the Samson Exhaust Booth.

Gone but never to be forgotten...

Bruce Rossmeyer's Legacy

Harley-Davidson dealership owner Bruce Rossmeyer was laid to rest this week in Ormond Beach, Florida a place he had called home since the 1970's. His second home was in Ft. Lauderdale. We are all still in shock because he was such a big man in these communities.

He started the annual "Ride for Children" to benefit Camp Boggy Creek during Daytona Bike Week and he was a sponsor of the "Kyle Petty Ride Across America."

He was riding with a group from a Harley meeting in Denver to Thermopolis, Wyoming, where they intended to meet up with and ride together to Sturgis with a group of Hampsters custom bike builders. He was the last to pass a pickup pulling a camper when his motorcycle collided with the truck, Thursday morning, July 30, 2009. News of the accident reached Florida around noon.

Rossmeyer's wife, Sandy, and two of their five children were waiting for him in Sturgis,

Born in New Jersey in May 1943, Bruce was only 25 when he acquired his first car dealership.

He opened his first motorcycle business 25 years later, a Harley-Davidson dealership on Beach Street in Daytona Beach.

In the next 15 years, Bruce expanded this family business into the largest chain of Harley-Davidson dealerships in the world – with 15 locations in Florida, Colorado, Massachusetts and Tennessee.

His picture is on billboards throughout Florida in connection with the 160-acre Destination Daytona -- the world's largest Harley dealership -- opened in 2005.

Rossmeyer was equally known for his generous philanthropy and support of charities, especially those benefiting children.

He helped found and served on the board of directors for Camp Boggy Creek in Cassia, a division of The Hole in the Wall camps. He sponsored “Ride for Children,” the camp’s annual charity motorcycle ride.
He has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and Volusia County, and the Police Athletic League for the city of Daytona Beach.

He was also a sponsor for the “Kyle Petty Ride Across America.”

The funeral was Tuesday, Aug. 4th in Ormond Beach. Memorial donations can be made to Camp Boggy Creek, 30500 Brantley Branch Road, Eustis, FL 32736, http://www.boggycreek.org/.