2011 Easyriders Bike Show Report
Instead of the white-knuckle ride all the way to the Pomona Fairplex, the usual venue for the annual L.A. area Easyriders bike show, this time it was closer to home, the event site being the semi-conviently located L.A. Convention Center.
Once you swallowed the $12 parking fee and the $18 show ticket, you entered the convention center’s massive interior that hosts, among other things, the L.A. Auto Show. In other words, there was plenty of room for show and tell. In this case the South Hall was hosting the acres of chrome and paint, with more than 250 custom bikes of all flavors filling the spacious environs.
But beyond the sea of motorcycles and vendor booths, the first thing that grabbed our attention was the mass of people lined up in a corner of the hall. They were snaking around an entrance way much like one found at Disneyland or Universal Studios or airport security. Up on stage sat the reason for the long line that never seemed to shorten from the beginning to the end of the day.
The focus of interest in the above photo was Charlie Hunnam, aka Jackson “Jax” Teller , the lead character/hearthrob of the hit FX series “Sons of Anarchy.” Charlie was signing posters, and ladies were snuggling up with him for photos. Charlie was a real trooper, and his winning smile seemed genuine. And no, I didn’t stand in line. I had a date with Destiny. Or maybe her sister, Fate, or her cousin, Fickle.
One thing an Easyriders bike show brings out is the ladies, many of whom share a similar attribute. That would be black leather, of course. And, oh yeah, there were some cool bikes and the odd and unusual, my kind of stuff, from the vendors.
So here’s My Best of the Show Picks for those that didn’t make the one-day event.
Sold by Cleveland Cycle Works under the banner of Guido Veloce Inc., this American engineered 250cc single-cylinder chopper is about to create a storm of interest. Just certified CARB- and freeway-legal, the fit, finish and components are top knotch.
Its engine is an upgraded Honda design and comes with both electric and kick start, electronic ignition and a 5-speed tranny. Top speed is said to be 70 mph. Several options allow for customizing. Definitely serious bang for the buck and a lot of fun to boot. Steal this bike, called “The Heist,” for just 3195 bucks. A vintage café looking sportbike version is also about to debut. More info at http://www.guidovelocegroup.com/.
The lovely threesome above is representative of the highly photogenic “California’s Glamour Girls,” an enterprise that offers a selection of models available for calendars, posters, special event promotions. More info at http://www.californiaglamourgirls.com/
Paul Morrison turned a 7-second H-D FXR dragster into a street-legal monster he calls “Gangsta.” I dubbed it “Brute Force.”
This 2008 H-D Road Glide was amped up by Conely’s Custom Cycles of Chula Vista, Calif. Window panes were shattered in Milwaukee when they turned up the volume on Bon Jovi.
This 1959 Panhead was built by Chris Richardson of L.A. Speed Shop in Alhambra, Calif. The young lady in the background just happened to be wearing the right ensemble, so I invited myself along.
Ornately crafted kickstands really tell people you’ve really put your foot down on customizing your bike. Problem is, someone might steal it off your bike, and boom, down it goes without a leg to stand on. I worry about those kinds of things.
This Pope boardtrack racer attracted a lot of attention. The American-made 623cc, 50 mph Pope was built 1911-1918 and was highly regarded for its quality. Today it’s highly regarded at vintage bike auctions. White tires were correct for the period prior to blackening agent added to the rubber. Note the interesting downdraft exhaust “pipe” at front of engine.
Points for nice oil dripping, but points off for the springer front end that looks too poshly polished.
Ernest and Kimberly spent four years their gallery of wild “Second Face On” masks and eyewear combinations that feature impact resistant, anti-fog treated, optically clear and photochromatic lenses (which mean they adapt to the ambient light, getting lighter or darker as needed). They’re made in the USA with a lifetime warranty against lens breakage. They can also paint to your specs. Wear with or without helmet. But please do not walk into your local 7-11 wearing one. More info at http://www.secondfaceon.com/
Last of the last breed of Hollister Indians, a 2000 model, sports fairing-mounted entertainment unit. Also built by Conely’s Custom Cycles. It comes with complete Third Season of Sons of Anarchy DVD and a quiver of arrows.
Fans of Sons of Anarchy will recognize the character of Marcus Álvarez, the prez of the rival bike club, the Mayans, who sometimes battles or teams up with the SOA. The character is played by actor Emilio Rivera.
His name is on the tank, but we’re not sure if he signed it personally. The 2000 Suzuki is owned by Porkchop from West L.A.
The show offered various distractions for kids, including a game arcade and a bounce house, but to prevent childhood nightmares, the Giant Green Lizard was sent to the far end of the hall to do a meet and greet. It reportedly can swallow a whole Boss Hoss if so inclined.
Radical pro-street Shovelhead built by Larry Gladhart and Rick Neal of G&N Fabrications of El Monte/Duarte is literally handmade including frame, front end, even exhaust.
Charlie Bohnhoff served in the Korean War which, as he agrees, most people know little about or care about. In fact, it’s called “The Forgotten War.” Charlie hasn’t forgotten. He owns a wood milling company in L.A. and has been riding motorcycles since he was 14.
Three spokesmodels for Annie’s Bail Bonds on patrol. As their card states, “Serving All Jails & Counties 24/7” – 1-888-4Bail-09. A number worth remembering in case you’ve got extra loud pipes.
Interesting display of classic ‘70s Triumph Chopper features Jim Beam equipped sissy bar and aggressive road-rage personality. Bike’s owner is listed as Carrot from Duarte, Calif.
This striking helmet is available from Stryker Helmets.com and also comes in flat black with both clear and tinted eye shields. Seems someone in Sons of Anarchy should be wearing one of these.
The young lad wearing the Jesse James West Coast Choppers shirt is named Hunter. He’s apparently living up to his name thanks to obliging spokesperson for attorneys of LawTigers. 1-888-LawTigers, another number worth noting.
Actually just a lull before a radical performance by stuntrider that drew big crowd.
The Dad and his two kids checking out the bodacious bagger happened to be the guy to whom I gave my spare show ticket and I just realized he was in the shot. Hope you guys had a good time.
This mini marvel is called “Lil Flyer,” a 200cc-powered, foot-clutch toy built by Clint Le Grant of Highway 66 located in Montclair, Calif. ( http://www.hy66chopeprs.com/).
Okay, so it was also the only speedway bike at the show, and definitely the only one powered by H-D, but a dandy one by Rod of Illusion Motorsports who rebuilt the 500cc engine doubling the horsepower. He’s planning to race the bike. Imagine it as a street bike….
No worries about the car driver sniveling “I didn’t see you” with this2007 H-D Street Glide built by Ransom Customs of Compton, Calif.
Bike is named “Illusive1,” a 2010 H-D built in Glendale, Calif.
Lauren in black, Jessica in blue, speak volumes for fashion as spokesmodels for the Sullen Clothing company.
The bike’s called “Road Kill” for a reason. Besides the vulture, the elaborate display featured snakes, cacti, bones, varmints and a very chromey cool H-D.
Now I know where all the copper plumbing from my building went. Master Builder Paul Yaffe built the “Copper Chopper” to celebrate the upcoming Arizona Centennial. For $5 you can buy a lottery ticket, drawing in February 2012. Yes, I bought one and a case of CopperClean because I’m so sure my lucky number will come up.
Mr. Garson wasn't the only MO connection at the Easyriders show. Longtime reader and contributor Matt Cuddy was also there, and he was asked to put on a stunt show aboard his motorized wheelchair. See the video here.
Related Reading
Easyriders V-Twin Bike Show Tour
2010 Long Beach Progressive IMS Report
Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach
2008 Long Beach IMS Show Report
More by G.P. Garson
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