Inside Deus Ex Machina

by Paul Garson

Published: January 7th, 2013

At Deus ex Machina, Los Angeles’ new biker boutique with a different spin, enthusiasts of clothing, surfing, custom bikes, coffee and baked goods, will be surrounded by coolness galore. The company, originally founded in Australia, now has locations worldwide, including the Los Angeles-based connection recently opened on Lincoln Boulevard near Venice Beach.

When not riding his 1973 Triumph T120V, General Manager Julian Heppekausen says Deus “Is all based around creating a family and community around the business, and everyone having a good time while sharing that culture.” One way Deus creates this culture is frequently orchestrating a variety of bike-oriented/pop culture events. This particular one, the “Sound and Vision Vintage Swapmeet,” focused on bringing together fans and vendors of vintage music and photography.

inside deus ex machina, Ride too fast and you might miss it Other than the small signage and random motorcycles the storefront is easy to miss from the street

Ride too fast and you might miss it. Other than the small signage and random motorcycles, the storefront is easy to miss from the street.

A potpourri of classic amplifiers and speakers shared space with tons of vintage LPs and mountains of posters and photos, while camera buffs ogled old shutterbugs offered at swap meet prices. Beer was free (with a catch) and “bangers” (aka sausages) and onions were grilling on the barbie. Bands kept the beat going while bikes of all sizes, shapes and vintages rolled in throughout the day. The sun was shining and it was definitely a Dog’s Day Afternoon with fun for all.

A perfect complement to any wall.

In fact, Deus Ex Machina intrigued us enough to warrant a full-on feature story that you’ll see on these pages in the coming weeks. For now, enjoy these pictures from one of Southern California’s more eclectic moto-hangouts.

inside deus ex machina, We eat sleep compute motorcycles then compute some more Vintage Bultaco serves as interior d cor for the WiFi equipped shop

“We eat, sleep, compute motorcycles … then compute some more.” Vintage Bultaco serves as interior décor for the WiFi-equipped shop.

Kawasaki’s 500 Triple was, and still is, a two-stroke terror. At Deus, it’s just part of the decor.

The retail showroom crew includes personable people, ready to chat about bikes, boards or clothes all day long.

A bike shop that also sells custom surfboards clearly appeals to a very unique clientele.

inside deus ex machina, Pictured here are two creations designed and built by DEM s in house bike builder Michael Woolaway Woolie as he s called had been building bikes in his L A shop for high end Hollywood clients prior to joining the DEM team and now he has moved his shop adjacent to the Deus building

Pictured here are two creations designed and built by DEM’s in-house bike builder Michael Woolaway. “Woolie,” as he’s called, had been building bikes in his L.A. shop for high-end Hollywood clients prior to joining the DEM team, and now he has moved his shop adjacent to the Deus building.

Another of Woolie’s creations. Probably owned by a famous actor.

“I went to the show and all I got was this face…”

inside deus ex machina, Don t let your kids look at this stuff Posters original movie and TV press photos and memorabilia from the 1950s through the 70s

Don’t let your kids look at this stuff! Posters, original movie and TV press photos and memorabilia from the 1950s through the ’70s.

Music never sounded better; several vendors offered vintage audio equipment to go along with those selling vintage LPs.

Kids, if you don’t know what these are, ask your parents. Heck, you might even need to ask your grandparents.

Deus has its own in-store gourmet bakery and coffee shop.

Well, I guess these were in vogue at some point in the past.

inside deus ex machina, Minox subminiature 16mm camera is a cult favorite Most people don t know the spy camera was actually designed and made in Latvia

Minox subminiature 16mm camera is a cult favorite. Most people don’t know the spy camera was actually designed and made in Latvia.

There was some huge camera in the back of the van with a tiny hole for a lens – a flash back to photography a hundred years ago.

“Free by Donation” – But it was ten bucks to use the bottle opener.

And the Band Played On. Whenever Deus hosts an event you can count on entertainment from a live band.

inside deus ex machina, Spirit of 76 Must be a left over from July 4th The rat rods came out in force but on any given day you ll see at least a couple backyard customs in the parking lot

Spirit of 76? Must be a left over from July 4th. The rat rods came out in force, but on any given day you’ll see at least a couple backyard customs in the parking lot.