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Masters of Their Craft
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Customized chopper builders
Brenda Fox
03/01/2006
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Photograph by Michael Lichter
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The objects of a mainstream pop-culture fascination, customized choppers have now
been transformed from social misfits rebelling against society to center-stage
television stars. Offering compelling viewing even for non-motorcyclists, shows
such as Monster Garage, Biker Build-Off and American Choppers have catapulted
the motorcycle industry to the forefront, giving new validation to the custom
bike world.
In light of this remarkable transformation, I asked a few
of the industry’s most respected innovators how things have changed, where they
see it headed, and ultimately, what makes a “Master Builder”?
The new machine from Mondo Porras. Photograph by Michael Lichter.
Television
producer Hugh King, the instrumental force behind such shows as Monster Garage, Motorcycle Mania II, Motorcycle Mania III, and Biker Build Off, clearly has the
credentials to render a valid opinion: “In my mind a ‘Master Builder’ is an
artist and fabricator whose bikes are absolutely unique in design, stance, and
construction. They can build a bike from the ground up, designing and making
each part without relying on any pieces off the shelf. To do this, he or she
must be an ace welder and metal former, and have mastered the other arts
necessary to make a bike literally from scratch. Their one-off must have design,
engineering, and personality which sets that creation apart from all other
bikes. When you see it, you will know without question that the creation was
made by him or her and no one else.”
 Mondo Porras, who is known for his old-school creations, shows that
he can work in a variety of idioms. (Click image to enlarge)
Dubbed “the Godfather of Choppers,”
Mondo Porras, owner of Denver’s Choppers, is simply part of chopper history. In
the ’60s, Denver Mullins created Denver’s Choppers. Mullins, with his
larger-than-life persona, was a master of long bikes who set standards still
seen in the industry today. Mullins and longtime associate, partner, and best
friend Porras were known for perfecting their “no flop” steering design.
Tragically, Mullins was killed in an untimely boating accident, leaving heir
apparent Porras to carry the moniker and run Denver’s Choppers.
“The term
‘Master Builder’ is thrown around too loosely. It’s very overused and it’s
disrespectful to hear guys who haven’t earned it call themselves a Master
Builder, or worse, see it in their advertising or hear their publicist promoting
them with that term,” says Porras, who adheres to that genre of motorcycle that
can be summed up in the three words “less is more”.
However, there is
certainly an upper echelon of builders who represent the term well. Considered a
bike builder’s builder and an engineering genius, Roger Goldammer is a reluctant
celebrity in the custom bike world. Modest and camera shy, he has earned a level
of peer respect that few have acquired. Competition for Roger lies within
himself. “I’m involved in the motorcycle industry both as a manufacturer and as
a custom bike builder and fortunately, the two seem to work hand in hand. Bike
building is my passion, what I truly love to do. And, to some extent, the
manufacturing can be rewarding. But it’s also the means that allows me to build
the crazy ideas that are in my head. On the flip side, the resulting bikes are
great ways to promote the company and the concept parts which can then evolve
into production parts.”
Mondo Porras’ Japan bike. Photograph by Michael Lichter.
“Motorcycles began as a hobby 20 years ago and have
slowly turned into a business along the way. When I first started out, I and
others built the custom parts on our bikes largely out of necessity. The parts
simply were not available. Since then, the aftermarket has grown and there are
many great manufacturers out there making it all too convenient to order up the
parts and just slam them together,” Goldammer observes. “One still has the
option to fabricate unique pieces which will separate your bike from the
others. I think the creation of unique parts is what elevates builders to the
so-called ‘Master Bike Builder’ status. This is a moniker that I am not very
comfortable with for myself. In light of all I still have to learn and attempt.”
 Roger Goldammer with his world championship BTR #3. Photograph by Horst Roesler. (Click image to enlarge)
Oddly enough, there seems to be an inner circle in the custom bike building
world which is difficult to penetrate for some, yet extremely easy for others.
How and why each individual gets there is as varied as the styles of the bikes
themselves. Goldammer concluded by saying, “I see today’s industry as
oversaturated to some extent and I believe that things will probably slow down
somewhat. But, the people who are involved for the right reasons will always
survive and prosper.”
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