Nov 2, 2008
There are icons, then there are ICONS in the motorcycle industry. One such ICON is Sugar Bear. We had the privilege of riding, eating and talking with him this year in Sturgis during Michael Lichter’s Builders Ride which originated at The Broken Spoke. This quiet man words and actions speaks volumes! His “life lessons” and advice are priceless, not only for those that are “long in tooth” (aka older) but also for those just getting into the business….which is an important legacy he is sharing with the next generation of builders. Sugar Bear for over 37 years, has built street-rideable choppers with a consistent philosophy: “If it ain’t long, it’s wrong.” On Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. the Harley-Davidson Museum will present a special evening with the legendary bike builder as he shares untold stories, rare photos and home movies of the early days of the American chopper scene. In addition, from Nov. 6, to Nov. 13, one of Sugar Bear’s famous choppers, called “Gorjus” will be on display in the Harley-Davidson Museum lobby.
“We are honored to have Sugar Bear tell his story at the Harley-Davidson Museum,” said Stacey Schiesl, Harley-Davidson Museum Director. “The evening will be an unforgettable experience that will leave guests inspired.”
From his first introduction to the movement in the 1960s to opening his own “chop shop” in South Central Los Angeles in 1971, Sugar Bear is a chopper culture icon. Sugar Bear learned alongside mentor Ben “Benny” Hardy, who played a key role in the creation of pop culture’s two most famous choppers: the “Captain America” and “Billy Bike” from the movie Easy Rider. While the original Easy Rider bikes were destroyed in the movie’s production, two replicas are on display at the Harley-Davidson Museum.
“Sugar Bear has been building choppers longer than I’ve been alive,” said Jesse James, custom bike builder and founder of West Coast Choppers.
The evening will include an introduction by Karen Davidson, Director of Harley-Davidson General Merchandise and great-granddaughter of one of the Motor Company founders, and an audience Q&A session, moderated by Jim Fricke, Harley-Davidson Museum Curatorial Director.
Reservations to attend are required and space is limited, the event is free to Harley-Davidson Museum members and $10 for the general public. Reservations and tickets are available starting Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Harley-Davidson Museum website. Doors to the event will open at 6 p.m. The Harley-Davidson Museum will be open until 5 p.m.
You are a GOD when you build you springers. I cant wait to see what you do next. I am disabled so I dont ride anymore,but if I did I would try to get one of you LONG front ends for my scoot. Thanks for being the best at what you do. Dan Lee Muncie In.