Updated – February 13, 2023: Learned today that a fight resulting in the stabbing of three individuals took place at the David Mann Chopper Fest about an hour after I had left the event. The event has a history. The threat of gunfire resulted in the event being locked down a number of years ago. While I noted a dedicated police presence at the event in addition to event private security, it obviously wasn’t adequate. I go to motorcycle events to enjoy the bikes, not put my life in danger. That’s it for me and the Chopper Fest. Won’t see you again next year.
The Original Story: Southern California has been pummeled by record rainfall so far this year. The David Mann Chopper Fest organizers were rolling the dice by choosing February 11th for their event. Well, this shooter rolled a 7 because the event landed on a beautiful, sunny day between two major storms (if you believe the forecasts for next weekend). They could not have picked a better weekend.
The bikes, vendors, artists and attendees were at capacity. The Ventura Country Fairgrounds was packed. And unlike the anything-goes shows like The One Show, The David Mann Chopper Fest is very focused on choppers and the crowd (and parking lot) reflects that focus.
Can the promoters do better? Sure. The DJ’ed music sucked. I could put together a killer soundtrack that would have the chopper crowd stoked between live acts. And the promoters didn’t seem to be prepared for the live acts. When I showed up around 10, a band was still doing sound checks. I never heard them play their set. Maybe it got better but the stage area is small and weirdly located.
Another bummer was one of my favorite attractions of previous years has been the parking lot. The bike corral was as much fun walking through at the Fest. Unfortunately this year, there was no corral so bikes were scattered all over the parking lot. Maybe the promoters felt the parking lot was too much competition for their show. And they might be right.
Does this sound like whining? Maybe, but thousands of fans paying a $20 entry fee to look at cool choppers (who had to pay $40) and shop at vendors (who had to pay who knows what?) seems kinda like a rip-off. How about a “name” performer instead of a cover band? How about the Wall of Death? How about The Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Drill Team? Thousands of visitors at $20 a head should give the promoter enough budget to provide some decent entertainment. Think a little bigger, David Mann Chopper Fest or fans might start skipping the event.
Simply elegant: What’s not to love about this simple, no frills hardtail? It looks so ready to rip up the canyon to Ojai.
Gucci: While this is not something I’d add to my stable, I totally respect the time and effort that went into crafting this low-rider chopper.
Short range: Better hope the bars are close together if you use this ride as a bar hopper. That tank is not going to give you much range. The Crimson Crush was a show stopper.
Fat and Happy: I love what this guy did with his 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster. The old saddle, the fat fork, the cool tank and the ample tires all add up to a bike that is the best of both (old and new) worlds.
Three years older: I thought last year’s event was the 17th annual but this year’s was billed as the 20th. Hey, I’m not gonna quibble about the dates. I hope it goes for another 20 years.
Beetle shells: Never heard of Beetle Helmet USA but they make helmets that look a lot like the helmets of a company I worked for in the 80’s (Bell). There were hundreds of vendors selling everything from knives to knuckleheads.
Time and money: It takes two things to have RHJ Retro Nation build you a bike like this. Time and money. And more time and money.
Two into one: I’ve always loved these old Harley-Davidson Sportsters with the up pipe. They actually don’t sound great, but they look so cool. So sad that Harley retired the Sportster last year.
Perfect balance: Some builders go so far that the bike becomes art while others keep things dark and dirty. This build straddles both worlds. It is artful and scary fast at the same time.
Weird brew: Like the Honda behind it, I don’t think I’d call this twin-engine Maico (that’s two motocross engines mated) a chopper, but what else would you call it? Good luck getting plates for that bike in California.
No limits: I never thought of Glenn Bator (who trades in classic motorcycles) as a chopper guy but I was wrong. Glen was showing this beautiful tribute of the bike that Billy rode in the movie Easy Rider. Nice.
Captain America: Of course you can’t have a chopper show without one Captain America replica. I’ve said it before, I’d take Billy’s bike (above) over Wyatt’s bike. This one looks too hard to ride.
Back to Bator: Glenn Bator had this very non-chopper 1957 Harley-Davidson Sportster up for sale at $29,950. If you have the dough, you need this bike. Click here.
British invasion: Not every chopper has to be a Harley. While the Brit bikes were in the minority (as were Japanese bikes), they attracted plenty of attention.
Tuning fork: I’d always be worried that hitting a G-out bump would cause this fork to snap or at least bend. At least it helps the tires give this bike some suspension.
Bring up the rear: Every cycle gang movie of the 60’s and 70’s had a three-wheeler at the back of the pack (and the rider always had a top hat and a serape).
Art on top: Biltwell Helmets gave their Gringo model to a bunch of artist to use as a canvass. The results were stunning.
