Indian Larry is a legend in the motorcycle world, his motorcycles are timeless and unique. Five year's after his unfortunate stuntriding accident, going into Daytona Bike Week 2010, most of us are giving a thought to Indian Larry. Daytona was one of his favorite rallies.
He was a skilled machinist, metal-sculptor, master motorcycle mechanic and visionary. He won countless custom shows and put his total attention and focus into everything he touched. Larry's inspiration came from the motorcycle clubs of 50s-60s, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and the legendary Kenny Howard better known as Von Dutch. Larry originated his own style blending the hard-core motorcycle, classic chopper and hotrod race bike to form a graceful piece of rolling art. For over 30 years he built custom motorcycles. His talents and beliefs transcended the OUT OF THE BOX theories of the day -- He used his brilliant imagination to build old school choppers even better then the builders of the 60's.
"His creations are works of art that boldly cut the wind like a sharp knife," said Don V. (
http://choppersapparel.com/) in a November 2003 interview with Indian Larry .
"The influences of the greatest creative minds in motorcycle history safely reside and are well kept inside this one of a kind artist! Indian Larry's friendly nature and willingness to help others as he did in the chopper build off with Billy Lane are his trade mark."
Here's the entire Q & A November 2003 interview, story and photos:
Don V: Who was the one person that influenced you the most?
Indian Larry: Ed Roth was my biggest influence; I met him in the 60's. I went to California as a starry eyed kid to try to work with him. But unfortunately he told me "you have no California experience kid!" So he sent me off to work for a great car painter by the name of Larry Watson. I did prep and primer work for Larry and then finally returned to NY still in pursuit of my dream! But the influence of Ed Roth still stuck with me because Big Daddy was the type who did not worry about what others thought he just built what he liked and that is exactly what I do. I don't care about what others have to say and now most of the bikes I build range in price from $65,000 to $100,000. I do things my way from concept to completion.