Parts & Labor Volume 5, Issue 7

VOLUME#5 ISSUE#7

20th Anniversary Issue

Josh’s Evo Chop New 2026 Helmets Our Favorite Rides

VOLUME#5 ISSUE#7

04 20 Years of Good Times 16 20th Anniversary Limited-Edition Helmets 18 Bonanza. Sometimes Less is All You Need 20 Tahoe. Our New Lid for Café Racers and Scooter Fanatics 22 Gringo. Classic Style in a No-Frills Full Face 24 Gringo S. The Evolution of a Classic 26 Gringo SV. Art and Science for Motorcyclers 28 Lane Splitter. Headgear for Hardcores 30 Focus: Gregg Boydston 36 El Diablo Run RIP 38 People’s Champ 2026 48 Hooligan 100. Rusty Butcher Does It Again 54 Evolution is The Solution 60 The Parts & Labor Podcast 62 All-Time Favorite Routes 68 The Great Northwest MotoFest 3

20 YEARS OF GOOD TIMES Words: Harold McGruther Illustrations: Luis Aguirre

JOIN US ON THIS SEMI-ACCURATE SNAP SHOT OF OUR TWO-DECADE JOURNEY TO BRING OUR BRAND OF TWO-WHEELED FUN TO THE MOTORCYCLE WORLD.

Prologue

1991 USMC vet and 23-year-old art director Bill Bryant enlists recently fired bicycle designer Harold “McGoo” McGruther to write a mountain bike catalog for his new employer, Iron Horse Bicycles.

1994 Harold and Bill merge talents to start Revolution Advertising, and buy used dirt bikes after moving to SoCal’s Inland Empire.

1996 To keep pace with client growth, Revolution hires a human Swiss Army knife named Luis Aguirre.

The bilingual autodidact does it all—photography, illustration, graphic design, writing, web development—and remains an indispensable engine in Biltwell’s marketing machine to this day.

plan for a chopper parts company in Elsinore, Bill designs a logo for a brand called “Biltwell” on a Macbook in the Sunni Triangle.

Act 1: The Early Years

2006 It’s official—Biltwell Inc. becomes a registered C Corp with the IRS. Armed with open minds, “Halwade” and “Billdozer” do research and PR for their new company in a chopper chat room called JockeyJournal.com.

Because every NOS bubble shield on eBay smells like vomit, we find an optics OEM to make stink-free repops.

After learning about the ride on social media, 45 men and two women follow the Biltwell crew to Baja for the inaugural El Diablo Run.

A sales junket to meet Dutch and German importers bears fruit. Europeans grasp Biltwell’s blue-collar vibe and less-is-more aesthetic faster than many Americans.

After season three, Discovery Channel doesn’t renew “Monster Garage.” Is two-wheeled reality TV running out of gas?

Discovery Channel doesn’t renew “Biker Build-Off,” another nail in chopper TV’s coffin.

2002 Bill rides his CB550 to Baja with the CB750 Mutilation Society.

Seeds for a Mexican motorcycle adventure are sown…

2003 Bill joins his local National Guard unit and is promptly deployed to Iraq for a year of infantry shenanigans.

McGruther vows to keep Revolution afloat while Bill serves our country.

2004 Despite having never ridden a motorcycle on public roads, McGoo finances a chopper project with nine grand he wins in a $75 football parlay.

2005 Made-for-TV chopper drama oozes like a tranny leak on basic cable. Harold smells a rat and sees an opportunity…

While McGoo writes a business

Myspace, message boards, and blogs give everyone—not just magazine publishers—the power to tell new stories. Builders, bikeriders, and entrepreneurs start using social media to change their world.

Harold takes his mother to Sturgis, where Ms. McGruther drinks every silverback ponytail in the Jack Daniel’s tent under the table.

To celebrate his safe return to America, Bill and Harold go to Bike Week in Laughlin, Nevada.

After a weekend of fringe chaps and burnout pits, doubt creeps in. The “biker scene” is lame.

McGoo finishes the Mastergator, his first home-built chopper.

Bill volunteers to drive chase on a shakedown ride across Baja.

Builder and big-twin kit bike return home unscathed. Over tacos and beer, El Diablo Run is born.

2007 Biltwell bars, risers, and solo seats hit the market. V-twin dealers are confused—where’s the spider webs and scary skulls?

During a business trip for their agency gig, Bill and McGoo meet a helmet factory at a bicycle trade show. Would a metalflake novelty open face appeal to customers in Biltwell’s target demo?

Biltwell and friends run a booth at The Horse Smokeout in North Carolina, where they meet Tyler Malinky, owner of Lowbrow Customs. Founders at both small businesses hit it off, and a new Biltwell customer (and Revolution client) is born.

Biltwell novelty helmets drop in a rainbow of Megaflake colors.

Because they are one-size-fitsmost, swap meet vendors and helmet painters are stoked— fewer inventory headaches.

USMC Staff Sargeant Josh Gilbow receives a custom-painted novelty helmet for volunteerism at swap meets, Biltwell rides, and campouts.

2008 While Biltwell parts sell briskly at progressive online retailers, Harley dealers’ collective befuddlement remains high—not enough DILIGAF patches on our vests to convince skeptics we’re serious.

250 riders, two dozen sorority girls, and one lactating stripper attend El Diablo Run III. Legendary motorcycle photographer Michael Lichter chronicles the debauchery in “Easyriders” magazine.

Sensing the need for something bigger than a swap meet but smaller than a mega rally, Biltwell cooks up The Chop Meet at Mountain High Ski Resort in Wrightwood, CA. The cultural hoedown is a money pit, but fellow motorcycle entrepreneurs Mike Davis and Grant Peterson see potential…

The Great Recession wreaks economic chaos. The days of buying an overpriced billet barge chopper with a 2.5% mortgage re-fi are over.

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Act 2: Born Again

2009 Sensing the slow death of magazines in the age of online media, Bill and McGoo partner with web developers Mike Ellis and Jon Christopher to launch ChopCult.com, a message board, classifieds, and original news feed for custom motorcycles.

Curated advertising and free grassroots event support add fuel to a growing fire.

Mike Davis and Grant Peterson host Born-Free I at Classic Cycles, a Triumph shop in Orange, CA. Biltwell pays for the taco cart at what will someday become the biggest custom motorcycle show in America.

Recent hire Erik Westergaard borrows Bill Senior’s Street Glide for R&D. New Biltwell bolt-ons follow, including T-bars, risers, foot pegs and seats for Dynas.

Biltwell outgrows its tiny warehouse at Revolution HQ. Mike Deutsch, a local contractor with a chopper problem, oversees tenant buildouts on an 8,700-square-foot warehouse. It won’t be the last time “Otto” does heavy lifting for the brand.

ChopCult partner Mike Ellis joins Biltwell to handle purchasing, sales, and operations management.

Mexican cartel activities sensationalized in mainstream media make motorcyclers apprehensive about riding to Baja. Biltwell puts El Diablo Run on a two-year hiatus to support other events on domestic soil.

Biltwell cooks up another chopper fest, this one in their own backyard. Slab City Riot near SoCal’s infamous Salton Sea blends ‘60s biker flick vibes with the chaos of a Manson family reunion. Anarchy and brotherhood co-exist peacefully, if only for one night.

Safety-conscious customers demand a DOT-compliant alternative to our novelty lid. El Fuerte drops, chopper dudes in 16 states with helmet laws rejoice.

Discovery Channel airs the pilot for “Senior vs. Junior,” a feeble spin-off of “American Choppers.” Couch potatoes tune in, motorcycle enthusiasts check out.

Through word of mouth and banner ads on ChopCult, grassroots events like Gypsy Run, Twine Ball Run, and The Catalina Wine Mixer explode coast to coast. Riding motorcycles is fun again.

Biltwell growth relegates Bill and McGoo’s full-time agency gig to a side hustle, with Lowbrow Customs the last account standing.

On the eve of Slab City Riot 3, USPS delivers a certified letter from Imperial County authorities. No permit, no party.

Undeterred, we use word of mouth to secretly announce plan B. “The Illusive Unicorn” flies under the radar with minimal police intervention.

Fueled by hash pipes and hashtags, Slab City Riot 2 blows up with no casualties. 1,500 motorcyclers have the time of their lives. Imperial County LEO are not impressed.

2011 After a two-year hiatus, 400 riders storm Baja for the fourth edition of the El Diablo Run, now a biennial affair. The “Coctagon”—McGoo’s Wiffle Bat beatdown on a dick-shaped battlefield—debuts.

The mass media Gen X grew up with—‘zines, event flyers, and slick magazines—enjoy a renaissance in the motivated hands of DIY publishers. Biltwell supports the cause with stories, photos, and advertising in “DicE,” “Sideburn,” “Choppers,” and others.

Born-Free finds its permanent home in Orange County’s Santiago Canyon; Harley-Davidson joins the party. America’s underground chopper scene ain’t so underground anymore.

Bill’s dad swaps his 1970 shovelhead for a flat black Dyna to ride in local parades with fellow veterans.

Shady moves by our helmet OEM in China force us to create a new DOT-compliant model at our Taiwan factory. Bonanza is born.

2012 Big year for Instagram. After dropping the Android app and reaching 50 million users, Facebook buys the platform for one billion dollars.

Hans Lautem, a Harley dealer in Trier, Germany, stocks Bonanza helmets from Motorcycle Storehouse, Biltwell’s top European distributor.

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger launch Instagram in October.

One million users join the app

by Christmas, Biltwell included.

2010 To move obsolete products and overstock inventory, we throw a parking lot sale at Biltwell’s new HQ in Murrieta.

Innovative brick-and-mortars and savvy online retailers sell Biltwell gear like hotcakes, but some Harley dealers remain clueless. An alliance with a respected motorsports distributor in America would help, but who, and how?

A fresh-faced 21-year-old Kenzie Rosenquist joins the team. The brainy go-getter does everything, and remains the longest tenured staffer in Biltwell’s history.

Our shipping manager hires an assistant. Gary Reichert soon replaces his boss and assumes warehouse leadership.

Lemans Corp., America’s largest motorsports distributor, opens an EU hub in Trier with Lautem’s help. When Hans asks Lemans founder Fred Fox if his company sells Biltwell products, the octogenarian mogul replies, “Never heard of them.”

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Act 3: Shit Gets Real

2013 Lemans vendor-relations manager Tom Motzko visits Biltwell to discuss stocking Biltwell products. Due to prior commitments with other helmet brands, Lemans only stocks hard parts year one.

Customers ask for a full-face helmet. Biltwell Gringo cribs its bold, vintage aesthetic from 1960’s motorsports and a new star is born.

McGoo’s Mexican dirt track race gets a tune-up For EDR V with a paved starting line, a sand pit in turn one, and separate classes for rigid frames and swingarms.

Nobody dies, but several come very close.

After spending a small fortune on a mega booth at Born Free 5, Biltwell founders face a dilemma. Do we double down on our dog-and-pony show next year, or provide health insurance for our small but growing staff?

With two DOT helmets in the line, safety-certified Biltwell helmets top novelty lids for the first time.

Long-time friend and full-time hustler Mike Deutsch takes the wheel for events and social media. #Biltwell on Instagram rockets to 373k pics and counting…

With 100k members, millions of monthly page views, and ad revenue approaching six figures annually, ChopCult.com is a massively successful pain in the 8

ass. Sensing competition from ascendant Instagram, partners sell the platform to a dot com incubator in Tel Aviv.

After 22 years in the ad game, Bill and McGoo shutter Revolution Advertising to focus on Biltwell full-time.

Lemans’ early success with Biltwell parts is game-changing, but it’s DOT helmets—not DIY parts—that drive revenue.

A conversation with Fred Fox strikes a chord, and his company agrees to sell helmets in 2014.

2014 A third DOT model and second full face joins our line. Gringo S features a flip-down shield for eye protection, and old-school race vibes.

Bolt-on seats for Sportsters, Dynas, and modern Triumphs fill out an already robust line of Biltwell solo seats for choppers.

A competitor copies our s stainless-steel seat hinge. Courts find them guilty of “trade dress” infractions. Legal fees incurred exceed gross profits from hinge sales. Biltwell wins just enough in reparations to treat the whole team to night of beers and triple-A baseball at Storm Stadium in Lake Elsinore.

To help Lemans customers and staff understand Biltwell better, McGoo visits 275 dealers in 13 states with 11 reps over one summer. Some shops get it, others do not—they’re still talking about Spider-Man theme bikes and wet t-shirt contests at Sturgis…

A fast-talking promotor convinces Biltwell to be the moto-industry anchor at a special venue in Sturgis. Otto and McGoo spend ten days handing out stickers to invisible

bikers in a ghost town.

Every Biltwell employee receives health insurance benefits on the company’s dime—no more circus tents at Born Free.

Moto goggles join bubbles and blast shields in Biltwell’s growing range of headgear accessories.

Bill adds a skateboard photographer—Geoff Kowalchuk—and a video apprentice—his son Flynn—to Biltwell’s creative team. Both eager 20-somethings inject youth, color, and fun into the brand.

2015 Bill resurrects a tech pack he created for SNAFU BMX in 2000 to put Biltwell in the glove game. Roger Scarbossa, an old friend from the snowboard industry, designs three more models to flesh out the line.

“DicE” #59—the Biltwell issue, designed by Bill Bryant—drops like a small coffee table book on a rapturous readership. Biltwell is officially “chopular.”

Leaning hard into his desert racing roots, Bill turns Gringo and Gringo S helmets into trophies for vintage classes at the legendary Mint 400.

Biltwell cooks up another boozy motorcycle campout, this one in the foothills of California’s High Sierra mountain range.

Kernville Kampout attracts 400 riders year one, but head count will triple by 2020.

2016 “Outlaws,” a short film starring UK soccer legend David Beckham in an off-the-shelf Gringo he scored from a mutual friend, screens at Ace Hotel in DTLA. Posh Spice is MIA. Inspired by gear he carried in Iraq, Barnacle Bill designs EXFIL-7, a universal-mount, multi-purpose gear bag for motorcycles.

Aged-out BMXers and washed-up motocrossers take to American tracks and tarmac on hopped-up Harleys, and two new high-performance V-twin disciplines are born: hooligan dirt track racing and Dyna stunt riding.

Moto 2.0 and Overland goggles drop. Biltwell’s headgear game is getting strong.

Bill, Otto, and friends watch the Baja 1000 from lawn chairs in a dry riverbed 100 miles south of Ensenada. Has anyone ever done this on a Harley?

McGoo writes his first book, a richly illustrated, hardbound coffee table tome about the El Diablo Run. First edition print run sells out in weeks.

2018 To help style two new helmets, we enlist award-winning industrial designer Michael DiTullo to lend a hand.

To generate inspirational content for ads, catalogs, and social media, annual rides to exciting places with Biltwell staffers and friends become the norm. It’s hard to call these trips “work” with a straight face.

2017 Bill designs another luggage essential for motorcycle adventure. EXFIL-80 is built for road warriors who think smart, pack tight, and move fast.

Seventies motorsport nerd McGoo cobbles a retro MX visor prototype out of cardboard that would bring a tear to Roger DeCoster’s eye. Since no other helmet brand is similarly obsessed, Moto visor is a hit.

Heeding the call from Hooligan racers and Dyna stunters, Lane Splitter drops on US soil. It’s the first Biltwell helmet with DOT and ECE certification, but not the last. Curiously, EU distributors are slow to respond; V-twin wheelie poppers have yet to land on the other side of the pond.

Biltwell enters the NORRA Mexican 1000 on a fortified Sportster built by Rouser Rob. Mike Deutsch and Erik Westergaard split saddle time with crew chief Bill Bryant and BMX legend Chris Moeller to finish the 1,300-mile stage race—a first aboard American V-twin iron.

Motivated by a dopamine OD after finishing the 1000, Bill lays out battle plans for our next crazy adventure: riding vintage and modern motorcycles to the Arctic Circle and back. #OperationNumbnuts is on… or is it?

After outgrowing her parttime services, our bookkeeper Joyce helps train her full-time replacement. Biltwell’s new controller Karen Ford is a dynamo, with C-suite finance and HR experience.

After months of track testing, Biltwell AlumiCore grips for high-performance Harleys drop. Our one-piece forged and machined construction raises the bar for every player in the throttle-by-wire grip game.

Wayne Ballard takes a customer service position at Biltwell after cutting his teeth at Troy Lee Designs. When he wins his second Employee of The Year award at our Christmas party, it’s pretty clear who’s going to run this place someday.

2019 After a noble effort, “Show Class” prints its last issue.

Biltwell takes over the magazine’s People’s Champ build-off, adding cash prizes for finalists and online voting for global audience appeal.

Helmet OEMs finish CAD drawings for 395—Biltwell’s first dirt bike helmet—and Gringo SV, an up-market evolution of Gringo S. Barring a global catastrophe, toolmaking and first molded shells should be ready in six months…

Biltwell’s Born Free pre-party at Cook’s Corner in Orange County becomes the host venue for People’s Champ 2.0. The winner of our blue-collar build-off wins $10k, and a place among the stars at Born Free.

Biltwell teammates Rob Galan, Patrick Lies, and Geoff Kowalchuk follow Motorcycle Sherpas on a two-week, 1,300-mile adventure over the Himalayas in Nepal.

Billdozer rides a 2018 Harley Street Bob from California to New Jersey—1,000 miles a day for three days—to stress test new EXFIL luggage.

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Act 4: Shit Gets Weird

2020 After a dozen years of adoption and addiction, shit posting and doom scrolling turn social media into a divisive hellscape.

Time for an analog reset…

To make them compliant for use in European countries, we improve Gringo and Gringo S interior technology to meet ECE R22.05 safety standards.

In March, a mysterious virus blankets the world in confusion, panic, and death. Karen from accounting sends everyone home with one month’s pay while government leaders assess risk.

we order a two-year supply of popular sizes and colorways to satisfy demand.

Covid puts #OperationNumbnuts on the back burner with the Canadian border closed to idiots like us. To fill time, Bill, Rouser Rob, and fab guru JD Sansaver turn a decommissioned military LMTV into The Pig, easily the most expensive and unreliable chase vehicle in the world.

2021 USMC First Sergeant Josh Gilbow (retired) becomes Biltwell’s first Operations Manager. Daily Covid bleach cleanups run with military precision, but even Josh turns a blind eye to indoor masking.

McGoo returns to HQ after 11 months of managing sub-contractors on his firehouse rebuild, one-third of whom get Covid at least once. Miraculously, Harold the hypochondriac dodges every bullet.

In April, a loophole in California’s Covid mandate lets Biltwell return to work. Everyone but McGoo—he burned his house down in a freak home improvement accident.

With helmet factories on Covid lockdown, 395 and Gringo SV development grinds to a halt.

After two shots and three boosters Harold gets Covid, so he stays in bed and Otto leads the EDR charge to Baja.

Redundant compliance review by a French agency exposes a petty deficiency on Gringo and Gringo S helmets: insufficient French language on exterior labels and packaging. We buy back the product from European distributors and French dealers, but factory closures due to Covid make reparations impossible.

Soft-sided saddle bags in two sizes join our expanding moto luggage category. Bulletproof and feature rich, EXFIL-18 and -36 are huge hits with modern Harley riders.

New models Belden and Borrego introduce winterized and waterproof technologies to our glove arsenal.

In a wave of economic uncertainty spurred by Covid, purchase orders from dealers and distributors dry up, even as self-imposed social distancing launches a bull market on bikes and gear.

Taiwan institutes draconian mask, quarantine, and no-travel laws to minimize Covid carnage. It’s effective, but the government forces factory shutdowns. Fearing the worst, 10

industry gig in Portland and moves to SoCal. Biltwell has a new VP of sales and purchasing.

100 the biggest off-road race in California.

On a shakedown run to Ridgecrest for the second annual Biltwell 100, The Pig blows an oil line 150 clicks shy of the finish line. Five hours and eight gallons of Rotella later, Otto and Josh are rolling dirty.

2022 Biltwell’s annual parking lot sale gets a new name—Parts & Labor Motorcycle Expo— and a new venue: Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego.

Hard-headed property managers and winter weather no longer pose a threat to good times.

Assistant warehouse manager Christian Dominguez takes first place in Novice Hooligan class at the second annual Biltwell 100 aboard a big-bore Sportster Rouser Rob assembled with spare parts from the NORRA Mexican 1000.

Taiwan finally relaxes travel restrictions for non-nationals.

After a booster shot and nasal brain swab 24 hours before takeoff, McGoo lands in Taipei and is whisked to a quarantine hotel. Eight days and two tests later, skeleton crews at semi-operational factories greet their old friend with socially distant open arms.

After 13 years of blood, sweat, and gears, Mike Ellis resigns to help his wife with her motorcycle adventure business, and to be a stay-at-home dad for their toddler. The search for Mike’s successor begins, with the longtime friend amicably agreeing to help train his replacement.

After delaying the mandatory enforcement of new ECE R22.06 standards for motorcycle helmets due to Covid, the EU proclaims 12/31/2023 the cut-off date for selling R22.05-certified models. Biltwell and every other factory, brand, and test lab in the world scramble to meet the deadline.

Legislators change CE standards for motorcycle gloves six months after we introduce three new models for the European market. Back to work, Westy…

Thanks to Facebook Marketplace and free Covid cash, you can’t swing a dead cat in SoCal without hitting someone on an old dirt bike. To give the people what they want, we launch the Biltwell 100 in the Mojave Desert. 185 racers sign up. 800+ will enter year five, making the

In what might be the ultimate irony given Biltwell’s early adoption of social media, we start a magazine. “Parts & Labor” covers the people, places, products, and events that make Biltwell unique. It’s also a great read when you’re pooping.

In an epic turn of good fortune, college music mogul, MMI graduate, and motorcycle mega miler Davin Wirtanen quits his

Loaded with beers, bikes, and spare parts, The Pig takes a flatbed semi to the jump-off point in Seattle for #OperationNumbnuts. Before the 12 friends and co-workers can fire up their bikes in Alaska, however, they must survive five days at sea on a ferry without wi-fi.

EXFIL Sissy Bars for select late-model Harley-Davidsons drop to complement a growing line of universal fitment moto luggage for two-wheeled dventurers.

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Act 5: Return to Normal(ish)

El Diablo Run numero dias rolls into San Felipe, with one glaring omission: no more Circulo de la Muerte dirt track race. Live music and a massive bike show on downtown’s malecon erases any lingering disappointment.

On the recommendation of a friend at another helmet brand, we commission helmet engineer Ken Baker to help Biltwell OEMs with DOT, ECE, and R&D. Before becoming a freelance gun for hire, Ken spent 20+ years in the trenches at helmet factories worldwide.

2023 Gringo SV, the first Biltwell helmet engineered to meet ECE R22.06 and US DOT standards, drops to much fanfare.

Shockingly, Metallic Grape—not Gloss Black—is the top seller.

Davin made that bold call, and it landed strong.

With his son on Team Biltwell and his daughter in college, Bill and his wife Carrie find themselves in an empty nest.

Hungry for change, Bill and his family trade tract home life in SoCal for a nine-acre spread in Washington’s Olympic National Forest where he “works” from home between frequent returns to HQ in SoCal.

ECE R22.06-certified Gringo, Gringo S, and Lane Splitter helmets drop in a cavalcade of colors and graphic styles. Euro Biltwell dealers and distributors are back in business.

On the eve of Born-Free, Sean Jackson from Springboro, PA, takes top prize at People’s Champ with this mind-blowing ‘48 panhead.

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Almost overnight, Dyna bros and bagger daddies go all-in on so-called “modular” full-face helmets. Having managed similar projects for other brands, Ken Baker and Westy combine superpowers on Project XLR, Biltwell’s first step in this brave new world.

During vendor recon at Europe’s biggest motorcycle trade show, McGoo meets a new cut-and-sew OEM. With a high-end supplier now on tap, Westy spearheads development of a shirtjack, flannels, and vest for Biltwell’s growing streetwear line.

Our new glove OEM receives tech packs for three new models designed to meet more robust CE standards: Bridgeport CE, Belden CE, and Faktor.

More moving and shaking in our EXFIL line. 2.0 versions of EXFIL-3, EXFIL-65, and EXFIL-80 drop, plus a new mini tank and helmet bag.

2024 We commission an inflatable display maker to build a tenfoot-tall Gringo helmet, because why not? Said high-dollar Instagram moment debuts at Parts & Labor Motorcycle Expo.

On a vendor tip from Davin, Westy and McGoo go to Vietnam to inspect a new luggage factory.

Duly impressed, Erik and Bill begin development on new saddlebags and a tank bag.

Our Biltwell 100 desert race catches the attention of Harley-Davidson, who sponsors a special class for H-D Pan America adventure bikes.

Bill and Rob Rouser turn our race-winning Spare Parts Sporty into a lifted, long-travel ADV machine with bags, boxes, and extra fuel canisters. Perfect for the Olympic Peninsula.

With Covid-fueled cabin fever in the rearview mirror, people flock to Biltwell rides, races, and hoedowns in record numbers.

Sponsors notice, and provide support. Free booze, free cannabis, and good old-fashioned freedom flow like 50-weight at Kernville, the 100, Cook’s Corner, and beyond.

Version 2.0 of our popular Work glove hits shelves. Modifying palm construction and switching to full goatskin makes our best-selling leather glove even better.

ADV obsessive Davin road tests early iterations of EXFIL-115, a waterproof trunk-style behemoth for long hauls.

EU distributors at a trade show in Italy demand CE-certified moto jackets. Gear geeks Westy, Josh, and Davin respond with concepts and specs for Kamino and Kamino Air, Biltwell’s first armored outerwear. Lead times for textile development are murder, but first wearable samples are encouraging.

Bill hosts a three-day think tank for Biltwell sales, marketing, events, and product teams at a lakeside AirBNB near his home in Port Angeles, Washington.

Best new idea: Biltwell needs a podcast.

A new fitment mule finds a home in our R&D stable. After bolt-on upgrades and a repaint

by Hot Dog, Westy falls in love with our Shop Softail during his daily 2-hour commute.

Davin and staff photographer Geoff parachute into New Zealand for a two-week motorcycle adventure with staffers at Biltwell’s new Kiwi importer.

2025 After doing collabs with several brands, Biltwell adds RAMBLR sunglasses to our optics arsenal.

Biltwell El Dorado shirtjacks, 4-Speed vests, and Ridgecrest flannels drop in Vol .3, Issue 5 of “Parts and Labor” magazine.

Customer feedback says it’s time to build a more feature-rich replacement for our iconic but long-in-the-tooth Lane Splitter.

McGoo and helmet engineer Ken Baker meet execs at a worldclass factory to launch the Lane Splitter 2 project.

CAD renderings of Project XLR arrive at Biltwell R&D. Next step: wearable 3D printed samples.

With Otto as MC and B-roll king Flynn Bryant on production, Biltwell’s Parts & Labor Motorcycle podcast drops on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.

After 19 years, the El Diablo Run is no longer the custom motorcycle adventure founders originally conceived—too many baggers and bootleg t-shirts, not enough chopper chaos. Otto and company have big plans for EDR XX in 2026, after which Bill and McGoo will throw their baby out with the bong water forever.

Ridgecrest, a new lightweight, full-synthetic off-road glove hits dealer shelves.

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Act 6: What now?

2026 To acknowledge Biltwell’s contributions to custom motorcycle culture on the eve of its twentieth anniversary, Bill asks McGoo to recount the brand’s major milestones and significant achievements in a digestible timeline.

This year looks like it’ll be more of the same: plenty of motorcycle shenanigans coupled with a blitz of new product development. Thanks for joining us on this wild ride. Here’s to 20 more…

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bonanza

tahoe

gringo

gringo s

gringo sv

lane splitter

biltwell

niversar n a y 20 2026 th

limited edition helmets Biltwell planted its flag in an overlooked corner of the custom motorcycle world in 2006. For co-founders Bill and Harold—two business partners and riding buddies with more nerve than common sense—their leap was probably reckless.

Fortunately, customers believed in them and a brand was born.

Twenty years and many speedbumps, misfires, and quiet victories later, Biltwell still builds helmets, hard parts, and riding gear for people whose passion for two-wheeled fun rivals our own. To mark that milestone, every model in our 2026 helmet line is available in a special 20th anniversary livery. These helmets feature special interiors hand-crafted with premium textiles for elevated aesthetics and performance.

In another 20 years, one of these limited-edition helmets might occupy a place of honor in some crusty biker’s man cave. Of course, many more might end up on a folding table at Otto’s NorCal Cycle Swap. Regardless of their fate, each one is an homage to every friend, co-worker, and customer who made our Biltwell dream a reality.

Thanks for joining us on the ride.

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BONANZA Bonanza—our three-quarter lid for fans of minimalism—does what’s expected of a DOT-compliant open-face without fuss or fanfare.

It features an injection-molded ABS shell and EPS safety liner for durability and impact protection with minimal bulk. Inside, a handstitched brushed Lycra liner with vented polyester and open-cell foam padding delivers a tailored, comfortable fit, and removes easily for cleaning or replacement.

Integrated brow snaps accept a wide range of Biltwell bubbles and visors for easy customization. Bold new graphics and colorways— including a limited-edition 20th anniversary livery—make this year’s Bonanza line one of our best yet.

Built for riders who demand less— and sometimes that’s a good thing.

gloss white

compeTition orange

FLAT BLACK

gloss mint julep

metallic irish green

desert spectrum

SOM ETIM E S L E S S IS A LL YO U N E E D

Bold new graphics and colorways make this year’s Bonanza line one of our best ever, and include a limited-edition 20th anniversary livery. Bonanza is engineered for riders who demand less, and for some riders that’s a good thing.

LIGHTSPEED BLACK/ORANGE/YELLOW

METALLIC BLUE/SILVER HOLESHOT

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gloss white

gloss black

metallic sierra green

gloss mint julep

TAHOE More than a Bonanza but less than a Gringo S, the all-new Tahoe is our first open-face helmet engineered to meet both US DOT and ECE R22.06 standards. Its molded ABS shell and dual-density EPS liner deliver rider protection using the same technology found in our premium full-face models. Tahoe’s CE-certified bubble shield is scratch resistant for day and night riding, and features robust hinge hardware so swapping to available smoke or mirror shields is fast and easy. Inside, a hand-crafted head form and removable cheek pads feature premium, moisture-wicking textiles for all-day comfort. Offered in six hand-painted liveries and sizes XS through XXL, Tahoe is the perfect helmet for a short spin to In-N-Out, or a great second lid to have in your quiver when plans don’t require suiting up for a bigger adventure.

OUR NEW O PE N FAC E F OR CA F É RAC E RS AN D SCOOTER FAN AT IC S

We built Tahoe for the café and scooter crowd, but it’s a great second helmet for a quick spin around town. The integrated bubble checks two boxes: modern protection and retro style. metallic grape

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GRINGO When we dropped Gringo 13 years ago, we weren’t trying to reinvent the helmet—we just wanted to build a safe, stripped-down full face that chopper jockeys would be psyched to wear. Gringo’s classic silhouette pays homage to the early full-face helmets from the ‘60s, but leans on advanced material and manufacturing technologies to meet modern DOT and ECE R22.06 safety standards.

Gringo’s hand-crafted interior shows the same attention to detail, with brushed Lycra, vented polyester, and a new, plusher BioFoam head pad for breathability and comfort. Stainlesssteel snaps around the eye port let you to customize your Gringo with a wide range of Biltwell shield, bubble, and visor accessories. New liveries for ‘26 are some of our most striking ever, and include a 20th anniversary model that’s got Biltwell’s vintage style written all over it.

gloss white

flat black

gloss greystone

metallic sunburst

sunset spectrum

metallic catalina

SUBSTAN C E + STYLE

Gringo kickstarted the vintage full-face movement for motorcyclers 13 years ago, and remains the top choice for chopper fashionistas who want comfort, style, and protection.

gloss black r/w/b raceflow

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GRINGO S If Gringo S were a caveman, he’d be Homo habilis—modern man’s early ancestor who engineered simple tools to survive. In this metaphor, the tool is Gringo S’s optically precise molded polycarbonate shield. CE certified for scratch resistance and treated with anti-fog coating, the hinged shield might not stop a prehistoric predator, but it will keep a 70-mph bumblebee from ruining your ride.

Gringo S shares its DOT- and ECE-certified DNA with siblings Gringo and Gringo SV, completing a trio of elegantly simple, highly evolved helmets for modern riders.

Comfortable, protective, and timelessly styled, Gringo S delivers everything you need in a motorcycle helmet—and nothing you don’t.

gloss black

gloss hazard orange

flat black

metallic dart green

garnet red flames

gloss white

metallic ugly gold

gloss apex rwb

EVOLUTIO N O F A CL A SS IC

If you appreciate protection and performance without aesthetic overkill, Gringo S is the smart choice. Its CE-certified polycarbonate shield features precision optics and anti-scratch/anti-fog treatments for visual clarity.

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GRINGO SV We injected Biltwell Gringo DNA with a dose of modern technology to create Gringo SV—our first full-face helmet engineered to meet US DOT and ECE R22.06 safety standards.

Integrated vents above Gringo SV’s eye port are adjustable to control airflow. Inlets on the chin bar direct additional ambient air through the helmet’s replaceable cheek pads to dissipate sweat. Inside, Gringo SV’s generously padded comfort liner features moisture-wicking textiles and a comfortable BioFoam head pad. Gringo SV’s CE certified polycarbonate shield features discrete hinge hardware with alloy washers and stainless-steel screws so installing tinted or mirror accessory shields is super easy. Style.

Performance. Comfort. With Gringo SV, you get all three.

gloss white

gloss silver

FLAT BLACK

gloss atlantic teal

gloss black

gloss MINT JULEP

metallic whiskey

GLOSS CHALK

A R T A ND S C IE N C E

For 2026, our best-selling and most feature rich retro/modern full face comes in a range of hand-painted and limited-edition liveries.

gloss INTERSECTION

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LANE SPLITTER Aggressively styled and built for high-performance riding, the Lane Splitter helmet is a favorite among Hooligans like Ravi Patel. Sharp lines and sculpted surfaces make a bold statement about its purpose: highspeed fun. DOT- and ECE-certified protection comes from a rugged shell, dual-density EPS liner, and moisture-wicking interior for allday comfort. Chin-bar vents direct cooling airflow around your head and face to help manage heat and sweat. A CE-certified polycarbonate shield with anti-fog and anti-scratch treatments seals tightly against a molded rubber gasket. Multiple smoke and mirror shields are available for customization. Lane Splitter comes in eight sizes and six colorways, including a limited 20thanniversary edition.

INTERSECTION GOLD/SILVER/BRONZE

flat black

gloss white

gloss black

gloss chalk

gloss olive

HEA D GE AR F O R HA RD CO RE S

As with every other full-face helmet in our line, we offer replacement cheek pads in different thicknesses so you can customize the fit and comfort of your Lane Splitter.

Aftermarket shields in smoke and chrome treatments are also available.

GLOSS BLACK / GLOSS WHITE FLAMES

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When I preach the whole “work hard, play hard” thing, I mean it. And this fella fits the mold. To not only put in the work to get to the Biltwell 100, he did it on an old Triumph that eventually lost the rear rubber. So here he is skipping across those infamous Ridgecrest Railroad tracks on a rim with his eyes set on just making it to the next mile marker. That’s the type of people I want to put myself around.

Focus: Gregg Boydston

Questions & Intro: Bill Bryant Photos: Gregg Boydston

Gregg is one of those guys you want on your side in the middle of nowhere. It’s his sweet spot – fighting fires, riding dirt bikes, putting up camp or splinting your leg, he’s your guy. We recently hit him with some questions about life as a firefighter, photographer, Coors enthusiast and avid outdoorsman.

How does wildland (is that the proper term?*) firefighting, motorcycles and photography intersect for you?

You know, as far apart as all these items are, I think it’s the sense of adventure and the people that really intersect them all. Between my fire career, motorcycles, and photography, all of them revolve around great adventures and good people. I think each one on its own without the good people along the way or neat places they take me, would be a whole lot different and a much less interesting hobby or line of work.

*“Wildland firefighting” is the correct term. This is what I did 100% of the time while working for the U.S. Forest Service. That was about 8 years between Oregon, Northern California and Central California as home base. Majority of it being in Mammoth/Bishop zone as basecamp. But it started in Oregon living out of my Volkswagen waiting for calls. This has now taken me to almost 8 years in on the “municipal” side of firefighting where I work for a significant Fire Department in Southern California.

Although we still go to wildfires, the majority of our tasks are medical aids but also can consist of wildfires, structure fires, traffic collisions, gas leaks, remote rescues, stuck elevators, the list goes on.

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Do you have a favorite spot to camp?

Woof, This is tough one to answer. I camp so much, in so many different places its difficult to pick just one.

I think anywhere in Baja would be up there, and many places along my stomping grounds up and down the 395 would be close to the top as well.

I also really enjoy the Southwest through Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and into Colorado even. But at this point, anywhere I can set up camp, feel safe, have some fun near camp, and be able to bring the family is the top spot for me. Sometimes that’s close and easy but in the summer give me a swimming hole, and in the winter give me that wide-open desert. When we hitting the road?

Any advice for aspiring photogs?

What’s your usual camera set up?

First off, make sure it’s fun. You have top enjoy doing it as you do in any creative world. In a very saturated world of photography these days, I think you have to make yourself stand out. Everyone has a camera now and between the wild world of influencers and freelance artists, you just have to make yourself different. It’s okay to be influenced by artists you follow along with but being yourself will allow you to be different and hopefully separate from the rest. On top of that carry a camera that comfortable, fun, and one that you know. The equipment doesn’t make the photo, you do. I have a professional level work set up but I also have a for fun set up. And as you might guess, the for fun set up often bleeds over in the work setting. Small, quick, convenient, and compact along with some style is the most enjoyable for me.

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Not much else will compare to the feeling of putting in line with 19 of your favorite sweaty and dirty pals on the side of some mountain. It’s miserable and it’s fun. It’s finding a way to be comfortable being uncomfortable. And for a small chunk of change. I set down my Stihl 460, threw a few links on the chain, and sent my swamp back to help the scrape tie in our line to the Hotshot crew coming at us. Wrapping some fire in Northern California some time ago.

Focus: Gregg Boydston

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It’s not always ideal when you see your Hotshot crew listed under Night Shift on the IAP for the day. But when you do see it, you usually hope you’re burning. This specific fire – we spent 14 days straight on night shift burning miles and miles of prepped line in order to protect one of the west side of the Sierra’s largest Giant Sequoia Groves. Hot, cold, sweaty, tired, smiling, dirty, away from home, with your friends, lighting things on fire for the better.

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Focus: Gregg Boydston

Who motivates or inspires you?

There are a lot of who’s and what’s that inspire me. I have my hands in so many things that my motivation and inspiration comes from many different angles. When it comes to regular life stuff – I have people that motivate and inspire me to be better, do good, kind, successful, etc… and my family that relies of me, my parents, and my little brother all play a roll in that.

When it comes to work, yes I have a photography role, but I also have a full-time career within the fire service which comes with its own motivation and inspiration. Good leaders, strong and smart people, role models, etc… and that comes from people I have worked for, around, with, and so on that have made an impression on me. As for photography… I always seem to get hung up on people that shoot in a way that make you feel a certain way. Like you’re there in the moment they are capturing. It either puts you in their shoes or makes you wish you were. Without a doubt the person who does it the most is my main guy Drew Martin, who I have not only shot Biltwell events with, but have travelled, shot major campaigns, slept on the ground with, camped off motorcycles with, raised a family side by side with, and have learned and grown within the photography world with. Beyond that, I like to watch adventures like the Biltwell Alaska trip, anything from Filson and Yeti, and habitually watch documentaries like 180º South to keep the motivation and inspiration high!

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El Diablo Ru

We created the first El Diablo Run in 2006 as a counterpoint to the lame parking lot shopping rallies and shows of the time. We wanted to do something closer to a surf trip than your typical biker event. That year, about 40 men and two courageous women rode to San Felipe on the Sea of Cortez, partied their asses off, then crossed the peninsula for a few more days of shenanigans on the Pacific coast in Ensenada.

Over the years, the event evolved—and of course, so did the vibe. We’ll never forget those early runs, and we’ve enjoyed the people and misadventures of the later years just as much.

Pit stop at Three Poles just north of San Felipe shot by our friend Keith Mulligan. Atomic Trent’s shovel on right, Spartan George’s pan center and not sure who was on the other bikes.

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Twenty years later, this May we’ll host the final EDR and put this rowdy, feral child to bed. Thanks to everyone who braved the enormous potholes, atomic diarrhea, and legendary hangovers that Baja serves up like no other place on earth.

-Bill

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PEOPLE’S CHAMP

2026

The goal of the People’s Champ competition has always been to get exposure for builders who may not have been well-known enough to be official “Invited Builders” at Born Free. After competing in our event, many have gone on to be Invited Builders. We pick the first big batch of bike builders and then you, the public gets a chance to vote via the internet for the Final 6 and eventually for the Champ!

Cook’s Corner Bar is a legendary biker bar that stands as a proud symbol of forgotten freedom in a sea of ever-encroaching cookie-cutter houses and the inevitable “progress” of Orange County, California. It’s the perfect spot to host a Words: party Bill the Bryant night Photo: Geoffthousands Kowalchuk before Born Free with of riders in the area eager for the weekend’s festivities to start.

On the morning of the party, all of the Final Six builders will meet in Lake Elsinore and ride approximately 50 miles to Cook’s Corner.

The party starts about 3:00pm, and around 9:00pm we’ll announce the

Champ! We’ll all clap and hoot, the trophy and check will be handed over and we’ll call it a night.

Once it starts going down, it happens fast, so make sure to be around the upper bar area by 9:00pm or so. It’s standing room only and the suspense is pretty intense.

All voting will be done on the Biltwell website. Regardless of how many votes a builder receives, they must ride their bike to Cook’s in the time allotted or they won’t be eligible to be the Champ! All the bikes won’t just be “show” bikes, they’ll be “Go” bikes too!

Check out the final 6 Builders on the next few pages, follow them on Instagram and get ready to cast your vote!

June 22nd - 26th 2026: Final online voting June 26th, 2026: Final 6 Builders ride to Cook’s Corner where we will crown the Champ!

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PEOPLE’S CHAMP

PEOPLE’S CHAMP

2026

2026

contender: BRITTANY CONARD

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contender: @thebcon

@ chrishatton___

Texas, USA

Wales, UK

1974 Shovelhead

1980 Shovelhead

chris hatton

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PEOPLE’S CHAMP

PEOPLE’S CHAMP

2026

contender: eric simonson

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2026

@Esoteric_Speed

@weak_weld

California, USA

Pennsylvania, USA

1962 Panhead

1981 STD Panhead

contender: jack weidmayer

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PEOPLE’S CHAMP

PEOPLE’S CHAMP

2026

2026

contender: ryder leavitt

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contender: @Ryderleavitt

@mobtowncycle

Utah, USA

Maryland, USA

1969 FLH

1967 Generator Shovelhead

tim sneed

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Meet RICO—a bold throwback to a time when motor cops and porn stars set the global standard for alpha male swag. With a mustache and a pair of these, the world is your oyster. Don’t like seafood? Eat something else—nobody’s the boss of you, brother.

Like our RAMBLR sunglasses that came before them, RICO features scratchand impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses to deflect harmful UV rays. Their molded frame features nickel-plated metal arms with injection-molded temple tips for comfort. Available in two satin finishes: green and black. Both styles feature green lenses with anti-glare treatment for vision so clear it’s damn near clairvoyant.

• Optically precise, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses • Rugged injection-molded polycarbonate frame with matte finish • Lenses feature anti-scratch, anti-glare, and UV treatments • Nickel-plated steel arms and nose bridge detailing • Stainless-steel hinge hardware for durability • Satin Green and Satin Black finishes available • Cleaning sack and molded clamshell case included 46

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From the first time we were dubbed “Hooligan” in 2015 until now, a lot has changed. The flat-track side of hooligan racing is damn near dead, and the focus has shifted heavily toward off-road hooligan racing.

In 2018, a year after Biltwell finished the NORRA 1000 on a Sportster, Heatwave Visual approached me to build an off-road race bike for the Mint 400—the year they brought motorcycles back to the race. None of us in that first group had a clue what we were doing, and by the end of the weekend, that became 100% obvious. Lost bags, lost tools, lost dignity… all left somewhere out in the Nevada desert. But one thing stayed with me for the next seven years: just how insane that race really was. Hooligan bikes are NOT built for 100+ mile desert races, and we learned that the hard way.

It hooked me instantly because it separated the strong from the weak.

You need real grit and determination to finish these long races.

Each year, the bikes evolved as we fixed issues from the previous seasons. Fast forward to 2024: Rusty Butcher moved from CA to TN, and I realized we were navigating what was left of the hooligan scene—a small, rag-tag group of dedicated offroad hooligan racers. That’s when it hit me that I needed to go all-in and develop any and every part I could to push this movement forward myself.

I started a group chat with one rule: you must own an off-road Sportster.

From there, the community began growing one rider at a time. We helped bring the 5-gallon Carducci x IMS tank to the market, which sparked a wave of new builds coming down the pipeline. Rusty Butcher became Rusty Butcher Racing, and eventually evolved into Hooligan

Words: Mark Atkins Photos: Geoff Kowalchuk

Rusty Butcher’s innapropriate motorcycle race at Loretta Lynn’s ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee

the Hool igan 100 48

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the Hooligan 100

Racing. Now, we supply about 95% of everything you need to build the baddest bikes out there.

Today, we have 150+ dedicated racers in the group chat and more events popping up every month. The Biltwell 100 reignited something the racing world had been missing—an event where you can have fun and race at the same time. Camping, good vibes, and good old-fashioned motorcycle racing. Events like that are shaping what the new hooligan scene represents.

Today the rules are simple in hooligan racing: no pros, keep the stock front loop of your frame, no mono-shocks, and the rest is up to you to figure out. With these simple guidelines that Biltwell and Rusty Butcher helped establish, more and more bike builds are coming to life. Sportsters are cheap, easy to find, and Hooligan Racing parts are available 24/7 to support the growing scene.

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2026 is set to have more off-road hooligan races than ever before, along with the biggest wave of new racers signing up for Hooligan Racing. Get on the train now and start building your own bike for some good times.

the Hooligan 100 52

EVOLUTION IS I’ve owned a few custom bikes over the years, and they’ve all had their pros and cons. After a handful of chopper trips with friends—where I was consistently the mechanically weakest link—I finally decided enough was enough. Around that time, my friend Otto had just finished building a solid Evo. Watching him fire that bike up sealed the deal for me. It looked right, sounded right, and most importantly, it was reliable.

THE SOLUTION Words: Josh Gilbow Photos: Geoff Kowalchuk & Sheldon Ivester

With a 4” stretch and a 30deg neck this frame is the perfect foundation for a street missile with the handling of a Moto GP bike. Tough without taking anything too seriously.

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EVOLUTION IS THE SOLUTION I started hatching a plan to build something fun, dependable, and uniquely mine. The idea was simple: begin with a stock Harley Evo Softail. I found a good deal on a ’98 that was ugly in all the right ways. The motor had a fresh rebuild, which made it a strong starting point.

Next, I enlisted my good buddy Jacob Conard to build a frame and modify the gas tank. He designed the frame with the best proportions I’ve ever

experienced—this bike is incredibly well balanced. Once the frame was finished, we began assembling the rest. I radiused an Ironhead reproduction fender to use as a mold for a full carbon-fiber version made by Black Widow Creations. They also produced a matching carbon-fiber Sportster headlight eyebrow. At that point, the bike really started to take shape.

The motor was freshened up by Rico at Hibond Modified, Seat was done by Duane Ballard. Sissy bar was cut by Send Cut Send and finished by Jacob Conard, Tank modified

by Jacob Conard and painted by “Hot Dog” Pete Finlan. Modified Biltwell Thunder risers

by Jacob Conard.

From the beginning, I knew I wanted to run mag wheels. I connected with Jade

EVOLUTION IS THE SOLUTION I’m not a builder by any stretch–just a glorified project manager. My friends were pivotal an helping put all the pieces in line for this bike to become a reality.

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EVOLUTION IS THE SOLUTION

Affiliated and picked up a set of their Moto Mags in a 21-inch front and 18inch rear combo. Around then, we realized the stock oil tank was too wide for the new frame, and a reproduction horseshoe tank was too tall to clear the starter. Once again, Jacob stepped in and fabricated a custom oil tank to solve the problem.

Jacob lives in Texas and I’m in California, so we came up with a plan for him to fly out and help with final fabrication and mock-up. In that one week, we made massive progress.

Spending that much focused time building with a good friend was easily one of the highlights of the project.

After fabrication was complete, everything was disassembled and sent out for paint and polishing. The motor went to Rico at Hi-Bond Modified, where it was freshened up and fitted

with new S&S cylinders and heads, topped with Race Dyne valve covers.

The stock Harley-Davidson five-speed transmission was upgraded with a Baker Drivetrain hydraulic cover, giving it a more modern feel.

We installed big brakes from Tokico and Galfer front and rear, actuated by Beringer master cylinders. Custom Biltwell touches include extended Thunder risers, seat hinges converted into the top motor mount, and trimmed-down Mushman pegs for the brake and shifter. The seat was built

by Duane Ballard. The paint concept came from Ryan “Roadkill,” with “Hot Dog” Pete Finlan adding his own spin to bring it to life.

This bike wouldn’t exist without my friends. I had the idea—but they brought the talent. For that, I’m forever grateful.

I’ve owned a few different bikes and I have not been on a more perfectly balanced chopper.

It feels light in the steering and with the refreshed 80” Evo it will MOVE! 58

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Words: Bill Bryant Photo: Geoff Kowalchuk

Motorcycle Podcast McGoo and I started a tiny advertising agency in the mid-’90s focused on action sports—BMX, skate, snowboard, MTB. We helped build other brands until Biltwell was ready to ditch its wobbly training wheels around 2011. So, marketing is deep in our DNA. We’ve watched media evolve from wildly expensive magazine ads to digital to social.

We launched Chop Cult way back in 2009. Forums were thriving then, but the platform was a massive time suck for those of us who ran it. As Biltwell demanded more focus, selling CC around 2012 was an easy call. Social media has since eclipsed forums; aside from digging up old tech tips, most message boards are digital graveyards these days.

I’m a natural Luddite, but I see the value in new tools and try to embrace them. Podcasts have long been part

Listen on Apple Podcasts

of my daily routine—equal parts education and entertainment.

Last year, we launched our own podcast to deliver long-form content to our customers in a format that was fun and efficient. One of the best parts of the custom motorcycle world is the people: wingnuts, weirdos, and self-made disruptors doing things their own way. They’re inspiring and deserve a spotlight. That’s the goal of the P&L Pod and we hope you’ll give it a listen.

Listen on Spotify

Listen on YouTube

Left: Otto’s trademark smartassery mated with diligent reasearch skills and an undeniable love of motorcycles and motorcycle people made him the perfect candidate for the main host. Thanks to our in-house videographer, Flynn Bryant for learning how to record and produce these and SpeedKings Steve for pitching in on editing.

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ALL-TIME FAVORITE ROUTES FOUR OF US OUTLINE OUR TOP-OF-THE-LIST MOTORCYCLE RIDES.

Bill’s Baja Sweet Spot San Ignacio to Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico Pairs well with: Any motorcycle and some camping gear 170 miles—but you should make it last all day I’ve been lucky enough to ride a lot of miles in a wide variety of environments.

Still, my favorite stretch is this chunk of Baja’s Highway 1. There’s something to love about every town down there, but San Ignacio is where, in my opinion, things get truly juicy.

By the time you roll into this spot— about 750 miles south of the border— there’s a one-hundred-percent chance you’re a little worn out from long, desolate highways punctuated by chaotic small towns and terrifying semi-trucks. San Ignacio is literally an oasis. You can feel your heart rate drop as soon as you leave the highway and head toward the picture-perfect town square, complete with a couple places to eat, an ancient church that never closes, and rough cobblestone pavers.

Once you head south out of San Ignacio, the boring straight lines of Highway 1 are long forgotten. You’ll wind through valleys and over ridges, mostly downhill, and then suddenly drop into the often-overlooked town of Santa Rosalía. Stop and eat here. The food and architecture still carry a cool hangover from French colonial days.

The beach at Santispac is awesome.

So are Coyote and Burro. Sometimes there’s food at these spots, sometimes there’s not—that’s just Baja. I especially like the place we used to call “Secret Spot” because you couldn’t see it from the road. Google now calls it Playa Los Naranjos. I’ve never seen an orange there, but I’ve rented kayaks for a couple bucks and paddled out to the little islands just offshore. That shit is magical.

Loreto could be a full article on its own. Grab food and drinks at Mi Loreto. Have a couple frosty Palomas (made with Squirt) in the town square with live music on the weekends. If you time it right, the whale-watching tours are fantastic. It ain’t cheap, but a room at the Misión on the malecón is a perfect place to congratulate yourself on a life well lived. Lounging in the saltwater pool there is a good time to start cooking up more plans—either to keep heading south or turn around and do the whole thing in reverse.

-Bill

Mulegé is the next significant town and totally worth exploring. There’s a hardy group of gringo expats, but it’s no tourist trap. From there to Loreto, it’s classic Sea of Cortez: turquoise water on the left, rugged desert to the right. Take your time on this section—the rewards are big. Stopping for a cold beer and a swim at least once is mandatory.

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Otto’s Golden Chain Highway Oakhurst, CA to Placerville, CA Pairs well with: FXR or chopper 140 miles—but you should make it last all day When Bill asked me to name a favorite motorcycle route, there was no hesitation: Highway 49. I’ve been riding it for about 15 years, usually to visit my mom or head to the Nor Cal Cycle Swap. After spending most of my life in Southern California, I was always hunting for better ways north.

When my mom moved to the foothills, I found 49—and I haven’t looked back.

There’s no graceful escape from the Southern California bubble. Leave early or late, you’ll still pay: traffic, distracted Tesla drivers, freeway shutdowns, potholes, or weather that makes riding miserable. Like my buddy Ryan says, you’ve got to want it.

But once you break free, Highway 49 makes it worthwhile. It has everything I want in a ride—curves, elevation changes, and small towns spaced just far enough apart to keep you fueled and fed. Samuel Clemens—better known as Mark Twain—spent time along this corridor, and his story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County grew out of Gold Country lore.

Tall tales and stretched truths have drawn people here for generations, which is part of what draws me, too.

I usually pick up 49 in Oakhurst, near Bass Lake, a gathering point for motorcycle clubs since the 1950s thanks to its scenery, swimming spots, and easy reach from Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and the Bay Area. From there, you can ride roughly 300 miles north on a route that rarely feels crowded. In summer, much of it runs shaded, and you’re almost always near

a river, stream, or reservoir where you can cool down. The watering holes are as frequent as the swimming holes. The pavement rolls and bends like it was designed with motorcycles in mind.

Sonora, Jackson, Placerville, Auburn, Nevada City, Grass Valley—each town offers cold beer, good barbecue, strong coffee, and diners that still serve milkshakes the right way. Cross the American River, take a break, dunk your junk, and settle into the slower rhythm that defines the corridor.

What really makes 49 special, though, is the people. The towns are full of riders, mechanics, and folks who appreciate the land. If you need a tube patched or a chain adjusted, there’s usually a mom-and-pop shop nearby.

And if things go sideways, someone with a pickup will help. My favorite bike for 49? A chopper or an FXR— simple, honest machines that match the road’s character. Highway 49 isn’t just pavement; it’s history, community, and miles of freedom winding through Gold Country, and I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.

Josh’s Ride Blue Ridge Parkway Pairs well with: Any bike that loves the twisties 469 miles—plus great side excursions Spanning an impressive 469 miles from Virginia to the southern edge of South Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a true ribbon of two-wheeled bliss.

The parkway follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I rode most of this route over three days with my buddy Lou on our way to an event in Alabama.

One of the best features of the Blue Ridge Parkway is that it’s designed like an interstate—no cross streets, no traffic lights, just on- and off-ramps to enter or exit. From a motorcycle perspective, that means you get all the benefits of a twisty mountain road while eliminating much of the stress that comes with intersections and cross traffic. Some sections are properly tight and technical, so it’s wise to ride within your limits and take your time.

Because the parkway is so iconic, there are plenty of places to pull off for food, fuel, or a night’s rest. We stayed our first night at a vintage roadside motel about halfway down, complete with the kind of “world’s smallest pool hall” charm that makes road trips memorable. You’ll also find vintage trailer parks and a wide range of other accommodations scattered along the route.

Elevation changes can bring dramatic weather shifts, so come prepared.

We experienced everything from hot to cold and clear skies to rain—

sometimes all in the same day. Cell phone reception can be spotty in the mountains, so printing your route or having offline maps downloaded is a smart backup plan.

We rode the parkway in early October and were rewarded with incredible fall foliage. Mid-September through midOctober is considered peak season, so expect more traffic during that window. There are more than 200 scenic overlooks along the way, and the maximum speed limit is 45 mph, encouraging riders to slow down and soak in the views.

There are also worthwhile detours nearby, including the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap, North Carolina, and Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, NC—both must-visits for motorcycle enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for an epic East Coast ride, the Blue Ridge Parkway delivers.

It may be a bit touristy, but for good reason. With the right planning, it’s an ideal route for beginner to intermediate riders and a great introduction to a multi-day motorcycle trip.

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Davin’s Route Red Lodge to Cook City, Montana Pairs well with: ADV unit, of course!

96 miles—crank that hog!

Heading south out of Red Lodge Montana on US Highway 212 is the world famous Beartooth Highway. This section runs 68 miles from Red Lodge to Cooke City, MT with a little dip into Wyoming in between. Beartooth Highway and the pass of the same name is one of the most scenic rides in America. The climb up with sharp curves and steep cliffs with few guard rails is about as good as it gets.

Theres plenty of lookouts to pull over into on the way up. So don’t be afraid to stop. Be warned, this is a heavy tourist area, so sometimes the traffic is slow.

You’ll see RV’s crossing over the double yellows, slow cars stopping every so often to take photos, and lots of brother and sisters out there cranking their hawgs. It’s hard to explain how crazy looking it is up top. Rugged snow capped peaks, tundra flowers, and the bluest of lakes. Theres a great store on the way down to stop for snacks, stickers, and a cold (or hot) beverage.

No QR code available for this one since we wrote this story in winter and Bear Tooth pass is closed.

Thanks, Googles!

turns, a lot of elevation changes, and plenty of great views.

The first place you’ll want to stop coming from the west is the Sunlight Creek Bridge. At roughly 260’, this bridge spans the Sunlight Creek gorge.

Said gorge is nearly 300 feet deep, so it’s not recommended for those of you that are afraid of heights. There’s a parking lot with bathrooms next to it, so you’ll want to stop to have a stroll across before heading over Dead Indian Pass that comes up next. I love this road SO MUCH you guys. It absolutely does not get better than the 1-2 punch that these 2 roads can give if the conditions are right - warm weather, blue skies, and light traffic. I hate writing about stuff, because I feel like words aren’t good enough to convey the message here, so check this route out if you haven’t already done so.

Depending on your route, if you don’t need to go to Cooke City or Yellowstone, I highly recommend checking out Chief Joseph Hwy (WY296), which intersects 212 once you get to the bottom of the pass on the “south” or “west” side depending on how you like to operate. It’ll be on your left about 11 miles from the Top of the World store. This stretch of road runs east toward Cody, WY, and is much lighter traveled than BTH / Hwy 212.

In my opinion it’s the best way to top off the ride over Beartooth. The road is a damn race track! You can get a good haul going right away. Tight hair pin 66

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Introducing the

Great Northwest Motofest

Crescent Beach seen from the Salt Creek Recreation Area is 13 miles from the event. Just one of the scenic areas that are easy to get to and fun to explore.

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We founded Biltwell in 2006, the same year we put on the first El Diablo Run in Baja California, Mexico. Our goal was to build and ride custom bikes and have fun with other likeminded motorcycle enthusiasts.

Twenty years later, we’re still doing the same stuff and still loving it! When our Co-

Founder, Bill Bryant moved to the Olympic Peninsula in 2023 in pursuit of small-town living with easy access to mountains and the coast, he quickly discovered that the area is also home to some great on- and off-road motorcycle riding. Especially in August when it’s generally pretty dry.

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Rough Schedule Friday, August 7 12:00 Noon: Check in starts 4:00 - 10:00PM: Bar / Vending / Food / Tattoos / Sign up for games 5:00PM: Line up bikes near stage for bike show (everyone invited) Twisty two-lane forest roads around lakes, up mountains and over creeks? Yup. The Olumpic Peninusla has plenty of ‘em.

6:00PM: Bike show awards 7:00PM: Games; Tire Toss, Keg Roll, Slow Race 8:30-10:00PM: Live Music TBD

Saturday August 8 Camping just five miles outside of town means easy trips for food, drink, supplies, etc.

4:00 - 10:00PM: Bar / Vending / Food / Tattoos / Sign up for games 4:00 - 6:00PM: Racing begins

Favorite Routes

Lake Crescent to Crescent Beach - Slow, scenic, twisty Hurricane Ridge - Twisty uphill with great views and trails at the top Foothills Trail - Off-road single track through slash and woods Bob’s Cycle Camp - Go meet our friend Bob in Forks!

Port Townsend - Killer victorian seaport town

Favorite places to eat or drink Bar: Bourbon West Brewery: Mighty Pine Breakfast: Graysons Burger: The Rail Ice Cream: Welly’s & Granny’s Pub Food: Next Door Gastropub High End Restaurant: 929 Woodfire Grill

Favorite places for supplies or parts

Closest supplies gas/beer/coffee to Campground (1 mile): Lower Elwha Fuel Harley Parts or Service: Olympic Powersports Groceries: Country Aire General Store: Swain’s

Favorite non-motorcycle activities Waterfall with zero hike: Madison Falls Easy Hike: Sol Duc Falls Moderate Hike: Striped Peak Loop Moderate/Hard Hike: Lake Angeles Hard Hike: Mt. Storm King Swimming Spot: Devil’s Punchbowl Saltwater Fishing: Neah Bay or Sekiu 70

6:00PM: Games; Tug-O-War, Arm Wrestling, Joint Rolling 8:30-10:00PM: Live Music with Crimewave 66 Port Angeles, WA: Where the Mountains Meet the Sea, as the town slogan goes. PA is a charming, but gritty jewel on the peninsula and has plenty of stuff to do, all the resources you could need and some of the nicest people you’ll ever find. It’s about 230 miles from Portland and there are several routes you can take that are more scenic than the obvious straight shot that Google will send you on. If you take the ferry from Seattle, it’s about a 83 mile ride and kinda fun to park your bike on a boat if you’ve never done it.

Don’t want that hassle? Riding around the Puget Sound is a good alternative and is still under 150 miles. For our BC friends, there is a ferry direct from Victoria, BC to Port Angeles. If you

consider the Warf at the end of Lincoln Street the center of town, our event site is five miles away.

The “Motofest” will be modeled after our Kernville Kampout, a super-fun weekend we’ve been doing in the Southern Sierras in California for over a decade. The entry fee covers camping for Friday and Saturday nights, plus free bike show entry, entry into the games, live music and a goodie bag when you check in. Camping is festival style, you just pick a spot and stake your claim. We will allow RV’s, trucks, etc. but there will be an extra fee for those vehicles.

See ya there!

Get More Info: www.biltwellinc.com/pages/motofest 71

Thanks for being part of the journey.