G GEORGE PAPPAS
eorge’s journey as a motorcycle enthusiast started with his first bike, a 1967 BSA Thunderbolt. It was in high school where he became fascinated with the lifestyle and mystique that surrounded motorcycles. His friend’s dad, who was rebuilding a 1938 Flathead, played a big role in fueling George’s interest in the machines. As they hung out with a group of older riders in Texas, George saw how motorcycles and the party lifestyle went hand in hand. This only strengthened his fascination and desire to be part of the scene.
Though he couldn’t afford a Harley straight away, he began buying parts for his dream machine. Eventually, he managed to purchase an 80-cubic-inch Shovelhead motor and a rolling chassis. Along the way, he switched frames to a Jammer, a 70s Rigid frame, and added a 67 Wide Glide front end with a suicide shifter and a solo seat. His first BSA was eventually traded for a guitar, but he
got another BSA before he had enough money to finish his dream bike.
George moved to Virginia with his beloved motorcycle, which he kept for over 20 years. Within these 20 years the wide glide was replaced with an original but fork stem modified 45 c.i. type springer, Crane fireball cam and a Morris M5 magneto. However, he eventually sold it, which allowed him to take a shot at getting a picture next to the ZZ Top tour bus. His opportunity came when he traveled to Pensacola in 1990, where he spotted the band’s tour bus. Without hesitation and being from Texas, he asked the bus driver to take a picture of him and his bike. He had a 35mm camera at the time and knew that the Texas band was in town, so he was excited about the chance. George’s passion for motorcycles and rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle has brought him some memorable moments that have featured George on his bike in SuperCycle, iron horse and Outlaw Biker magazines.
George’s latest undertaking is the 88 FXRS stroker project, boasting a powerful 124 cubic inch S&S motor with a Baker 6 speed transmission. This machine has been revamped with a GSXR 1000 front end courtesy of Giga cycle. It’s essentially a bona fide hot rod. The bike had suffered severe leaks during its conception from its main seal and after seeking help from a Harley dealer, who stated it was irreparable, George enlisted the aid of multiple companies due to his battery terminal continuously melting. He decided to upgrade the entire transmission, switching from a tapered to a spline shaft, installing a two-kilowatt CompuFire Gen III starter and upgrading the primary for a better start. Additionally, he added a BDL 3 inch belt drive. Soon after completion a light weight USA produced Braille lithium ion battery replaced the AGM battery. It’s no wonder George has won two trophies for two consecutive years, winning the Cycle Source “Best Performance” division at the Texas Lone Star rally.
George’s love for riding has been a focal point of his life, as he reminisces about the countless unforgettable memories that he has made, especially during his cross-country trip to an Easyriders rodeo with his buddy, Mike Cole on an Ultra Classic, the duo rode from Virginia Beach to Texas on George’s 78 shovelhead rigid frame, stopping at places like New Orleans to grab some drinks before heading towards the Texas border in the middle of the night. George vividly recalls passing out from exhaustion on a park bench at a rest stop at 6 AM. Getting through Houston during the trip, his battery blew up, and Mike Cole had to push his bike down the gulf freeway with his foot pressed on the back of Georges peg like in a picture by David Man pushing the bike to a bike shop in Galveston County.
Having witnessed the growth of the chopper scene, George plans to build a Sugar Bear bike as he prepares to retire. He has already ordered a Sugar Bear frame and front end, and he plans to put a shovel head in it, opting to avoid panheads as they are too fragile for him.
He is even contemplating getting a cone shovel instead of a flat side shovel. George’s latest memorable riding adventures have been with his high school friend, which they have been riding to Sturgis for the past couple of years. They rode through Colorado and reached the summit of Pikes Peak. It’s worth noting that George was riding a V rod night rod special, which is quite incredible, given the bikes he has built. Although some Harley enthusiasts don’t consider V Rods to be true Harleys, George loves the bike and its cool drag bike look. STROKR Magazine seems to agree, but they also believe that two wheels are always better than none. Aside from building beautiful bikes, George has been in a blues band that won the Houston Blues competition in 2007. The band was sent to Memphis to compete in the International Blues competition (IBC). George plays guitar and keyboards, and he occasionally would switch to guitar or keyboard halfway through a song. Although the band disbanded four or five years ago, George still plays both instruments and may start another band when he retires. Photography has been a passion of George’s since 1980, with Mike Cole as his mentor. He also grew up sailing with his parents every weekend, and his dad was a Navy captain of a destroyer. George and his dad would race their boats in Galveston Bay, with his dad owning some pretty impressive boats. George himself would race in 14-foot lasers, Olympic-class boats, until 2000. Unfortunately, George’s dad passed away due to COVID-related complications at the age of 92.
What’s more impressive is that George holds the position of head chemist at a chemical plant in Houston. After moving to Florida in 1990, his father suggested he enter the environmental industry, given his extensive experience in land surveying. George pursued a chemistry degree at University of West University and has spent the last 30 years conducting research. Today, he holds the esteemed position of Principal Chemist, which is one of the highest ranks in the field of science.
ART CORNER
Artist: Mike Cole
