From the Fall 2010 issue of Street Chopper Magazine.
Editor's Note: Jeff Wright is one talented and busy human being. Not only does he play daddy day care during the day, he also runs and owns several local business in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. On top of that, he somehow manages to run a website as well as a clothing company, build all types of motorcycles, manage several bars, and race his homebuilt two-wheeled contraptions. We sat down with a rather tired Mr. Wright after he rode out to SoCal from Iowa to hit some West Coast events. This is what he had to say.
Who got you into motorcycles?
I never wanted to ride skateboards. I never wanted to ride bicycles. All I ever wanted and still want to do is ride motorcycles. When I was 8 I stole $75 from my Peruvian soccer player stepdad, went down the street and bought a used XR75. I kept that bike at the neighbor's house for about a week before the cops busted me riding on the street. It's funny because I don't think the word motorcycle was in any of my family's vocabulary, let alone influencing me. It's in my blood and I don't know how it got there.
I have three kids. My first son, who is 9, likes motorcycles just because I do; my second is a beautiful 6-year-old girl who changes outfits every hour and couldn't give a shit about bikes. My third is a 2-year-old boy named Hank. I took him to the shop when he around one; it was a fast pit stop to pick something up or drop something off, I don't remember exactly what. However I do remember the look on his face when he saw all the motorcycles. Wide eyed, mouth open, completely engrossed. At the time it really hit me-I didn't get it from anywhere or anyone, it's in my blood, just like Hank.
What kind of motorcycles do you like? I heard rumors you're not very brand-specific.
I have raced both streetbikes and dirt bikes. Harleys to Ducatis, and Ossas to KTMs. I am not brand or cylinder loyal. I would not ride a long board in a pool, nor would I bring a knife to a gunfight. Your bike should fit how and where you ride.
If I'm out bar hopping with my friends, a chopper is my choice. If I'm riding to Cali, I want a race bike. Regardless of brand, I like well-running tight machines.
The bike you rode from your house in Des Moines to L.A.-it looked old but we spotted a newer motor.
That bike is a 2009 Kawasaki ZX10R with old KR fiberglass fitted. I wanted a bike that spits fire, but without the soulless look. Every time I ride that bike I am amazed, scared, and tickled shitless. I can go anywhere in the state of Iowa speeding and never have to leave second gear. If a deer steps in front of me, I can also stop.
What current project bikes are you working on?
I'm building a Moto Guzzi Street Fighter, an '80s GS1000, a Sportster, a Shovel chopper, and a 1976 FLH for the Brooklyn Invitational.
About an hour ago I put new bars on a Honda XR and changed its oil.
There will and as always be something on the bench at Church of Choppers.
Are you into period-correct or non-period-correct bikes? Or do you care?
As long as it has two wheels. Seriously, I don't give a shit about any of that.
I just picked up a 1986 GSXR750 that I'm going to make into a period-correct endurance race bike for the street. A true period-correct bike just means you're a good shopper with money anyway.
Who influences you outside the motorcycle world?
Loretta Lynn, Bansky, Glen Barr, the Japanese, Europe, John Wayne, and "iCarley." I watch it with my daughter all the time. The colors on that show rule.
Who are your influences in the motorcycle world?
"Pops" Yoshimura, Tom Fugle, Roland Sands, Shinya Kimura, Brandon of Brawny Built, Joey Dunlop, the Bench Mark guys, Gary Inman, Vise, Ken's Factory, Dave Park, Hot Docks, Japanese, and Chopper Dave. These are people I look up to and respect their work.
What direction do you think the chopper is heading?
It's moving to be more open to anything. I see Harley guys riding rice and vice versa. It seems like everyone's friendlier to diversity than before. To me, that's a good thing. But I also see change for the worse. Guys out there pick up old "barn choppers" clean them up, add a few things, then take them to shows like they built it and win a trophy. That's seriously lame. It's you and the bike. That's it. After that sinks in, melted sidewalls mean a lot more then any paint. Choppers will never die, they are just too cool.