# My Journey with Motorcycles: Passion, Engineering, and the Thrill of the Ride

There's something uniquely special about the people who ride motorcycles. I can often tell a motorcyclist before they even mention their bike. For us, motorcycles are more than just a mode of transportation—they represent freedom, flexibility, and a desire to escape the mundane. Riders are balanced individuals, who, more often than not, just want to hit the open road, disconnect from the digital world, and find time for themselves.

My journey began when I was just 16, starting as an apprentice in a renowned race shop, Northcott Motorcycles, which had been a staple in the industry for over 30 years. It was here that I honed my skills in engineering, learning to grind cams, bore engines, and machine cylinder heads. Surrounded by Superbike engine builders and drag racers, I absorbed everything about building fast, high-performance motors.

My first bike was an XR100, a machine I still hold dear. I transitioned from racing Hondas, specifically the CR models of the late '80s and early '90s, to Suzuki's, which captivated me with their stunning designs and performance. The GSX-Rs of the '90s were particularly exciting, especially with the vibrant motorcycle scene in Sydney at the time.

A significant turning point in my career came when I joined Fraser Motorcycles, the Harley importers. Riding a brand new Harley and installing a camshaft in it was a game-changer for me. It wasn't just about the bike; it was about the culture and the image it projected, which resonated deeply with me as a young man seeking coolness and identity.

One of my proudest achievements was building one of the first modern-day choppers in 2000. Inspired by Arlen Ness in America, I decided to heavily modify a bike with a custom frame, tank, and oversized wheels. Supercharging it with a Roots blower, the bike became a head-turner, drawing crowds wherever I rode it.

The most meaningful build of my career, however, was a custom bagger I created in 2010 after the tragic loss of my son to cancer. A friend commissioned me to build the ultimate bagger, one that was subtle yet striking. I focused on enhancing the Road King without losing its essence. This bike featured $10,000 worth of first-grade crocodile skin, handmade steel bags covered in leather, and a meticulously crafted front end. This project, which took about three months, helped me reconnect with my passion for motorcycles during a very difficult time.

This custom bagger received widespread acclaim, even earning praise from the head of Harley Australia. With 160 horsepower and 150 foot-pounds of torque, it became a showpiece, featured in international catalogs and magazines for top aftermarket companies like Vance & Hines and ProCharger.

Currently, my focus has shifted towards working with Indian motorcycles, developing engine parts and big bore kits. I've also returned to my roots, machining and building custom parts due to global supply shortages. This hands-on work is both challenging and rewarding, allowing me to create unique, high-performance packages.

Drag racing has always been a passion of mine. The allure of Nitro Harley racing, with its explosive power and intense acceleration, captivated me from the start. After riding a V-Rod Destroyer and achieving a nine-second pass, I set my sights on breaking world records. My goal is to be the first to push a Harley into the five-second zone, and I'm closer than ever to achieving it.

Riding a Nitro Harley is an unparalleled experience. With over 2,000 horsepower and the ability to reach 145 km/h in one second, it's a thrilling and terrifying ride. The respect I have for these machines keeps me grounded, knowing that every ride demands my utmost focus and respect.

This journey, filled with passion, engineering, and the sheer joy of riding, continues to drive me. Whether I'm building custom bikes, developing new parts, or racing at breakneck speeds, my love for motorcycles remains as strong as ever.