Von Dutch - Old Skewl Kewl

You know, we almost missed it; Temecula Valley Choppers (TVC) is hidden of sorts, like a chopper treasure store waiting to be found. Of course, the locals know it well. In reality, if you were to stroll Temecula’s Old Town Front Street for a few minutes, TVC would reveal itself with the roar of a continuous stream of hot custom bikes running in and out of the place. We found it with a small sign street side that simply said “choppers” with an arrow pointing to the back side of a business park along highway 15 (or as the locals say… “The 15″). Needless to say, I’m a fan of the style of bikes these guys inventory, and as you’ve probably figured out by now, this place is pretty cool.

The Von Dutch influence is everywhere here. Literally, most everything at TVC has been touched by the famous Flying Eye.

TVC carries a couple of brands in particular that are amazingly beautiful and I couldn’t help but be taken in by their beauty. The Von Dutch Kustom Cycles and the Big Bear Choppers showcased at TVC are cool, in completely different ways.

Von Dutch, aka Kenneth Howard, was a California legend in the heart of custom bikes and hot rod cars during the 40’s and 50’s. He helped re-define the custom culture movement that is experiencing a strong resurgence today. Von Dutch is the agreed by many to be the original innovator of free hand pinstriping.

Von Dutch Kustom Cycles is a licensed motorcycle manufacturer of American V-Twin Choppers, Diggers, Cruisers and Accessories. Their motorcycle designs are the result of creative expression, extensive product development and solid state components. The results are a measured outcome of disciplined manufacturing processes focused upon the expertise of hand craftsmanship with one thing in mind, quality. And it shows. I’ve seen a lot of bikes, especially production choppers, and I can tell you, these bikes are drenched of detail. Zeak’s Designs is their primary custom painter. Zeak has painted more than 10,000. motorcycles and is renowned for his free hand prinstriping and quality of his work. Zeak’s skilled team utilizes the latest House of Kolor premium finishes. It’s obvious that Von Dutch Kustom Cycles are as much art as motorcycle.

You know you want to ride her, but remember - there are no front brakes on these babies.

Old Skewl Kewl bathed in great paint and pinstripes. These bikes have tons of detail in pretty much every regard.

Yah, that’s a suicide shifter just over the belt drive. This bike will keep your attention on the ride.

Click here to visit Von Dutch Kustom Cycles.

A beautiful selection of Big Bear Choppers, out of Big Bear Lake, CA, were on display as well. I’m a huge fan of their Sled 300 ProStreet, which is designed to look fast and sleek, with a a seat hight of only 19″. Traveling down a winding road just inches off the ground has to be a total rush! These things come stock with a 100″ motor, and they’ll put a S&S 124″ 130 HP drive train in there if you want. And chrome - lots of it. Don’t think we didn’t notice the paint; their stock paint jobs are beautifully designed and well executed. Big Bear Choppers collaborates with Aggressive Designs from Santa Ana, CA for all of their custom paint for their builds unless the customer specifies otherwise. Custom paint jobs are available and are designed and quoted individually.

Big Bear Choppers also offers many of their bikes in kit form. Here’s your chance to build and paint your own. Check ‘em out by clicking here.

Visit Temecula Valley Choppers next time you’re in Temecula at 28860 Old Town Front Street, Suite B6, Temecula, CA 92500, or call Larry Kane at (951) 693-5206 for more info on their store or click here to visit them online.