Unions protesting outside O.C.C Building!

Members of Local 19 of the Council of Carpenters, out of Rock Tavern, protest near the Orange County Choppers garage, near the intersection of Route 17K and Factory Street in the Village of Montgomery.Times Herald-Record/Alexa James

By Alexa JamesTimes Herald-Record August 23, 2007
Montgomery — Orange County Choppers is building its new world headquarters "off the backs of the little people," or so claims Sam Fratto, a union business agent.
He is with Local 363 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Earlier this month, he posted a video about the labor dispute on YouTube, an online video forum.
"They got scabs building this place," he tells the camera, broadcasting in front of the OCC construction site off Route 17K in the Town of Newburgh. "This is hurting Orange County businesses and families, people who really work for a living, not just act like jackasses and make millions of dollars."
Video from local labor union on the Orange County Choppers
In so many words, the people behind the Choppers project say it isn't so.
A spokesman for the Teutuls referred matters to Full Throttle Construction Management LLC, a domestic limited liability company formed in July 2006. Full Throttle project manager Henry Kroll said the company is independent of Orange County Choppers. However, the address Full Throttle lists with the Department of State is 10 Factory St. — the same address as the Choppers garage and offices.
Kroll said the world headquarters job is an open shop, and currently employs at least 50 percent union labor. "Everyone had an opportunity to bid on the project," he said. "We support everyone's right to work."
The electrical workers, along with the Empire State Regional Council of Carpenters, say they don't care who's hired to build the Choppers' chrome kingdom, as long as the contractor pays what the union deems as fair, standard wages.
Carpenters with Local 19 out of Rock Tavern earn about $45 an hour, benefits included, on a typical job. Paying less, the union argues, sets the bar lower for everyone.
In a letter last month from DECA Development Inc., a general contractor out of Lynbrook, to a representative from the carpenters, owner Russell Asch wrote, "I respect and applaud your efforts to keep the union area standards alive and well in the region. I am also sympathetic to your position, but I do not think that we will be able to come to a compromise if you cannot negotiate the rate of pay for the men."
Asch writes that negotiations were necessary for the contractor to meet its budget. "It is not about 'sticking it' to the union," Asch wrote, "or trying to degrade the area standards."
The unions' shame campaign has been gaining momentum around the Orange County. "Shame on you" signs and billboards have popped up in front lawns, near the Choppers' retail store in the Town of Montgomery and even alongside the road to their garage in the Village of Montgomery.
The union crews and anti-OCC propaganda have made a bizarre welcoming party for tourist bikers and fans of the Choppers' hit reality TV series, "American Chopper." A German tourist who stopped to talk with protesters along Route 17K told them he was a laborer, too, and, should he happen to meet the famous Paul Teutul Sr., would put in a good word for the carpenters.
Local 19 of the Council of Carpenters is planning a rally on Saturday at OCC's retail store off Route 17K in the Town of Montgomery. The protest will coincide with the store's third anniversary celebration.

INDIAN LARRY-Daring "LEGEND"

"Indian Larry (1949-2004)
Larry Desmedt, Genius motorcycle builder/artist, daredevil extraordinaire, and introspective philospher, will forever be known as Indian Larry. He remains the motorcycle world's most beloved figure. known equally for his wild antics, his gentleness and generosity, and for the radical bikes that refelected his carnvalesque character.
In Indian Larry The book, renowned photographer Timothy White pays tribute to a intimate friend, a riding companion and his most compelling photographic subject ever.








INDIAN LARRY, the book, By Timothy White, photographer-author COMING IN APRIL 2006

MATT HOTCH inducted into IMBBA

MATT HOTCH was inducted into the IMBBA "Hall of Fame" on May 10, 2006 check back real soon for more samples of his work which makes him truly a Master Bike Builder !
CHINGON !
MATT HOTCH
Originally from Minnesota, Matt Hotch has been building custom motorcycles since he was sixteen years old. This self-taught metal master has been known to build innovative and radical designs. With a philosophy like “perfection is possible,” Hotch has proven and earned respect as one of the premier custom bike builders, making this back to back Biker Build-Off Champion one of the motorcycle industries most sought-after Master Builders. His limitless imagination, artistic genius and flawless finish work guarantee his stay on the cutting edge of the custom bike building industry.
Matt Hotch started on two wheels by the time he turned ten and soon after he began building go-karts and mini-bikes in the garage of his parent’s house in Yorba Linda, California. By his teenage years Hotch would go through multiple Volkswagens; buying and parting them out. Not having a lot of money, Hotch would work on what he could get his hands on; junk and old scrap. He would have to learn how to make it work and eventually his “junk” would beat the fastest hot rods in town. With his drive and imagination Hotch soon became famous as being one of the most influential builders.
By the time Hotch turned thirty he had been winning the show circuit for years. In 2004, Hotch won his first Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off Championship with his genius design, Chingon which showcased his amazing ideas in a package that was exciting and ground-breaking. Hotch became the first and only Grand Champion after winning the 2005 Biker Build-Off for the second time in a row with the extreme retro design he dubbed VLux. Hotch’s family of customers appreciate that his motorcycles are true works of art. They are willing to spend large amounts of money and put themselves on an extensive waiting list to have the opportunity to own one of his legendary designs.
In the fall of 2006, Hotch will be participating and defending his title again in Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off. He is also sponsored by Monster Energy Drink and endorses various products such as DG Performance Hard Chrome exhaust pipes as well as a line of motorcycle mounted clocks and watches through a company called Formotion.
On Christmas Eve of 2005, Matt Hotch became a father. He currently resides in Fullerton, California with his wife Shayna and son Ryder.
MATT with "Famous Ride"

DOUG KEIM-IMBBA

Doug Keim, Certified IMBBA "Bike Builder" makes ready for Master Bike Builder Certification this fall!


Doug Keim, Bike builder Extraordinary, Completes his first Metric Custom Bike. Doug has joined the many in the International Master Bike Builders Association and is presently being interviewed for Master Bike Builder Certification. Here he will submit his biography, years of experience, samples of bikes built, along with any bikes he had in magazines and interview with members of the Board of the IMBBA. This although a formality where Doug's talents and skills are concerned. is one of the many aspects and procedures necessary to becoming certified by the association before officially bearing the title Master Bike Builder. When speaking to Doug and explaining the levels, education and knowledge base needed for the various certification levels the IMBBA has. Doug realized the importance to our industry and need for the IMBBA. He has pledge his support and will complete the certification process along with several other Builders now applying for certification. The results will be announced at Biketoberfest 07 in the Infield of the Daytona International Speedway.

CUSTOM-BUILT BOBBER By Matt Hotch...

Motorcycle - Custom-Built Bobber (Matt Hotch design)

Opening Bid:
$5,000.00
Leading Bid:
$17,700.00 by antisteev (reserve not met)
Number of Bids:
44 (bid history)
Online Open:
Sep 27, 2006 8:00 AM EDT
Online Close:
Nov 2, 2006 1:00 PM EST
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Item Number: 195
Estimated Value: $75,000.00
Description: Medalist Laserfab, Inc., a progressive fabricating company from Oshkosh, Wis. has enlisted the direction of Matt Hotch, two-time winner of Discovery Channel's "Biker Build-Off", to help them build this one-off bobber-style motorcycle. This bike is being custom-built and donated for this auction!Hotch has been hands-on in the design, construction, and ordering of quality parts from his suppliers for this sweet ride. Pictured is the bike in Hotch's shop during early stages of the build. More information and pictures will be posted soon. Follow regular updates of the bike being built on the Foundation site.
Special Instructions: Parts & Details: * 93 inch Shovelhead engine * Springer front fork * Flat black frame * Flat baby blue color * Metzler Rear Tire - ME880 XXL 200/50VR-18 3 * Metzler Front Tire - ME880 XXL 120/70V-21 2 * Rotors * Stator * Series Type Voltage Regulators * Custom 6 ½" Bottom-mount Headlight Assembly * Custom Regulator Mount - for 36-99 rigid motor mounts * Sprocket Brake Kit, 50 tooth, black caliper * Forward Controls-Black * Contour Single Flute Grips-Black * Single Cable Throttle Housing-Black * Contour Hydraulic Brake Master Cylinder 9/16"-Black * Contour Clutch Lever Assemblies-Black * Single Front Springer 13" * Seat * 13" Vader Rotor * 21 x 3 ½ Single Disc 60 Spoke * 18x 8 ½ Sproter 60 Spoke Flat Back * Forkstop Kit * Trans Plate * More parts to be added. ** In addition to purchase price, buyer is responsible for shipping LTL unless other arrangements are made. Business delivery is recommended. Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.Proceeds from your purchase benefit the FMA Foundation manufacturing camp and scholarship funds.