For me, working on these old bikes feels like time traveling
My passion for motorcycles started as a kid, going to a local US car and bike show just outside our village. The varity of exotic adventure machines blew my mind. Then I knew I wanted to work with steel and machines.
So at age 18 I bought my first motorcycle. It was a 1973 Triumph Bonneville all in parts.
Out of that pile of parts I created my first home build chopper in my dad’s garage.
My internship in 2006 was at a motorcycle shop in the town Venlo. I was 19 years old and just got my motorcyle license. Before I finished my six month internship the shop offered me a job there as a mechanic and the option to do the study Motorcycle Mechanic one day a week, next to the 5 days a week working in the motorcycle shop. This became a six year study getting a degree in 2nd Motorcycle Mechanic, 1st Motorcycle Mechanic and Technical Specialist.
Somewhere in 2008 I created Just Fubar Motorcycles.
It was mainly a blog where I posted weekly stories and photos of the motorcycle trips I did and the bikes I was building in my dad's garage.
The chopper community here and far beyond was growing fast. And under the name of Just Fubar I visited many bike shows and events. An unforgettable time, I've met so many people and learned so much. (still do every day)
After more than seven years working for this motorcyle shop in Venlo, Ronnie from Ironpit Motorcycles invited me over to have a chat about a job at his custom build motorcycle shop. I worked there for four years, learning even more about Harley Davidson motorcycles, engine and transmission work and steel craftsmanship.
For me working on these old bikes feels like time traveling.
Each bike is a time capsule carrying its own story of the past. Even more when you build a bike from a heap of parts. Hearing those first clangs out of the exhaust pipes, makes me feel like I brought someone back from the death.
Keeping these machines rolling is a beautiful old craftsmanship that I am happy to share with you.
Over the years I’ve been on countless motorcycle trips in every corner of this beautiful globe. If I don’t have to take a flight to cross an ocean, I ride my own old panhead as far as I can to find the best campspot, most far out mountain pass or nice pub for a cold beer and meet some nice people.
Sharing the love for traveling, nature, mechanical stuff and just having a good time.
End 0f 2018 I felt I was ready for a new adventure and I started Just Fubar Motorcycles in Amsterdam. An officially registered company. The workshop was growing fast. This gave me even more freedom to work on beautiful bikes, meet great people and travel all over the place.
After a wonderful time in Amsterdam I am running my shop currently in the South East of the Netherlands. Close to the village where I grew up. And where I have my family close.
I hope to see you here or there.
Love, René
