Retrospective—The 2018 One Motorcycle Show
- Images by Shawn Glad
The One Motorcycle Show, now in its ninth year, brought together an eclectic mix of over 180 custom motorcycles. Hosted in The Pickle Factory, in North Portland, the event was meticulously organized by See See Motor Coffee Co. Spanning over a weekend from February 9-11, the show transformed this abandoned industrial space into a vibrant exhibition, featuring two floors densely packed with an array of custom motorcycles.
The theme focused on the history and evolution of motorcycles, featuring a range of bikes from vintage classics to modern custom builds. This retrospective approach highlighted the development of motorcycle technology and design through the decades.
The One Motorcycle Show is a must see event if you haven’t been already. Some highlights from my photos are below. Cheers!
This 1969 Honda CB350 Chopper, aka the Honey Wagon by Rawhide Cycles, takes its inspiration from the iconic custom motorcycles of the 1960s and mirroring the unique stance of Triumph choppers from the same era. It features a 21” Borrani rim on the front and an 18” rim on the back, blending traditional design with contemporary practicality. The Honey Wagon is also fitted with a custom tray designed to hold a 6-pack of your favorite beverage.
This 1971 BSA A65, affectionately known as “The Manipulated,” was built by J. Shia and Michael Ulman of Madhouse Motors. The rear cowl, sourced from a Boston storm drain, adds a touch of local history to its resourceful design. Exposed welds throughout the bike contribute to the aesthetic, emphasizing a raw and authentic character.
This 2016 Harley Davidson Shovelhead by Mark Shell, caught a lot of eyeballs for its distinctive style and custom features. Shell’s vision for this motorcycle encompasses a range of custom bits that elevate its appeal, including a hardtail conversion and a springer front end.
This 1946 Matchless 350, by Rick Bargholz holds a record at the AMA Land Speed Grand Championship at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
This mid-30’s Norton Motorcycle looks like it may be a 1935 ES 2, judging from the engine serial number. It also appears to be a mostly original survivor — the patina on the fuel tank is a bit of give-away in that respect.
This 1960 Harley Davidson Super 10, by Jack Burrows, utilizes a 1964 Harley-Davidson Scat frame and the front end features an original 1948 Harley-Davidson pressed steel girder, further modified with a five elastic band shock system.
This 1984 KZ 1300, by Carl Bjorkland of Super Rat, embodies the spirit of “built for speed and performance.” The association with Super Rat—a name synonymous with building motorcycles designed to challenge and break world land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, speaks volumes about the capabilities and intentions for this machine.
This 2013 Harley Davidson Knucklehead, by Old E Metal Works incorporates a hardtail frame and a springer front end. Distinctively, it also has an unpainted finish, displaying the raw beauty and craftsmanship of the metalwork. This design choice not only highlights the bike’s steampunk charm but also a canvas for a patina that will inevitably develop over time.