Builder Spotlight: Big Truth
Few names in the chopper world carry as much weight as Big Truth. Known for his work with Choppahead, his podcasting, and a lifelong devotion to motorcycles, Truth embodies the raw and unapologetic spirit of custom culture.
The Bikes
Truth’s stable is as eclectic as it is impressive: a 1956 Pan/Shovel Chopper affectionately named Zee Sex Panzer, a 1957 Panhead Trike “Rum Runner”, a 1969 Slab Shovel, a 2004 Night Train FXSTBI, and a 2022 Lowrider ST—his current daily rider, already heavily modded with plans for even more performance work. He also has a soft spot for legendary parts like Choppahead oil tanks and a rare OG Roth air scoop, which have become highlights in his collection.
The Races & The Rides
Despite never racing on a track, Truth still has his “V-Rod Slayer” moment. Riding his 1967 Triumph 650 chopper, he outmaneuvered a V-Rod on back roads—earning a story that still makes him grin. Beyond that, it’s the journeys and the chaos of events that stick with him: the wild, lawless days of the old Smoke Outs, the insanity of his first Flat Out Friday, and even old ice races that left their mark.
The Beginnings
His earliest memory of motorcycles came in the late ’70s, staring out the window of his dad’s car and seeing a pack of patch guys riding choppers. That vision became the blueprint for what he still sees as the perfect bike. By the time he bought his first chopper—a 1964 Triumph long bike—he was hooked. After getting his first repair bill from Don Hutchinson, he realized, “I gotta learn how to do this shit myself.” That was the beginning of his journey into building, wrenching, and shaping the culture alongside his friend Jay.
The Crashes & The Lessons
Like every rider, he has crash stories. One stands out: riding his friend Jay’s old Triumph pre-unit chopper while filming a Choppahead DVD. The kickstand spring failed mid-turn, pole vaulting him sideways down the road. Sliding in the gravel, he focused less on his own skin and more on saving the heirloom bike. Back at the shop, his buddy Ian from Blood for Blood poured whiskey on his road rash and tweezed out rocks—“sacrificing flesh for metal,” as Truth puts it.
The Life Beyond Bikes
Truth’s passions don’t stop with motorcycles. He’s always working on something—most recently dreaming up a backyard sauna. If money and time weren’t factors, he’d take a cross-country ride, recording podcasts along the way. His influences span far beyond bikes: books like Behold a Pale Horse, the chaos of punk bands like Cro-Mags, Discharge, and Blitz, and even hot rods, architecture, and film.
The Spirit of Choppahead
Through it all, Truth’s ethos is unwavering. Keep choppers anti-social, exclusive, and righteous. He gives props to his right-hand man Ryan at the shop, friends and collaborators like Paul Cox, Bobby Good Times, Timebomb Customs, and Lars Frederiksen, while throwing shade at the profiteers who treat the culture as a tourist stop. For Truth, this isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life.
Final Word from Big Truth:
“What’s the meaning of life? Nothing. Make the most of yours while you’re here."