Builder Spotlight - Jordan Dickinson
We thought it would be fun to ask our builders to answer some questions so we can get to know them a bit better. Below you will find their un-edited responses & some photos that represent them and their work/life.. Show these folks some love!! Say hello when you see them in the crowd at the Show!
First Name:
Jordan
Last Name:
Dickinson
Name Of Shop/Business/Nickname (If you don't have one, type NONE):
Union Speed and Style
Instagram Handle (Please use the @ symbol in front of it):
@Pineapple_jay
Website Address (Type NONE if you don't have one):
www.Unionspeedandstyle.com
Best Motorcycle Crash? Good or Bad? Still riding afterwards?:
Admittedly I crashed a scooter in a parking lot once. Blew the shoes right off my feet.
Favorite part you have ever used, fabricated or bought?:
My favorite part I’ve fabricated is always the next one.
Best Track you have ever ridden on? Why?:
It’s hard to beat riding dirt bikes in the country with friends.
Best Experience at a motorcycle event? Which Event? (Please don't feel like you have to say MT/FOF. This is not about that!):
Born Free 5 was a wild ride trying to get out to the show that year. The show itself was a riot but I think the trip out is what was so much fun for me. Drove out after thrashing to finish a bike for the show completely sleep deprived with my brother and two of our really good friends. It’s like the universe didn’t want us to go, the radiator blew up, then the tranny seal went and we barely made it into California. By all accounts it was filled with absolute shit luck but those always seem to be the trips I remember most. It’s all about having the right company around, we still had fun.
Rank your TOP Motorcycle activities. Street? Bar-Hopping? Flat Track Racing? Single Track? FMX? Ice Racing? Looking cool in front of the ladies and or gentleman? (Choices not limited to these suggestions):
Favorite motorcycle activity is building, designing, and fabricating them. I genuinely enjoy that as much as I do riding, and I absolutely love riding!
What is your earliest memory related to motorcycles?:
Or what was your first moto/mini bike? Do you still have it?:
First time I ever rode I was probably 11 or 12? My buddy let me ride his dirt bike and I pulled the classic all gas, drop the clutch, accidental wheelie, to running behind the bike and narrowly missed a tree. I DID NOT put it down though, I was able to jump back on after a couple of steps and we took off down the trail.
How did you get started fabricating/painting/building/collecting?:
Grew up around it and always knew this was what I wanted out of life.
If you could invite a Builder/Bike to Mama Tried, who would that be?:
Jeff Decker has a pretty cool collection of bikes, wouldn’t mind seeing his Crocker in Milwaukee.
What other stuff influences you? Books, architecture, cooking, painting, hot rods, movies, etc?:
Definitely love old buildings and just generally old steel construction techniques. Oftentimes when we are on road trips I will geek out on bridges. Specifically big steel bridges with tons of rivets.
If you could travel to any country, where would you go and why? (This could be a place you’ve already been):
I’ve always wanted to check out Russia. Looks like there’s some really amazing spots there. Plus I heard they have a league of bears that play hockey, definitely on the to do list.
If you had 6 months where you didn’t have to worry about financial, professional or personal obligations, what would you want to do with that time?:
Honestly I love my day to day, I wouldn’t change anything about it. But if I had zero obligations or financial concerns whatsoever, I would probably pack up the essentials and hit the road. No plan or agenda, just end up where I end up and exist in that space until I don’t want to anymore.
Favorite book that comes to mind?:
Recently I’ve been reading this book called Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake. It’s all about fungi and how interconnected it is with nature and the world around us. If you want to blow your mind to outer space go ahead and pick that one up.
If you had an unlimited budget, what bike would you buy/build?:
To buy: The Petrali land speed knucklehead that’s sitting in the Harley museum.
To build: I have this drag bike inspired build that’s been kicking around in my head for a while. Make my own cylinders/heads and I have this supercharger and intake design I came up with that I would really love to put on a build like that someday. Everything one off and hand made (frame, tins, front end).
What's your most memorable road trip and why? And what items do you always bring?:
I had a lot of fun on a road trip a big group of us took from St. Paul down to Des Moines for the last dice party at Kung Fu Tap and Taco. That shit was fun and I wish they were still happening.
Favorite sandwich?:
Ham and pastrami with provolone and fried onions. Now I’m hungry, thanks guys.
3 favorite bands (off the top of your head)?:
Currently really been into this band called Eastern High. Lamb of god and Mastodon are on a pretty heavy rotation when I’m working.