In November 2003 I had the pleasure of interviewing the Late Indian Larry. We became fast friends and talked to each other often up until his untimely Death. He was in my humble opinion the greatest master motrocycle fabricator on the planet. He was truly a visionary way ahead of his time and is single handly responsible for reviving the BOBBER STYLE CHOPPER.

DonV : Who is the one person that influenced you the most?
Larry:  Ed Roth was my biggest influence! I met him in the 60's,when I went to California as a starry eyed kid to try to work for him. But unfortunately he told me "you have no California experience kid"! So he sent me off to work for a great car painter and friend of his, Larry Watson. I worked for Larry doing prep work and finally returned to New York still in pursuit of my dream. But the influences of Big Daddy stuck with me because he was the type that did not worry about what others thought and just built what he liked and that is what I do. "I simply don't care what others do", and now most of the bikes I build range in price from 60,000 to 100,000 dollars. I do things my way from concept to completion.

DonV: What do you feel is the most important detail when building a custom Bike?
Larry: Number 1 is to give the buyer exactly what he or she wants detail by detail. A custom bike should accommodate the person riding it. and be ergonomically correct for that person. I feel a rigid frame is the best and the bike should be striped of all non functional components to make it nibble to the touch for quick response and speed. Choppers are living art and all the moving parts should be visible to the eye. I don’t understand what some of the builders around the country are trying to accomplish by hiding the works of their bikes under sheet metal.

DonV: What are your favorite motors to use?
Larry: Well Don 96 to 106 CI motors are perfect and among the most popular,but I have gone all the way up to 126 CI. I use mostly S&S components because they are well made and the oldest company reproducing Harley engines. I also Like Patrick Racing engines when the need arises. Most of the motors I use are sand cast shovels and Pans. A 106 CI COMBO shovel-pan motor with dual carbs is my favorite motor of them all.

DonV: Your seats are very low to the ground, do you feel this helps the rider get in tune with the bike beneath him?
Larry: It provides a low center of gravity and helps tremendously when cornering. The rigid factor of the frame allows for a cool comfortable overall feeling. It also allows the rider to be as one with the machine. This to me is the best the way to build a chopper.

DonV: Are all your Bikes Hardtails?
Larry: No, I build both styles of Choppers, but the rigid is my favorite. I have no problem riding 300 miles a day on one. Ergonomics are a big factor with me because 1^st and foremost the ride has to be comfortable. So many people have told me the rigid frame is bad for the back, but the opposite applies with me. I feel a rigid is good for the back and is very comfortable.

DonV: Of all the bikes you have built do you have a favorite?
Larry: The Rat Fink dedication bike is one of my favorites, but the wild child bike I built for the chopper build off with Billy Lane is also. It has a pan front and a shovel rear and the main thing was to make them both work together for smooth consistent power. I guess really you could say all of the bikes I have built are favorites of mine and 1 of a kind. I loved building them all.

DonV: Do you have a favorite hang out in Daytona?
Larry: After finishing the day I like to head out of the city and ride to St, Augustine or someplace where I can relax, get a good meal and take a swim if possible. I love all my fans and wish to meet them all but I need to regroup for the next day and find a nice long ride is the perfect medicine.

DonV: What is your favorite event to attend?
Larry: I like them all but I feel Daytona, Myrtle Beach and Sturgis are the best.

DonV: Are custom cars also a passion with you Larry?
Larry: I used to build a lot of cars. I am a real gear head at heart. But I found myself most passionate about creating by combining the 2 and building Hot Rod Race Bikes.

DonV: What kinds of stunts do you perform?
Larry: I do the triple firewall crash, stand on the seat at 55+, ride with no hands, wheelies and lay down on the bike seat backwards.

DonV: Have you ever ridden the WALL OF DEATH?
Larry: Not yet but it would really mean a lot to me. I would love to do it with your friend Samantha Morgan Don!