The Motorcycle Archives

Mark Jarel Is Building Everything!Before we get into it — this episode is brought to you by MotoTote. Head to mototote.com/MOTOARCHIVES for 10% off your order.I got invited into his shop in the San Fernando Valley, and within the first five minutes I knew this was going to be a different kind of conversation. The man has vintage flathead Harleys, a 1939 Indian Sport Scout, slot car tracks he's sold for $20,000 a piece, vintage go karts that do 70 miles an hour, a 1949 Crown travel trailer, a custom sports car he's building from a wooden buck — and right in the middle of it all, a Yamaha RD400 that's becoming something I've never quite seen before.Mark is a hobbyist in the truest sense of the word. Not a collector. Not a restorer. A builder. And the way he talks about it — three projects going at a time, bouncing between them when one hits a wall, no TV for 25 years — it hit different. This is a man who figured out a long time ago that building things is the antidote to everything.We talked about how it all started — his parents building their own toys because they couldn't afford to buy them, a 400-pound welder with a visible butt crack charging him $50 to weld a bicycle frame, and the moment Mark decided he was going to be smarter than that guy. He bought a welder, taught himself, and never looked back.The RD400 build is wild. It started as a land speed record bike someone gave him — ugly as sin, but with a solid, never-run 1983 engine inside. Mark stripped it, cut the frame, and built something entirely new around that motor. Part 70s drag bike, part road race sidecar outfit, with a working brake wing (does it help aerodynamically? Probably not. Does it look insane? Absolutely), a nitrous purge system for when he rolls into shows, a sidecar nose made from a vintage go kart and a wheel pod off a 1960 Cessna airplane. He made the tank out of cardboard templates first. He drilled out the rear brake for lightness. Does it really matter? Nope. But it sure looks cool — and that's the whole point.We also got into his racing days at Muroc Dry Lake, a land speed record he still holds, racing a 1965 Ducati GP bike at Willow Springs, and why he stopped racing the day his son was born. His kid ended up building his own motorcycle at 13, taking third at a build-off, and now rides a '65 BSA Lightning. The apple didn't fall far.And then there's the slot car tracks. Nine of them built and sold. One in Florida, one in Iowa, one in Hawaii. Each one a rolling diorama that fits inside an enclosed trailer, with figures, landscapes, a dog about to pee on something, and a pedestrian mooning the track. The man is serious about the details.The thing that stuck with me most was something Mark said near the end — if you can imagine it, we can build it. His son told him that in the middle of an Iron Man movie when he was five years old. They went home and built a helmet. That's the whole philosophy right there.Topics covered in this episode:Building a Yamaha RD400 into a 70s drag/sidecar race bike hybridWhy Mark gravitates toward 45 flathead Harleys and their historyThe WWII connection that made flatheads the most widely produced motorcycle engine in historyVintage go kart racing and holding a land speed record at Muroc Dry LakeBuilding slot car tracks from scratch — and selling them for $20kWhat it means to raise a kid around building thingsVintage travel trailer rallies and the community that keeps showing upWhy three projects at once is the secret to staying saneConnect with Mark: https://www.instagram.com/jarelbuilt/Follow Moto Archives:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMotorcycleArchivesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/motoarchives/motoarchives.com

Matt Tyree, a metal fabricator and all-around car builder, specializes in hot rods and classic American muscle cars. I've had the pleasure of knowing Matt for years, and even had the opportunity to work at his shop for a brief time. One thing he's never forgotten is all the people who helped shape who he is and supported him on the road to building his business from the ground up.A family man with a ton of experience for his age, Matt brings a “whatever it takes” mindset to running his shop and is a testament to how much he's grown over the years. I'm incredibly honored to share this episode with you guys.His shop, Tyree Customs, is located on Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Southern California.Follow Matt and his shop @tyree_customsSupport the podcast!www.motoarchives.com⁠Business Inquiries → ⁠nathaniel@motoarchives.com⁠

Elliot Delapré is at the helm of Le Hangar 23, carrying forward the legacy of Triumph Classic Motorcycles with his deep passion for vintage British bikes. As both a builder and racer of classic Triumphs, Elliot combines hands-on expertise with a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of the past. Under his leadership, Le Hangar 23 has become more than just a restoration shop—it's a hub for preserving and celebrating the golden era of British motorcycles, a place to hangout and share laughs as well. With a team of skilled mechanics spanning generations, Elliot, Tink, Jack and Harry ensure that each bike is restored with the same precision and dedication that made Triumph motorcycles legendary.https://www.lehangar23.com/Specializing in Triumph twins from 1968 to 1970—considered the pinnacle of British motorcycle engineering—Elliot and his team bring these machines back to life, blending period-correct restoration techniques with modern reliability. Beyond restorations, Le Hangar 23 also offers expert maintenance and repair services for vintage British motorcycles.When not working in the shop, Elliot can be found racing vintage Triumphs, keeping the competitive spirit of these machines alive.⁠www.motoarchives.com⁠

David Zvarich has a YouTube channel called Z's Garage where he modifies bikes, gives tips and educates his audience on his builds. With a background in law enforcement, David reflects on the challenges he faced on the job and how tough it is to not bring that home.He is currently building a 1975 Honda CB750F cafe racer for a series on his show called “The Peoples Build” where his audience decides what style of modifications he adds to the bike. I recommend checking out his channel and engaging with him in the comments. His positivity and energy is infectious and I appreciate him for welcoming me and my dog (Rex) into his home.Follow us on Youtube and Instagram @motoarchives

Andy Carter of Pangea Speed, a passionate creator and devoted member of the custom chopper community. Andy has spent years building and riding custom motorcycles while sharing his knowledge and love for the craft with others. In this episode, we dive into Andy's journey, from wrenching on old Harleys to writing California Gold Book, a guide that captures the ethos and design philosophy of owning, building, and maintaining a classic chopper. Andy's warm and welcoming personality shines through as we chat about the reality of vintage motorcycles—20% riding, 80% wrenching—and the sense of accomplishment that comes from bringing a bike to life. Andy is such a welcoming, friendly soul. Spending time with him at his shop and even conversing with him since shows how great of a person he is. Join us as we explore Andy's world, his bikes, and the timeless joy of building something with your own hands. Follow us on Youtube and Instagram @motoarchives

Adri Law is a freelance photographer and Founder of REUNION & Art Director/Co-Founder of PARADISE ROAD SHOW - both classic car shows that aim to provide a community for vintage car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Native to LA riding a sportster and driving a mint '65 Ford Ranchero, Adri doesn't set trends, she conjures a style that harkens to the past that remains true to herself and won't go old. Timeless. I really admire her work and appreciate her conversation.

Son Mai, creator of LNSPLTBLVD, and self taught motorcycle builder from San Jose. From his custom choppers down to his workshop, he keeps things extremely organized, and I really admire that. He is a family man, an entrepreneur, an immigrant, and a truly welcoming guy. There's no gatekeeping, and there's no ego in the way—Son is the type of guy who would ride a Honda Monkey one day and then hop on a big twin chopper the next. He's literally building a Honda Rebel 250 chopper at this moment.

Yama Azim, a self-taught motorcycle builder based in San Francisco's Bayview, unveils his journey with 947 Works, previously known as Mazi Moto. He emphasizes the significance of spirituality, community, and the honor of crafting motorcycles in a city with a profound history of choppers and custom bikes. Despite battling depression, social media's comparison pressures, and the escalating cost of living affecting his business, Yama's optimism and congeniality shine through. He discusses how motorcycles deepen his appreciation for the world's divine aspects and the essence of humanity. I'm grateful for the privilege to share his story.

Robert Martinez, a dedicated motorcycle enthusiast based out of a modest apartment garage in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, embodies the true spirit of motorcycle restoration and the deep, personal connections that come with it. In our latest conversation, Robert shared his heartfelt journey of restoring his father's cherished 1962 panhead chopper. His mission is more than mechanical; it's a tribute to his late father, aiming to honor his memory by riding the revived chopper to Sequoia National Park to spread his ashes. Throughout our discussion, what truly resonated was Robert's humility and the pride he takes in this project, reflecting not just a passion for motorcycles but a commitment to preserving family legacy. He delves into how this endeavor is not only about reconnecting with his father's spirit but also about imparting the same values and perspectives to his children. Robert's approach to life and motorcycling is refreshingly straightforward - it's not about being fancy or rich; it's about the joy of the ride and the stories we create along the way. Robert's story is a poignant reminder of the bonds we forge, both with the machines we cherish and the loved ones we remember. His narrative, steeped in authenticity and a deep-seated love for motorcycle culture, offers a compelling glimpse into the soulful side of motorcycling. I'm honored to share our conversation, and I hope it inspires you as much as it has inspired me.

Ryan Cox, a Los Angeles-based motorcycle builder, showcases the incredible potential of crafting show bikes in a humble home garage. As an invited builder for this year's Born Free 15, he is building upon a 1940 UL HD Flathead. Ryan shares the moving story of losing his friend Troy Critchlow, the founder of the annual Death Valley Chopper Run, and how he and his close friends now organize it in Troy's memory. Ryan's stoic personality and unmatched work ethic illuminate his profound connection to motorcycle culture, making for an unforgettable episode. I'm grateful to have had this conversation with Ryan, and I appreciate you being here with me. View the film here: https://youtu.be/lDJVa3--YVA

Peter Marquez, an engineer and self-taught motorcycle builder, shares his unique journey of immigrating to America from the Philippines. Passionate about 80s and 90s bikes, he crafts instructional videos on motorcycle building, advocating for the right to repair. Peter reveals the emotional story of losing his brother, a driving force behind his dedication to building bikes in his memory. His resilience in the face of adversity, coupled with an infectiously positive outlook and formidable work ethic, makes for an inspiring episode. You can find his work on IG and TikTok @peterbuilt_moto The video of this podcast is available on YouTube @TheMotorcycleArchives