Keeping It Local
We’ve covered many different Sportster builds over the years. Each one helps solidify it as one of the most versatile and influential bikes ever produced. It also serves as one of the best entryways into custom choppers. With an aftermarket full of attainable parts, it’s no wonder the Sportster platform is so popular.
Stewart Owens of Delmont, Pennsylvania, grew up around bikes, watching motocross legends soar around Steel City Raceway. He got the chopper itch after visiting some East Coast shows, picked up a stock Sportster, and never turned back. The build is a great representation of a community helping to bring a bike to life.
Stewart Owens of Delmont, Pennsylvania, grew up around bikes, watching motocross legends soar around Steel City Raceway. He got the chopper itch after visiting some East Coast shows, picked up a stock Sportster, and never turned back. The build is a great representation of a community helping to bring a bike to life.
What’s the backstory of the bike?
Stewart Owens: After going to shows like Cheap Thrills and Glory Daze, I knew I wanted a rigid chopper. I bought the bike for pretty cheap during COVID and just had a bunch of friends help me out. It was completely stock at first, so I started doing the frame little by little. It was my first time cutting a frame, and I was super nervous about it. I would just watch YouTube videos and talk to people who helped guide me through. I tried to keep most of the work local in the Pittsburgh and Delmont areas. Things took off after I got in touch with Josh from Uptahn Metalworks in Pittsburgh.
Stewart Owens: After going to shows like Cheap Thrills and Glory Daze, I knew I wanted a rigid chopper. I bought the bike for pretty cheap during COVID and just had a bunch of friends help me out. It was completely stock at first, so I started doing the frame little by little. It was my first time cutting a frame, and I was super nervous about it. I would just watch YouTube videos and talk to people who helped guide me through. I tried to keep most of the work local in the Pittsburgh and Delmont areas. Things took off after I got in touch with Josh from Uptahn Metalworks in Pittsburgh.
When did the chopper switch go off?
SO: I’ve had Harleys since I was roughly nineteen or twenty years old. After going to Cheap Thrills in 2017, I decided to build a chopper. I was talking to a lot of guys in the community. My buddies and I started traveling to different chopper events and shows. Everyone was so welcoming, so I knew I wanted to get more involved.
SO: I’ve had Harleys since I was roughly nineteen or twenty years old. After going to Cheap Thrills in 2017, I decided to build a chopper. I was talking to a lot of guys in the community. My buddies and I started traveling to different chopper events and shows. Everyone was so welcoming, so I knew I wanted to get more involved.
How did Josh at Uptahn help with the build?
SO: He did a lot of the work on the seat and was a big help with the fabrication. He shaved the forks, made the mini floorboards, the sissy bar, and more.
SO: He did a lot of the work on the seat and was a big help with the fabrication. He shaved the forks, made the mini floorboards, the sissy bar, and more.
Did you have something in mind at the start?
SO: I wanted something small and tight that I could rip around town on. For as tiny as it is, it handles well and turns great. It’s very smooth.
SO: I wanted something small and tight that I could rip around town on. For as tiny as it is, it handles well and turns great. It’s very smooth.
Where did you find the parts you wanted to use?
SO: Mostly from going to shows, talking to other people, or just looking through magazines and online. I feel like social media plays a big part in all of this stuff now.
SO: Mostly from going to shows, talking to other people, or just looking through magazines and online. I feel like social media plays a big part in all of this stuff now.
Are there any standout pieces you’d like to mention?
SO: I love the floorboards, the paint, the seat, and the whole stance of the bike. I feel everything flows very well. Nick from Two10 made the handlebars. The exhaust is from Lowbrow Customs. Some other stuff is from TC Bros. Sportsters have so many options and websites you can use. Everything is reasonably priced.
SO: I love the floorboards, the paint, the seat, and the whole stance of the bike. I feel everything flows very well. Nick from Two10 made the handlebars. The exhaust is from Lowbrow Customs. Some other stuff is from TC Bros. Sportsters have so many options and websites you can use. Everything is reasonably priced.
Who did the seat and paint?
SO: John from Uptahn did the seat pan, and Weimann Interiors in Delmont did the rest. Aaron Anderson of Picasso Auto Body here in Delmont did the paintwork.
SO: John from Uptahn did the seat pan, and Weimann Interiors in Delmont did the rest. Aaron Anderson of Picasso Auto Body here in Delmont did the paintwork.
What is it about the motorcycle community that stands out to you?
SO: I enjoy the connection and being able to relate to the older crowd. My grandfather rode motorcycles, and it kind of brings you back to how they rode and appreciated them. That generation was more hands-on. I’ve noticed a lot of kids taking a passion for the more old-school bikes and choppers and reaching out to the older gentlemen who lived in that era.
SO: I enjoy the connection and being able to relate to the older crowd. My grandfather rode motorcycles, and it kind of brings you back to how they rode and appreciated them. That generation was more hands-on. I’ve noticed a lot of kids taking a passion for the more old-school bikes and choppers and reaching out to the older gentlemen who lived in that era.
You’re from the Delmont area. Did you go to Steel City Raceway growing up?
SO: I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I went to all the local tracks like Steel City and High Point. My aunt and uncle bought me my first PW50 when I was four years old, and I had a passion for it since. I didn’t race much but was around Mad Mike Jones and those guys. I remember being young when it got rowdy. I still travel a lot to the motocross races.
SO: I grew up riding dirt bikes, so I went to all the local tracks like Steel City and High Point. My aunt and uncle bought me my first PW50 when I was four years old, and I had a passion for it since. I didn’t race much but was around Mad Mike Jones and those guys. I remember being young when it got rowdy. I still travel a lot to the motocross races.
Any shoutouts?
SO: I’d like to thank Picasso Auto Body, Josh from Uptahn Metalworks, Weimann Interiors, and all my friends and family who helped with the bike.
SO: I’d like to thank Picasso Auto Body, Josh from Uptahn Metalworks, Weimann Interiors, and all my friends and family who helped with the bike.
