Choppers Only: Nicole Alicia’s Story of Ink and Machines
At 17, Nicole Alicia got her first tattoo, a rebellious mark that sparked a lifelong passion. Two years later, at 19, she hopped on the back of a motorcycle for the first time, and the rumble of the engine hooked her for good. Over the past decade, her love for ink and choppers has intertwined, creating a seamless blend of art and attitude that defines her presence in the custom culture scene.
“I met my tattoo artist about ten years ago, and he was all about choppers only,” she says with a laugh. “We’d talk bikes, hit up shows together, and I’ve been dragging him to them ever since.”
For Nicole, choppers and tattoos aren’t just aesthetics—they’re a lifestyle, a natural pairing born from years of riding with friends, creating, and connecting with friends who share her passion. Nicole’s journey into modeling wasn’t planned. Growing up in the ‘90s, she idolized the supermodels of the era but never saw herself in their world. “I used to mess around modeling for friends, but I didn’t take it seriously,” she admits.
Photo by Janan Photography - IG: @jananphotography_
It wasn’t until she launched her OnlyFans that she began to embrace the camera, weaving her love for choppers into her work. “I only model with bikes built by people I know,” she explains. “It’s about hanging out with friends and showing off their art.” Unlike hot rods or other machines, choppers hold a special place for her, thanks to her tattoo artist’s mantra: “Choppers only.” That loyalty to the scene runs deep, rooted in camaraderie and a shared appreciation for custom craftsmanship.
Despite her striking presence—tattoos covering much of her body and a knack for posing alongside sleek, hand-built bikes—Nicole has yet to grace the pages of chopper or tattoo magazines. “It just never happened,” she says with a shrug. “I’m getting older, so I get it.” But her focus isn’t on fame or glossy spreads. At chopper shows, she’s more likely to be chilling with her crew than posing for random fans. “People are usually sweet and let me be,” she says. “I’m often with my guy friends, so folks don’t bother me much. If I’m shooting, they might snap some pics too, but it’s all chill.”
For Nicole, the bikes are the real stars of her shoots. “I’m just the accessory,” she says, her humility shining through. Each photoshoot holds a special place in her heart, not for the spotlight but for the memories made with friends. She recalls one shoot with a grin: “Ruben and Gnomie thought pushing a bike up a hill would be easy. They were dying by the time they got to the top.”
Another favorite moment? “Getting naked in nature across from a church was fun,” she says, her mischievous streak peeking through. The vibe on set is always laid-back, filled with laughter and playful banter. “It’s a collaboration, but I tell the photographer to direct me—fix my funny faces, lift my chin, whatever. We just talk shit and have a good time.”
The connection between beauty and machine is undeniable for Nicole. “They’re both works of art,” she says. “They play off each other.” Choppers, with their custom curves and raw power, mirror the intricate designs etched across her skin. The custom scene itself is what keeps her hooked. “It’s everything—the bikes, the people, the art,” she says. “My friends build these masterpieces you can ride. It’s so beautiful, and the scene is super inviting. We’re all just here to have fun.”
Preparing for a shoot is simple: coffee, music, and a clear vision. “I remind myself it’s all for fun,” she says, especially for the gritty, rebellious setups that fit the chopper aesthetic. But she’s quick to dispel misconceptions about tattooed women in the scene. “There’s this idea you have to be a bitch to make it,” she says, recalling a rival model who trash-talked her, only to learn how tight-knit the community is. “I don’t see other models as competition. Your art speaks for itself. Just enjoy it.”
Nicole’s dream shoot leans into the dramatic—a dark, fantastical scene with leather, fire, and a fierce vibe. For now, though, she’s taking a breather. “October’s been crazy, so I’m chilling until November,” she says. With new outfits and bikes lined up, she’s already planning her next shoot, though her tattoo journey might be winding down. “I’ve covered most of my body,” she admits. “I’ll probably add a little something here and there, but I’m mostly done.”
On a typical day, away from the cameras and the buzz of a tattoo machine, Nicole keeps it low-key. “I’m boring,” she laughs. “Working, hanging with my dog, hitting the beach, snapping pics for my OF, planning my next trip.” For her, modeling isn’t about chasing fame—it’s about celebrating the art of choppers, the thrill of the ride, and the bonds forged in a community that values creativity over competition. As she puts it, “It’s all just fun.” And for Nicole Alicia, that’s more than enough.
Very nice! The bikes too!