The Southern Charm of Texas Choppers
By Jeff Alexander
California is arguably the birthplace of kustom kulture, but chopper builder Jason Ochoa continues proving that the burgeoning Texas scene continues adding its unique brand of southern hospitality to the subculture. Earning accolades for ‘Purple Haze’ and ‘Southern Trendkill,’ Ochoa has fully embraced the late ‘60s chopper hallmarks while seeking to incorporate the nuances of lowrider culture with his newest build for Born Free 13. Simply titled ‘333,’ Ochoa believes he hit the mark due to the tasteful engraving work on the Panhead motor, rims, and exhaust.
“It was an honor to be an invited builder again because Born Free is like the Super Bowl of our subculture.”
“I had told them despite all my hard work on the previous build that I could’ve done better! I really try to push myself with anything I do and I was seeing a lot of engraving work, so I told them I was working on a Denver’s chopper I had acquired in trade and that I was going to push myself over the top to complete it,” stated Ochoa.
Partnering with longtime friend, Scott Hoepker of Chemical Candy Customs, Ochoa wanted to link lowrider style to choppers within ‘333’ because both subcultures exploded in southern California and share a similar design ethos. Chemical Candy Customs has been Ochoa’s go-to for paint and design insight and with a decade of friendship, Hoepker had no reservations when Ochoa approached him with his newest idea for Born Free.
“Jason is earning a lot of positive attention and he’s come a long way! To be invited to Born Free again is such a big thing for him! I feel he has great vision for design and he works with what he has. He has natural talent,” reflected Hoepker.
Ochoa first earned positive attention with ‘Purple Haze,' his ‘55 Panhead that turned heads at 2016’s Texas Lone Star Rally. Built as a tribute to his father, Ochoa was surprised he earned so much attention and, ultimately, a cover story.
“That was my first true, show bike build. It was a tribute to my father. He served in Vietnam and was a huge Jimi Hendrix fan. I was always seeing him play that song, Purple Haze, on reel-to-reel and seeing how much he dug it. We had a fractured relationship even though I always looked up to him. My parents divorced when I was eight, and my dad was always riding and being a wild man. I got into bikes when I was 11. He passed away two years ago and I think a lot about that, but luckily, he was able to see the completed build. My stepmom had told me that my father would carry a bunch of copies of the magazine that featured my bike with him and while on his trucking routes, he would pass them out to anyone and brag. I treasure that story because I didn’t know he was gonna pass,” sighed Ochoa.
If building is a way of life and artistic expression, then Ochoa certainly doesn’t deny that a completed build can also stand as a preservation of memories. Never quick to overlook his friendships, Ochoa stated that he and Hoepker also share bonds outside the world of kustom kulture.
“Scott and I were also divorced around the same time, so in addition to supporting each other within the motorcycle world, we’re also there during tough times. He was actually my roommate during his divorce! It worked out well because he generally paints at night due to the Texas weather, so our schedules were very different. I’m all about support and giving back to people that have helped me and there have been many over the years! You have to understand, there are many hands that go into completing a build, and sure, there are plenty of people fully capable of building alone, but there are few that actually do every step with every build,” said Ochoa.
While Ochoa continues his path as a talented, upstart builder, Hoepker quietly grows Chemical Candy Customs, mostly by word of mouth. With over 14 years of experience with his intricate designs and instantly recognizable style, Hoepker was glad to share insight on the custom chopper resurgence.
“I feel the style people are emulating has not changed too much. ‘50s and ‘60s style choppers are pretty timeless, and Harleys are obviously my favorite. I do enjoy seeing a Triumph chopper, but I honestly don’t come across them as much. I think the resale value of a classic Harley chopper is higher but remember, these are highly personal builds as it is, so reselling is even harder, and you almost never get back what you put in. I took my time with my recent ‘76 Harley Cone Shovelhead. Jim Harper had the first version of it, but I spent a year and a half on it, no rush. I went with a Frisco-style tank, mixed chop shop style springer front end, throwback rocker boxes, suicide shift, and clutch. Pretty much anything I could change, I did. I just traded it for a ‘47 Knucklehead! I already miss it because it was very comfortable to ride, but the deal was too good to pass up,” laughed Hoepker.
Centerfold model: Traci Baker IG: @tbreezy_562 // Photos: Robert W. Biedinger IG: @mr_fotography // Gnarly Magazine IG: @gnarlymagazine
Ochoa sees the resurgence as nothing but positive because newer generations get to put their unique stamp on kustom kulture while seasoned riders and builders are reminded of just why they were attracted to the subculture in the first place.
“It’s like when you work and work to give a motor a new life, you’re reminded why you love it so much. For me, Panheads are my favorite because I think they are one of the most beautiful motors ever made. I see a lot of builders wanting Knuckleheads, but I feel those aren’t well-built and are problematic. I love thinking about the history of an old motor; How many hands did it change? What life did it have before getting to you? The heart of any build is the motor. I would tell any new builder to bring someone with knowledge with you when you make a purchase because there are so many things that can go wrong! I always say, building and riding old bikes is not for the faint of heart, and you have to keep expectations reasonable. Even on a fully restored classic, you’re still demanding a lot from an old motor by riding it daily,” stated Ochoa.
Hoepker has also utilized Born Free 13 as a chance to further make his mark. After approaching Born Free organizers about having a Texas-based event, he proudly stated he and other investors recently closed on a property that will now be home to a Fall, Born Free event! After viewing Yellow Rose Canyon, he was convinced that it would be a perfect venue for moto events, and being in Texas, the central location would allow for more attendees and builders due to fewer travel miles.
“I actually asked Mike Davis and Grant Peterson back at Born Free 7 about having a Texas-based event. They turned it down, but once COVID hit, I decided to revisit the idea. Yellow Rose is beautiful and has over 120 acres, log cabins, and an amphitheater. I think it will work out because Texas is a central location and people won’t have to ride or trailer nearly as long in comparison to the original Born Free California location. In Texas, this area is very woodsy, offers stress-free two-lane country riding for people. It took a lot to make this happen and the property is very expensive, with a total of six investors in it. I’m really excited about this. Texas continues growing, and it really has a hospitality unlike anywhere else where I think it will lead to more people collaborating with businesses and builds and will just continue growing the subculture,” concluded Hoepker.
Jason Ochoa on Instagram: @motopsycho73
Scott Hoepker on Instagram: @chemicalcandycustoms
chemicalcandycustoms.com
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Getting To Know Traci Baker
Women and moto culture will forever be linked. Whether a viewer admires the design lines and craftsmanship of a well-built ride, or does a double-take with models that continue complimenting bikes & ‘rods, the world of moto culture is versatile enough for both and the passion and sexiness of both images remain timeless. For Traci Baker, her lifelong modeling aspirations finally came true with her first official shoot, once again linking the world of kustom rides and models.
“I stumbled upon Suicide Girls when I was 12 and it forever impacted me. To see how natural they looked in front of a camera while maintaining their unique looks really intrigued me! They were just so different from the models we’re always trained to look at. I’m very into tattoos and art and it was just the perfect mix. Modeling was something I wanted to get into,” reflected Baker.
Growing up in California, Baker always admired moto culture and how connected the community was.
“I admired it all because of how family-like they were. To see all the details and work involved with bikes and cars impacted me because so many people think it’s easier than it really is to build something. I left California for Texas, but when I’m around bikes and cars here, I see the same passion and tight-knit community. People in Texas have come to feel like extended family, with people always greeting me everywhere I go and communities being welcoming,” said Baker.
After settling in Texas, Baker worked to finally fulfill her modeling ambition, making her official debut in GNARLY! She reflected on the experience and stated she is honored to have earned a cover despite only completing one photo shoot to date.
“I felt very supported during the shoot and I’m proud of it!"
"Sure, being a stay-at-home mom, some people were judgmental, but I wanted to show that just because you’re a mother that doesn’t mean you cannot be sexy or have to abandon your goals and passion. I wanted to show my beauty and the beauty of the bike. This shoot was something I knocked off my bucket list and I hope to attend more events and continue with another shoot in the future.”
Find Traci online...
Instagram: @tbreezy_562
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