WarBikes: Kickstarting History is a new online TV show that pushes custom motorcycle design to places it has never gone before—all the way back to World War II America.
The series follow a team of custom choppers as they explore the unique history and craftsmanship of vintage American military aircraft to produce motorcycles inspired by the warbirds.
The first ten episodes titled “Gunfighter,” document the design, construction and completion of a bike inspired by the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) legendary P-51D Mustang fighter plane. “The CAF is dedicated to honoring American military aviation by bringing the history to life,” said CAF President and CEO, Stephan Brown. “The WarBikes project showcases the history of these great American airplanes in a very unique way, by repackaging their stories in a medium that impacts a new audience.”
The warbird-theme bikes are hand-built by Ralph Randolph from Knockout Motorcycles Co. in Mesa, Ariz. Over the years, Randolph has built themed motorcycles for celebrities including Lorenzo Lamas and Matthew McConaughey. “We just try to build great bikes that invoke strong passions in the people who see them. Attention to detail and a love of what we do is the key,” said Randolph.
The next Warbirds series called “Sentimental Journey” are said to be launching soon, and will showcase a motorcycle inspired by the CAF’s B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. Just as “Gunfighter” allowed viewers to become involved in the construction of the P-51 Gunfighter, “Sentimental Journey” will also enable the audience to engage the team members with questions and recommendations. The new episodes will be posted to the WarBikes site every week. Fans are also encouraged to join the WarBikes Facebook page for show updates, discussions, contests and additional information about the show.
“The whole purpose of this project is to honor the flying machines that helped make America what it is today. If these custom motorcycles can capture an ounce of that spirit of adventure and self-reliance, then our job is a success,” explained Executive Producer Duncan Kennedy.
To watch the WarBikes: Kickstarting History TV series, visit warbikes.com.
WarBikes Facebook page (facebook.com/Warbikes).
If you would like to learn more about the CAF’s B-17 bomber, you can read the article “The Flight of the Sentimental Journey” here.
