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For Neil Zarama, motorcycles have always been a constant in his life, from his youth growing up in Colombia, to building his first Triumph chopper in the Central Valley of California, to his humble garage in San Francisco where he builds a knucklehead for Born Free 2024. Despite his battles with mental health and depression, he radiates a sort of positivity and optimistic nature propelled by a powerful work ethic shaped by his adopted father, the only one he ever had. He discusses the importance of working with your hands, his reconnection with his Native Chiricahua Apache roots, and the value of a long ride on a chopper. I am honored to share his story. Salud.

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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