While he builds hi-visual impact motorcycles, some people call California Master Builder Matt Hotch 'The Invisible Man,' thanks to his ability to make lines and cables disappear to create a totally uncluttered, seamless design.
Growing up in Minneapolis, he was up on two wheels by age 10. 'My grandfather was one of those guys who came back from WWII and was in one of the early motorcycle clubs, one of those guys who hit all the hill climbs and sorta terrorized the local communities. He and my Dad had all the tools up on peg-boards in the garage, and since we didn't have much money, we were always dragging junk home and making something out of it.'
I was invited to sit down with Matt at the Hollister Rally and ask him some questions regarding his ability to create the most impressive custom motorcycles.
Q: So tell me Matt how long have you been building bikes?
A: I started to work on VW when I was 8, but I started to build bikes when I was around 15 or 16 years old.
Q: What influences you to build custom bikes?
A: I just kid of got into fixing the bikes the way I like them, and then found out that I could actually make some money doing it.
Q: How do you come up with such great designs with your bikes?
A: I just look at things differently really, I'm not really influenced by magazines or anything or other people's styles. I just really like to build them the way that I like and feel is unique.
Q: What's your favorite bike style?
A: I like all styles from Baggers to Bobbers to an air ride bike to whatever, just something totally different.
Q: When it comes to painting your bikes,what is your favorite color you like to use?
A: I like to use BLUE. It's pretty much neutral, it's not too catchy and not too dark.
Q: Do you manufacture your own parts for the public?
A:Yes I do. I have several patents for various parts that I have designed and I have over 2000 dealers who sell my parts.
Q: Tell me, Matt, how many bikes do you build a year?
A: Right now, I am only building 1 to 2 bikes a year.
Q: Do you have a waiting list and if so what does it consist of?
A: As of today, it's about 4 years.
Q: So have you built your one-of-a-kind bikes for the celebrity types?
A: No, they are too cheap, they all want something for free and I'm just not into that game. Most of the people I build bikes for are very wealthy individuals and can appreciate the craftsmanship of my bikes and are willing to pay for it.
Q: What is the average cost for one of your bikes?
A: Right now the average cost starts at $200K, I don't like to go below that because I warranty my bikes for life so my customers know that if there is ever an issue they can bring it back, no questions asked.
Q: How long does it take you to build a bike?
A: It's only me that builds the bikes, there is no one else helping me out so it can be anywhere from 6 months to a year depending on my schedule and touring.
Q: So, who are some of your icons you looked up to when you started?
A: Ron Simms, Arlen Ness, Parowitz, all the old timers who have been doing this a long time.
Q: So now that you have made a name for yourself, have you met them?
A:Yes I have, and now I am actually really good friends with all of them.
Q: What does it mean to you that you are one of the most sought after bike builders?
A: It's flattering, but its not like mine are better than others. When you get to our level it's whatever you like, personally.
Q: So how did you get into the Discovery Channels Biker Build-Off show?
A: I was approached by the Discovery channel a year prior to it starting and I turned them down just because I was too busy. Then I did it the following year.
Q: After winning your first Biker Build-Off, how did you feel?
A: It felt good, it was actually a pretty cool feeling to get the response from the fans that they felt my bike was better.
Q: Then winning back to back Biker Build-Off Grand Championships, how did that make you feel?
A: That was trippy, but once again it was really cool to win.
Q: Since being on the Biker Build-Off show and winning multiple championships, how has that impacted your career?
A: It has impacted it a lot, It means that I am doing over 30 shows a year and actually the chopper scene has become really big now in Europe and Malaysia, where I am also doing shows.
Q: What are some of the current projects you are working on?
A: Right now I am working on an old knucklehead bike. It's actually going to be a pretty wild bike.
Q: If I wanted you to build a bike for me,what would I need to do?
A: Basically there is an interview process because I do warranty the bikes for life. The building process is actually a long process so you have to work with the person. I turn down a lot of people because they aren't patient enough and don't understand my process. As far as money goes, I don't do it for the money; I do it because I love it!
Q: After all the bike projects you have worked on which one was your favorite and why?
A: The Vincent is my favorite. I always wanted to build one and my grandfather used to own one, and it really inspired me. I built it for the people who own Vincent's, and all the old timers love it.
Q: So where is your shop located?
A:We are located in Fullerton, CA
Q: How many people work for Matt Hotch Designs?
A: It's just me, my Dad, Pat, and my sisterin- law manages the books.
Q: How many events do you participate in every year?
A: Right now I am doing about 30+ events per year.
Q: Which one is your favorite?
Hotch: It depends'there are a lot I like but I would have to say Sturgis because it's the only one I get to ride to.
Q: What do you like to do to unwind?
A: I like to watch TV, and play golf.
Q: I understand that you are married and you recently became a dad, how has that impacted you?
A: It's changed a lot of things, I try to spend a lot of time at home with them but it;s hard since I work 12 hour days and travel to various shows.
Q: I noticed that you have a clothing line too,where can it be purchased?
A:Yea I have two -- they're called Matt Hotch Designs and Crime Inc. The clothing can be purchased at all the shows we attend, and we are also working on a website.
Q: So I heard that you are a pretty good golfer too, what is your handicap?
A: I used to be a scratch golfer when I played a lot, but now I am shooting in the 80's
Q: So where are some of your favorite courses to play?
A: There are a couple of them by my house that I like, Coyote Hills, Black Gold are two. I also like to play in Hawaii a lot since I have some friends out there.
Q: I want to thank you for your time, what would you like to say to your fans in the Bay Area?
A: Every time I come up here it's been really cool, I have a lot of customers in the San Jose/Gilroy area so it's always awesome. It's just a really cool spot and they show us a lot of love between the Hollister show and Reno show'it's really cool.
Custom Motorcycle Building Resources
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