here are so many events in the American motorcycle scene these days. From Daytona, to Sturgis, from Laconia to Myrtle Beach, there are some amazing events to attend. But very few strike a cord with westerners like the Laughlin River Run does.
     Laughlin, as it is commonly referred to, resides on the banks of the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nevada, a mere four hours from Los Angeles and an hour outside of Las Vegas. Deemed the West Coast’s largest motorcycle event, Laughlin is much more than just a motorcycle rally; it is an American motorcycle enthusiast’s Mecca. From gambling in the big name casinos, top name entertainment and bike shows to rides, runs and vendor displays, there was so much to do and see, you’d be hard pressed to fit it all into one weekend.
     The main drag through town, Casino Drive, is where all the action takes place. With casinos on either side of the street, they convert their parking lots into massive display areas. As for the vendors, name them, they were there; Drag Specialties, Performance Machine, Samson, Hot Match, West Coast Choppers, Top Shelf Customs, Arlen Ness, Corbin, Chica, Exile, Choppers Inc. and so many more.
     One thing stood out this year unlike any other. The crowds were able to watch top name builders and manufacturers work on bikes and fabricate parts. Billy Lane from Choppers Inc. was actually chopping bikes on a stage set up with a full service bike shop. Jesse Jurrens from Independent Cycle, Inc. could be found installing his Legend Air Ride suspension on customs bikes…right there in the ICI booth. Motorcycles from Discovery Channel’s Biker Build Off were on display throughout the event and the two biggest draws seemed to be the Performance Machine Booth and the Hot Match Custom Cycles booth. The crowds were packed in deep to see the custom bikes and meet the builders of these custom machines.
     The crowds were big, the weather was beautiful and the bikes were everywhere. As for the 2005 Laughlin River Run…who could ask for anything more?
     Another River Run has come and gone, but the memories will stay with us for a long time to come…until next year.


Always a hit at any show, the Corbin booth was filled throughout the weekend. Corbin always has lots of great seats and accessories on display.


Welcome to the River Palms, base camp of Matt Hotch from Hot Match Custom Cycles. Matt was not only showcasing some of his custom motorcycle handiwork, but on Thursday and Friday night, Matt could be found dealing blackjack and Texas Hold ‘Em. Did you get one of the limited edition Hot Match Poker Chips?


The S&S Cycle booth had some amazing bikes on display. Check out this beautiful shovelhead built by the Indian Larry Legacy (Paul Cox and Keino) for the 2005 S&S Cycle/American Iron, Old School Shovel Tour.


The JIMS booth was the place to be if you wanted tech questions answered. It felt more like an engine-building seminar than an event booth from time to time. These guys were giving some great tips and advice, as well as showcasing some of the finest parts, accessories and tools available.


The Performance Machine booth showcased one of Roland Sands’ (PM’s Director of R&D and master fabricator) latest creations. This custom is the epitome of 60’s dragster nostalgia.


AS SEEN ON TV. The “Glory Stomper” is one of the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build Off series’ custom bikes, built by Roland Sands of Performance Machine.


Now that you can order chassis kits and Legend Air Suspensions from Independent Cycle Inc. through the Drag Specialties FatBook, many were heard asking when they can get them and for how much…the response was simple… “Go to your dealer, pick one up and start building!”


This is what you get when you are an Indian dealer with leftover inventory. This custom Indian named IL Pazzo, built by L.A. Choprods, drew some serious crowds all weekend.


Check this out! As a part of Billy Lane’s Blood, Sweat and Gears Tour, the Choppers Inc. master builder, had a full “Chop Shop” running all weekend. While signing autographs, Billy Lane was assisted on stage by Paul Cox of Paul Cox Leather and Aaron Greene of Paramount Custom Cycles.


The Paramount Custom Cycles booth had some of their signature parts and bikes on display for all to see. PCC is known for their inventive parts and accessories and the attendees seemed impressed by all they had to offer.


Arlen Ness, as usual, had some amazing bikes, parts and accessories on display. There seemed to be a constant flow of attendees grabbing up some of the Arlen Ness apparel as well.


This bike was built by Matt Hotch of Hot Match Custom Cycles for the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off Series. It was swarmed by so many people that the only time to grab a picture was in the evening.


Rachel Price of Samson Exhaust took a minute away from the questions and answers of attendees to pose for a picture and show off the new Samson Stealth Muffler.


Laughlin had its fair share of customs, choppers, baggers, bobbers and stockers. You saw everything from bikes with ape hangers and drag bars to bikes with carbon fiber fenders to bikes with no fenders at all. One thing everyone seemed to have in common was the desire to get out and ride.


Over at the Hot Match compound at the River Palms Casino, this Sportster, built by Top Shelf Customs, had many people saying… “Finally, someone came out with a wicked sporty!”


There’s absolutely nothing better than hopping on your bike and heading out for a ride in the beautiful Arizona sunshine. This was the tail end of one of the many poker runs in and around Laughlin.



Parts Magazine
Volume 12 #7

Parts Magazine Index