oday, the motorcycle industry is a fast-paced, dynamic world. Fiercely competitive and always outpacing technology, we sometimes forget that it used to be fun, and still can be fun, to be part of the industry. There’s a man who is just as driven as anyone else in the business, but he has found a way to enjoy himself, promote his company and motorcycling, and give something back to the community. That guy is Mike Tomada of The Chopper Guys and his personal escape is to host his own radio show, something he has been doing for 20 years.
     Mike’s radio show is a mixture of music, talk, and community service. “I challenge people to get out and do something for their community every day,” says Mike. “It doesn’t have to be big, but it should be meaningful, even if you’re only helping one person.” Mike puts his own words into action. “Drag, Parts Unlimited, the magazine and our reps all contribute to the community and we talk about that. Drag has a long arm across the U.S. and takes care of the communities that they touch. Every single week I mention somebody’s name at Drag Specialties and how they touch communities in America.”
Mainly, Mike likes to talk about motorcycles on his radio show. “Motorcycle guys call in and we rap about bikes, events, and the things the motorcycle industry does to make the world a better place,” he says. “It’s real people just getting in touch with other real people and we make things happen.”
     And as Mike has hosted his radio show for over 20 years he has also built a thriving business in The Chopper Guys. The Chopper Guys was formed when tool and die maker and designer Gary Munoz teamed up with Mike (who was running California Performance Iron) to produce high quality custom motorcycle frames. Their combined expertise in the industry was the perfect partnership for a successful endeavor.
     The Chopper Guys frame designs and workmanship eventually set the standards for the rest of the industry. “The frame is the foundation of the motorcycle. Our main goal is to make bikes people can ride and use on a daily basis,” says Mike. “Our artistic genius can make those star trek bikes, but who’s going to ride it? Everything Chopper Guys makes is ridden.”
Working with the idea of the frame as the foundation of the bike, Chopper Guys employs technologically advanced fixtures which virtually eliminate heat related movement and the precision of each fixture makes for a perfectly straight frame every time. All of Chopper Guys frames are TIG welded for strength and appearance. “Again, the frame is the foundation so it has to be perfect. We hide nothing in powder coating,” says Mike. “We want you to see our welds and craftsmanship and everything on our frames. We make beautiful parts every single time.”
     “Everyone who works here has been here 10 to 25 years; there isn’t much turnover,” says Mike. “And we earn every dollar; the people who work here earn their check by doing the best job in the industry. We’re the real deal started and founded by motorcycle people, run and made by motorcycle guys. This is our world and we’re in it from the beginning through the thick and thin of it.”
     Mike obviously enjoys doing Chopper Guys business as much as he enjoys hosting his radio show. Of course, his favorite thing is combining the two. “Talking motorcycles is the best part of the radio show,” he says. “Actually talking about motorcycles on or off the radio is the best of everything.”
You can tune in to Mike’s radio show locally the old fashioned way or online by going to ozcatradio.com every Monday night from 9:00pm to midnight (PST). Look for “Blues with Bad Boy Michael Scraggs” to listen to some blues and talk motorcycles. You’ll enjoy the show and may be inspired to do a little something extra for your community.