RCI: What has been like working with bike builders?

Hugh: A lot of fun. They’re artists and artists are all eccentric, you know? They each have their individual personalities and quirks. They’re never boring and that’s what makes it fun. They are going to do things the way they want to do it. They’re not always going to do the things you want. You have to be flexible with them. Its not like you can walk in there and say, “Ok, cue the bike builder!”It’s not going to happen that way, you’re in their world. Nobody works 9 to 5 in the bike builder world. It’s more like 9 to whenever. It’s a very 24/7…very demanding…it demands a whole lot of hard work. You’re not only building these motorcycles but you’re also trying to have a business survive too. You’re on their time, and a lot of times these bike builders can get a little ornery. There’s a lot off*** you. But if they didn’t have any F*** you, they wouldn’t be on top of the bike world. They’re building bikes with a lot of attitude. These bikes wouldn’t have the attitude if the person building them didn’t have attitude.

RCI: I understand that in this last Biker Build Off, the builders got together and built a bike especially for you.

Hugh: The bike is at Matt Hotch’s shop in Fullerton right now. He’s keeping it there for me because I live in a loft in Downtown LA, and I thought I could fit it in the freight elevator but its too big so I couldn’t get it to my loft. I don’t want to leave it in the parking lot because it is just too valuable and I live in sort of a high crime area here.

RCI: The bike was a complete surprise to you?

Hugh: Oh yeah, I mean the big salties kind of welled up in the corner of my eyes. The builders had this secret desert location outside of Laughlin where in only 3 days these 10 guys, 10 of the most famous bike builders in the world, got together and made this motorcycle. It’s awesome. I love it. And they all signed it!

RCI: What’s in store for the future of the Build Off shows?

Hugh: I think they’re going to go on forever. We could keep doing them domestically, but how about internationally? There are some fantastic builders in Japan, Finland, Australia, Canada, and South America. There’s no reason it couldn’t go international. Every show raises the bar for these builders.

RCI: Are you working on anything outside the motorcycle industry?

Hugh: No, not currently no, its becoming my life (laughs). I do have my shirt line, the Hugh’s Yer Daddy and the F*** Hugh. There’s always the Hugh’s propeller beanie, Hula-hoop, shower shoes…(laughs). I’m having a good time right now.

Indeed he is having a good time. America has fallen in love with everything that is chromed and thunders down the road, it seems that the skies the limit for Hugh King. All new installments of Biker Build Off are debuted in mid-June, leading to the world premiere of Motorcycle Mania 3. Jesse James teaming up with Kid Rock, a road trip, and another grand slam for Discovery Channel®. Meanwhile, Hugh’s clothing line is sure to catch fire, as his shirts will be seen on the backs of the top bike builders in America. Beyond that, the rest of the world is waiting. Hugh said it best when he explained that the allure of the industry is, “it represents a lost dream.” Thanks to Hugh, We have found it again. The industry owes Hugh overdue recognition for being an incredible visionary and a true Chopper King!