March, 2010
Warbikes LLC announced the launch of a new online TV series for historic warplane and custom motorcycle enthusiasts entitled "WarBikes™ - Kickstarting History". Shows are comprised of multiple mini-series offering viewers an up-close experience as a build team explores the unique history and craftsmanship behind historic American military aircraft and then produces a custom motorcycle worthy of its namesake.
Viewable today at WarBikes.com, the inaugural WarBikes series – Gunfighter – is based on the Commemorative Air Force's legendary WWII-era P-51D Mustang fighter plane. Shot in high-definition and supported by behind-the-scenes pictures, technical specifications and fan communities, viewers can follow the weekly progress, from inception to completion, and engage the team members with questions and recommendations.
"The Commemorative Air Force is dedicated to honoring American Military Aviation by bringing the history to life,” said CAF President and CEO, Stephan Brown. "The WarBikes project showcases the history of these great American airplanes in a very unique way. Through these fantastic motorcycles, a new generation can learn of the sacrifices of the men and women who fought for our freedom, and of the aircraft that protected our country. The CAF is proud to offer our vintage war-planes as models for the project.”
The warplane-themed custom choppers are hand-built by Ralph Randolph and his team of fabricators. Based in Mesa, Arizona, Randolph is the owner of Knockout Motorcycles Co., and has built themed motorcycles for companies like Snap-on Tools and Patron Tequila, and celebrities including Lorenzo Lamas and Matthew McConaughey.
New Gunfighter episodes will be posted to the site every week. The next series to launch this spring - Sentimental Journey - will showcase a motorcycle inspired by the quintessential World War II bomber: the CAF's B-17 Flying Fortress.