American Chopper

Motorcycles and web sites have almost nothing in common. Almost. As designers and planners we are naturally drawn to most things of beauty and motorcycles are certainly no exception. The lines, dynamics, matte black to chrome finishes, and the highly detailed paint jobs all serving the roaring engine underneath have duelling qualities to what we do everyday - just a bit more rugged I suppose.

I remember when American Choppers premiered in the dawn of reality TV shows in the early 2000's. Dismissing most reality TV as worthless time wasters, this show stood out to me. How unique that it was a real business, already operating vs. fabricated for television, that had this angtsy father-son dynamic that propelled a human curiosity in tandem with the next cool motorcycle they were going to build. I've been an avid fan ever since.

Process

At Treble Red we know we have a pretty cool thing going. Meetings over coffee in the morning and libations in the afternoon, ever-present internet access, designing and developing web sites and applications for always changing companies and purposes. It really doesn't get old. But, the grass is always greener and there is always a tinge of jealousy in the thought that finishing and launching a new web site, no matter how cool, just isn't the same as doing 65 on the open road on your latest project. For that I salute the guys of American Chopper on their success and the road they've taken to achieve it. I'm sure it wasn't easy, but I'm betting it was fun.

One creation from a few seasons back was the Mercedes Benz AMG inspired "AMG". It was a great episode, and though not their most radical creation, it truly captured the essence of Benz.

Premiere

Tonight is the season premiere of American Chopper: Senior vs. Junior. Although this new twist with the Sr. vs. Jr. rivalry isn't my favorite I will say the producers have at least kept it about the bikes, for the most part. I hope the family finds resolution this season but what I'm sure of is the 2-wheeled creations to come will inspire.