The passion of riding two-wheeled ANYTHING started early for Jack, like with many boys. After moving to Santa Barbara in 1969 and getting his first mini-bike, then riding dirt trails in Painted Cave with Aaron Jones on his Honda 50 Minitrail beginning in 71′. A decade later Jack met Butch (Norman) in 81′ and Frank around 84′. Old friends coming together now in 2021 to capture memories, keep some classic bikes on the road that other riders can enjoy.

“Back in 1971 I lived on E. Sola St, across from Alameda Park and Our Lady of Sorrows. After purchasing a flat-track go-cart from the owner of the Pony Rides at 1 Anacapa Street, frequent visits to Kelly’s Tires on E. Victoria would be necessary. Back then, there was the Honda Dealer on lower Milpas and RV Jones on the Mesa.

It had no brakes so a friendly mechanic in the back of the shop at Kelley’s would work on it occasionally. The go-cart went fast and didn’t easily stop. One day Kinka Usher was driving it on an empty lot (formerly a used car business) in the 1400 block of state Street when the steering wheel fell off. After hitting Jack (who shot up like a rocket), Kinka, then tall and lean, nearly lost his head as he went ripping under the parking lot chain and out onto State St. GOOD TIMES!”

Fast forward…

A few months back Butch picked up a Honda Goldwing, nobody he called in Santa Barbara would do a simple brake job. Then I talked to Frank and he confirmed alot of the local shops only work on what they sell, preferring to do maintenance on newer models. That’s when it clicked for me! Not only would I open a place that classics and customs were available for purchase but we would work on anything you bring in… for a price of course. And, we would hold a more open attitude and assist DIY’ers, hipsters and the younger generation that enjoy the classics from years past. SB Cycles (Santa Barbara Motorcycles) was born.

Remember any of these….. (Jack’s early bikes)

Briggs & Stratton Mini Bike

Honda 50 Mini Trail

Bultaco 100

Husgavarna 150

Yamaha 175

Honda 250

Honda 550 Four

Honda 750F

71 Arlan Ness Custom Harley Sportster Chopper

Now riding

94 Harley Softail

01 HD FLH

03 BMW 1100RT

05 Santee RIGID Chopper

08 HD Screamin Eagle