John Dodson
Originally Published In The March 2014 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine
Name: John Dodson
Age: 39
Business: Gangster Choppers
Hello, I’m John Dodson (the crowd cheers). I work under the banner of Gangster Choppers. It’s been the shop name and website domain since 1999. I could be all trendy-like and drop the Gangster Choppers; enough people know my birth name that I would survive. I even had one “hipster” in the shop in 2007 telling me I should just market “John Dodson” ‘cause that’s where it’s at — whatever. I wake up every day, drive to the shop and build bikes. Not just any bikes, very nice bikes. Magazine covers? Feature bikes? Internationally known bikes? Best in Show bikes? Oh yeah been there, done that, and going for round 2, or is it 3 or 4…Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it’s been.
If you had to choose another occupation that didn’t involve motorcycles, what would it be?
For me that is a no-brainer. I could easily roll over in the bed one morning, wake up, put my feet on the floor and become a kustom car builder. Yes, please note the “k” for custom ‘cause that’s the way the Barris Brothers named the style back in the late ‘40s – early ‘50s.
What is one of the most exciting things you’ve ever done?
In 2011, a handful of really great guys joined me for a ride across Southern USA. Starting in New Orleans, we worked our way across 8 states in less than a week. I rode a kick-only 74” Panhead in one of my own rigid frames. Too many emotions are flooding my mind just typing this; the stories are enough for a lifetime. You know why we are all blessed with youth? It is to make memories for when we can’t get out there and boogie-woogie anymore!
What’s your favorite movie?
I like the old movies with the humor you can quote while driving down the road, like Smokey and the Bandit.
Or, the serious quotes from Donnie Brasco or The Godfather. It was something growing up and knowing that family members could have had starring roles in these films.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Over the years, I have had plenty of exposure to the “finer things in life.” So I would say that my guilty pleasure is I enjoy owning top-notch stuff. My collections of guns, knives, cars, and bikes consist of high-end products. There is a difference in the way it performs, feels, looks, tastes, whatever it might be; there is a reason why there is only one “Cadillac.”
What’s one thing you have a fear of?
Fear is an emotion. I have things I don’t like and would want to avoid like snakes, doctor visits, crashing my KTM on rocks or logs, but I have no fear.
If you could play any professional sport, what would you choose?
I am not a stick and ball type of man. My dad will joke that if I am going to throw something at you, don’t worry, there is no chance of me hitting you. It all started as a child. I did not go outside to play ball. I went to the backyard and tinkered with an old car or rode a bicycle or my dirt bike. I spun wrenches not basketballs. Today if I could be good at a “sport,” I would choose Pro Motocross.
What’s been the worst and best Christmas gift you’ve ever received?
Best Christmas gift of all time was my mom & dad buying me a Craftsman bottom cart when I was 13, at 14 I got the top box, and at 15 I got a side cabinet. They are still in the shop and being used to this day. If you would have asked me about my worst gift when I was a child, my reply would have been those books of Life Savers. Now I have 3 children and Christmas isn’t complete without Life Saver stocking stuffers…lol!
If you could build a bike for anyone, who would you choose?
When I build a bike for friends or family, that’s the best. Sometimes a great friendship develops while the bike is being constructed, and that’s great too. The cool factor comes in to play when that custom chopper that I just created is in the owners hand and they call saying, “Hey, let’s go for a ride.” I have special relationships with almost all my clients; I almost know where all those bikes are at. How many “builders” in this industry can say that?
What food would you never give up?
I really like fresh fish. I am always talking about bike rides to the ocean for fresh seafood. Living in Richmond, Virginia makes it a short 2 hour ride.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I work a minimum of 12 hours every day and average 15. When you routinely perform like that there is not too many deadlines, rides, or shows you will miss. You train your body and mind for punishment. I place a very high standard on a person being honest and hard working for many hours a week. Allow me to see signs of laziness or lack of integrity and we are done.
