For Love Of The Machine

Slide 2

This photographic series focuses on the details that surround the mystique of the American Motorcycle.  Facets of the machines that might go unseen by the general public are what signify to others important messages about the owner and/or builder of a particular machine.  With the world of motorcycling currently being turned upside down by television shows that showcase builders as fabrication gods, the trend of backyard builders has turned in opposition of what the market and “The Factory” deem socially acceptable and trend worthy.  Fascinated by the fabrication process, the retaliation of homebuilders, and customizations by the enthusiast, Matthew Linton documents the machines and allows us views and details presently unrepresented by mainstream media.

Untitled #B96 (Carb Cover Portrait-League City, TX 2005)
reflection in rounded tip of conical style air breather

Untitled #B126 (Purple Frame- Myrtle Beach, 2005)
extended frame rails decorated by web pinstripe

Untitled #B37 (Fishtails-Myrtle Beach, SC 2004)
“old school” fishtail style exhaust with high sissybar in background

Untitled #B105 (Red Spokes-Daytona Beach, FL 2005)
Red spoked wheels with springer front end

Untitled #B86 (Keychain-Houston, TX 2004)
Decoroative key fob

Untitled #B124 (Orange Lines, Myrtle Beach, SC 2005)
Orange powdercoat on ironhead sportster with steel braided oil lines.

Untitled #B42 (Helmet-Laconia, NH 2004)
“Boneyard” design helmet hangs on bars of 2003 Harley

Untitled #B115 (Engraved Shovel-Daytona Beach, FL 2005)
Shovelhead style rocker boxes decorated by hand engraving

Untitled #B73 (Skull Shift-Tampa, FL 2004)
Skull handle on “old school” bobber with jockey shift

Untitled #B120 (Pink- Myrtle Beach, SC 2005)
Hand crafted gas tank with pop up cap and internal oil tank

Untitled #B50 (Rocket Top-Alvin, TX 2004)
Aftermarket air breather for carburator on Harley “Bad Boy” model

Untitled #B125 (Dental Mirrors-Ormond Beach, FL 2005)
Small rearview mirrors mounted to headlight mount on springer front end

Untitled #B62 (Maltese Mirrors-Clear Lake, TX 2004)
Rearview mirror in shape of maltese cross

Untitled #B120 (Rooke’s Rockstar Schwinn-Phoenix, AZ 2005)
Slender lines and details harken back to the history of the Schwinn bicycle

Untitled #B39 (Yellow Wires-Santa Fe, TX 2004)
Yellow spark plug wires visible on custom Harley

Untitled #B106 (Inverted Springer-Myrtle Beach, 2005)
Inverted springer front end with red powdercoated wire wheel

Untitled B#74 (Cross Kicker-Laconia, NH 2004)
Kick start pedal in shape of Maltese cross with braided oil lines

Untitled #B71 (8 Ball Girl-Sturgis, SD 2004)
Custom neck gusset in shape of pin-up girl

Untitled #B122 (Stop-Myrtle Beach, SC 2005)
Vintage style brake light on short trailer style fender

Untitled #B9 (Yellow Bike-Houston, TX 2003)
Custom yellow air filter cover on Twin Cam Harley

Untitled #B100 (Red and Tan-League City, TX 2004)
Custom ostrich skin seat accentuates look of “vintage” Harley tank badge

Untitled #B49 (Riding Bell-Alvin, TX 2004)
Riding bell with “motorcycle angel” insignia adorns custom home built chopper

Untitled #B110 (Red Eye Classic-Ormond Beach, FL 2005)
Vintage styled icons with pinstriping, red powdercoat, and custom rocker boxes

Untitled #B41 (Cat in the Hat-Houston, TX 2004)
Cat in the Hat figurine hands from fuel tube on custom shovelhead

Untitled #B121 (In Memory-Myrtle Beach, SC 2005)
Winged Skull pendant on antiqued gas cap

Untitled #B67 (Red Indian-Tampa, FL 2004)
New Indian motorcycle