Warbikes LLC has launched a new online TV series for historic warplane and custom motorcycle enthusiasts called “WarBikes — Kickstarting History.” Shows are comprised of multiple mini-series offering viewers an up-close experience as a build team explores the 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 World War II-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.
Spurred by a commission from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) to honor America’s proud history of military aviation, WarBikes captures the exhilaration, craftsmanship, ingenuity, and raw attitude of the war planes that the organization preserves.
“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, by repackaging their stories in a medium that impacts a new audience. 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, and we look forward to seeing where WarBikes will take our country’s story of freedom.”
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.
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.
“We just try to build great bikes that invoke strong passions in the people who see them. Attention to detail and a love of what we do is the key,” said Randolph.
New Gunfighter episodes will be posted to the site every week.
