MILWAUKEE (October 27, 2008) -

For 37 years, Sugar Bear has built street-rideable choppers with a consistent philosophy: “If it ain’t long, it’s wrong.”  On Thursday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. the Harley-Davidson Museum will present a special evening with the legendary bike builder as he shares untold stories, rare photos and home movies of the early days of the American chopper scene.

“We are honored to have Sugar Bear tell his story at the Harley-Davidson Museum,” said Stacey Schiesl, Harley-Davidson Museum Director. “The evening will be an unforgettable experience that will leave guests inspired.”

From his first introduction to the movement in the 1960s to opening his own “chop shop” in South Central Los Angeles in 1971, Sugar Bear is a chopper culture icon. Sugar Bear learned alongside mentor Ben “Benny” Hardy, who played a key role in the creation of pop culture’s two most famous choppers: the “Captain America” and “Billy Bike” from the movie Easy Rider. While the original Easy Rider bikes were destroyed in the movie’s production, two replicas are on display at the Harley-Davidson Museum.

 “Sugar Bear has been building choppers longer than I’ve been alive,” said Jesse James, custom bike builder and founder of West Coast Choppers.

In his presentation “Untold stories of the American Chopper”, Sugar Bear will share stories from the early days of the chopper scene through his own memorabilia. The evening will include an introduction by Karen Davidson, Director of Harley-Davidson General Merchandise and great-granddaughter of one of the Motor Company founders, and an audience Q&A session, moderated by Jim Fricke, Harley-Davidson Museum Curatorial Director.

In addition, from Thursday, Nov. 6, to Thursday, Nov. 13, one of Sugar Bear’s famous choppers, affectionately named “Gorjus,” will be on display in the Harley-Davidson Museum lobby.

Reservations to attend are required and space is limited. The event is free to Harley-Davidson Museum members and $10 for the general public. Reservations and tickets are available starting Tuesday, October 28 at www.h-dmuseum.com. Doors to the event will open at 6 p.m. The Harley-Davidson Museum will be open until 5 p.m.

For more information on the Harley-Davidson Museum and how to become a member, visit www.h-dmuseum.com.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson's web site at www.harley-davidson.com.