Born Free 15
In its fifteenth year, Born Free 15: The Born Free Motorcycle Show 2024 was bigger and better than ever. While a significant portion of the show focuses on the V-twin segment, Born Free had something for everyone. From performance baggers and choppers to vintage iron, desert sleds, and full dressers, the variety was impressive. The event featured vert skating, live tattoos, and live music, offering entertainment everywhere you looked.
“Darla the Dyna” 2001 Harley Davidson Lowrider by Mike Aldridge
For those unfamiliar with what Born Free is, the Born Free Motorcycle Show started back in 2009 when a couple of friends, Mike Davis and Grant Peterson, wanted to organize a gathering for vintage chopper enthusiasts in Orange County, California.
At that time, there were hardly any shows dedicated to bikes like theirs. Born Free quickly gained popularity and became the premier event for motorcycle aficionados worldwide. Over 14 years later, it attracts more than 25,000 spectators and participants, along with over 200 vendors and sponsors.
The show features live music, the thrilling Ives Brothers Wall of Death, the highly anticipated Invited Builder show, a Special Guest Area, and an AMCA regional swap meet, among other attractions
Paul Hartman of Paul Craig Motors displaying a lovely tank-shift racer
Born Free is all about celebrating the spontaneous spirit of motorcycle culture, where people ride their vintage Harleys, Indians, Triumphs, and other makes into the event, creating an impromptu exhibition of classic bikes.
The event welcomes all makes and models, with voluntary registration and a few awards and prizes. The Best In Show winner gets an exciting trip to the Mooneyes Hot Rod & Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan, this December. A highlight of the show is the Invited Builder area, where 32 talented motorcycle builders from around the world debut their unique creations.
These builders, who are often craftsmen, small shop owners, and garage builders, showcase their skills and creativity, pushing the boundaries of motorcycle design and craftsmanship.
The Livewire brand debuted the first-ever electric chopper with their ‘S2 FURHOLLAND’ based on their newly released S2 Mulholland — pictured above.
Though Harley dominated the show, we searched out a solid smattering of Triumphs in various forms of choppers, baggers, desert sleds and classic vintage iterations. We did our best to track them down.
Bryan Thompson’s vintage Triumph built for Vans
The Born Free Motorcycle Show 2024 was a total hit and the ‘Born Free‘ brand has grown into a global phenomenon. The event draws in enthusiasts and builders who share a passion for vintage motorcycles and the culture surrounding them worldwide. We’re just stoked to have Born Free take place in our backyard.
The event has gotten so big that there are far more bikes to see and good conversations to be had than there are hours in the day. We pressed on through the heat, but as the temps rose in the afternoon, cold ones were calling, as was the open road, so we called it a day. Here are a few more pics from the show. Kudos to all the builders who participated and to Mike, Grant, and crew for pulling off another epic event. We’re already psyched for next year!
Born Free: Web | Instagram || Photography: Patrick Flynn
