About Us
PETER BIRTHISEL
Turning a 30 year old hobby into a business was not part of my plan, but here we are.
My passion with Indian motorcycles began at 23 years of age when I sold a FJ 1100 Yamaha to buy a box of rusty parts to build my first Indian, and it just kept going from there.
Starting with building Scouts and Chiefs, I moved to Bobbers and 30’s, then a Vindian, but then I was introduced to Class C racing. What else could I do but start building race bikes? Six Class C bikes and still going strong. Racing is something I have done since 2009 and still to this day, I cannot wait to be on the track.
Once I asked someone about Salt Lake racing and was told: “not to start unless you are prepared to be addicted”. So yes that also happened, four visits to Lake Gairdner South Australia and one record down. Competing in the Burt Munro challenge was also a highlight, as is racing at Sellicks Beach.
I have been involved with the Indian Motorcycle club of Australia since 1997 and was president for 11. With my wife Toni, we ran rallies and events during those years, with our kids Mason and Hannah by our sides. We have enjoyed many overseas rallies, reiterating that the Indian scene in Australia is larger than in most countries.
But down to basics I just enjoy being out and riding these great machines, be it on the road, track, sand or salt.
MASON BIRTHISEL
I had no choice but to be introduced to Indian motocycles at birth and growing up I was always helping in the shed or on Indian rallies. My first bike I built at 13 (with help) was a 1926 Indian Prince, converting it to foot clutch and left hand throttle, all whilst learning how to ride such an arrangement on dads 1944 chief sidecar.
As I got older however, I sold it to buy a Indian 741 chopper, which ended up being my daily rider. My hobbies however started with collecting and repairing old push bikes, to now working on cars including restoring my 1977 HX panel van. I started my small motor mechanic apprenticeship at a local yarrawonga business and completed my time at the Harley shop in albury.
My past experience was working on boats, mowers, four wheelers and of course motorcycles. I have been racing solo handshift since I was 15 (2012), but I do have a liking for swinging on sidecars when ever I get the chance. Any racing is good racing, and I have my sights set on Lake Gairdner. In 2019 when dad come up with this business idea, I jumped at the chance and we ran with it, so I am looking forward to the future and where we can take it.
