Jesse James Hands Over New Bike to Dana White After Four Years
Jesse James Finally Delivers Custom Motorcycle to Dana White: Four Years in the Making
When it comes to custom motorcycles, Jesse James is the name that roars through the industry like a high-performance V-twin engine. So, when UFC President Dana White approached James with a request for a custom bike, it was only natural that anticipation would build as high as the octane in James’s workshop. But what many didn’t expect was the four-year journey it would take to see that bike completed. Now, after years of painstaking work and attention to detail, Jesse James has finally handed over the keys to White’s new ride, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece.
The Art of Custom Motorcycles: Jesse James’s Passion
Jesse James isn’t just a motorcycle builder; he’s a craftsman who turns metal into rolling works of art. With his shop, West Coast Choppers, James has established a reputation for creating some of the most iconic bikes in the world. His work isn’t just about assembling parts—it’s about crafting a machine that reflects the personality and style of its rider.
For James, every bike is a unique project, a chance to push the boundaries of design and engineering. When Dana White approached him for a custom motorcycle, James knew this would be no ordinary build. It had to be something special, something that would stand out even in White’s impressive collection of vehicles.
The Long Road to Completion
The project started with a vision, but as with all great things, it took time to bring that vision to life. James isn’t one to rush his work; he believes in taking the time to get every detail right. And in this case, those details took four years to perfect.
One of the most time-consuming aspects of the build was the engraving. James spent a full year just on this part of the project, ensuring that every line and curve was flawless. The result is a bike that’s not only mechanically sound but also visually stunning—a true testament to the art of custom motorcycle building.
But the engraving was just one piece of the puzzle. Throughout the project, James faced various challenges, from sourcing rare materials to ensuring that every part of the bike met his exacting standards. This wasn’t just a job for James; it was a labor of love, a project that demanded his full attention and expertise.
The Final Reveal: A Bike Worth the Wait
After four years of hard work, the day finally came for James to hand over the bike to Dana White. For White, who had been eagerly awaiting the completion of his custom ride, it was a moment of triumph. The bike was everything he had hoped for and more—a machine that reflected his personality and his love for motorcycles.
The bike itself is a marvel of design and engineering. From its powerful engine to its meticulously crafted body, every aspect of the motorcycle screams performance and style. And while the bike is undoubtedly a work of art, it’s also built to be ridden. For Jesse James, this is the ultimate goal of any motorcycle—to be used and enjoyed, not just admired.
James himself made this clear in a post on Instagram, where he shared images of the bike and a message to White: “Bikes are meant to be ridden… Thank you @danawhite for taking these two @westcoastchoppers Beauties and using them what they were meant for.” It’s a sentiment that captures James’s philosophy perfectly—his bikes aren’t just for show; they’re built to perform.
COVID-19 and the Challenges of Custom Work
The four-year timeline for this project wasn’t just due to the complexity of the build. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a significant role in delaying the completion of the bike. Like many businesses, West Coast Choppers faced challenges during the pandemic, from supply chain disruptions to the need for new safety protocols.
Despite these challenges, Jesse James kept his shop running, even as he dealt with the impact of the pandemic on his other ventures. In addition to his work on motorcycles, James also runs an ammunition company, which saw a surge in demand during the early days of the pandemic. In just four days, the company sold 4.5 million rounds of ammunition—a testament to the chaotic atmosphere of the time.
Through it all, James remained committed to his craft. Moving from California to the Austin area, he continued to work on his projects, including the bike for Dana White. For James, the move was a chance to escape the restrictions of California and find a place where he could focus on what he does best—building incredible motorcycles.
A New Chapter: Monster Garage Returns
While the completion of Dana White’s bike marks the end of one chapter, it’s also the beginning of a new one for Jesse James. Alongside his work in the shop, James has also been busy with the reboot of his popular Discovery Channel show, Monster Garage.
The show, which originally aired in the early 2000s, was a hit with fans of custom vehicles and over-the-top builds. Now, with the show’s return, James is once again bringing his unique brand of creativity and expertise to the screen, showing viewers what it takes to turn everyday vehicles into extraordinary machines.
For fans of James’s work, the return of Monster Garage is a chance to see the master at work, creating new and exciting builds that push the boundaries of what’s possible. And for James, it’s an opportunity to share his passion with a new generation of enthusiasts.
The Legacy of Jesse James
Jesse James’s journey from the early days of West Coast Choppers to his current status as a custom motorcycle legend is a story of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to quality. His work has influenced a generation of builders and riders, and his name has become synonymous with the best in custom motorcycles.
The completion of Dana White’s bike is just the latest example of James’s dedication to his craft. It’s a reminder that great things take time, and that true artistry can’t be rushed. For Jesse James, every bike is more than just a machine—it’s a piece of his legacy, a testament to what can be achieved when skill, creativity, and passion come together.
As he hands over the keys to Dana White’s new motorcycle, Jesse James isn’t just delivering a bike; he’s delivering a masterpiece, one that will be ridden, enjoyed, and admired for years to come. And for those who appreciate the art of custom motorcycles, there’s no greater gift than that.