Kenny Price

Kenny Price: The “Godfather of Pipes” and a Legacy of High-Performance Innovation

Kenny Price’s story is one of humble beginnings, relentless passion, and an unbreakable bond with the motorcycle community. Today, he’s best known as the founder of Samson Exhaust and the genius behind numerous patented high-performance exhaust systems. But Price’s journey from a teenage tinkerer to a respected industry innovator is as unique as the roar of the custom pipes he’s created for decades.

A Teenage Rebel with a Dream

It all started when Kenny was just a teenager, growing up in the 1960s, with a fierce determination to squeeze more power out of his 1956 Vespa scooter. Even back then, his mechanical instincts and creative tinkering were apparent. With no formal training, he began experimenting, tearing apart the engine, modifying parts, and pushing his tiny scooter to its limits.

By age 15, he left home and found himself on the streets during the freewheeling “hippie” era of the late 60s. Wandering from shop to shop, soaking up knowledge and honing his skills, Kenny’s first professional opportunity came when he landed a job with Cheetah Choppers in 1969. That same year, he bought his first Harley—a 1965 Panhead full dresser. Over the next few years, he meticulously handcrafted parts and turned that Harley into his first custom chopper.

Becoming the “Godfather of Pipes”

It wasn’t long before his peers noticed his handcrafted exhausts and their unparalleled performance. They began asking Kenny to build pipes for their bikes too. His attention to detail and knack for getting more power out of every engine earned him the nickname “The Godfather of Pipes.” Throughout the 70s, Kenny’s life revolved around riding, building, and perfecting custom exhausts.

During that era, motorcycle culture was a world of its own, filled with freedom, brotherhood, and a few wild stories. Kenny attended countless bike rallies and events, often staying much longer than planned. “Motorcycle Fever” was his excuse when he’d call his job, letting them know he wouldn’t be coming back on time—if at all. For Kenny, the rides were what mattered most, not the mundane 9-to-5 grind.

The Birth of Samson Exhaust

After nearly two decades of traveling and wrenching on bikes, the 1980s brought Kenny a renewed desire to dive back into the industry full-time. He began experimenting with new exhaust designs, using his skills as a Class A journeyman machinist. The result was Samson Exhaust, founded in 1988. Kenny’s workshop began with just some old, worn-out tubing equipment, but his talent quickly turned that small operation into a powerhouse of innovation.

In an era when the aftermarket parts industry was growing stagnant, Samson’s bold designs and commitment to high performance were like a breath of fresh air—or more appropriately, the sound of a revving engine breaking through the silence. Kenny’s exhausts didn’t just look good; they delivered power, torque, and that deep, signature rumble that riders crave. He introduced over 50 new exhaust styles in a single year at trade shows, setting the standard for what custom exhausts could be.

More than Just Exhausts: A Passion for Motorcycling History

Kenny’s love for motorcycles extended far beyond just creating parts. Over the years, he amassed a collection of rare and obscure motorcycles—each one a piece of history. From classic American models to unique European designs, Price’s collection was a testament to the evolution of motorcycling.

Initially, these bikes were hidden away in his private collection, known only to a select few. But when the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame opened its doors, so did the opportunity to share these machines with the public. Price’s passion for preserving motorcycling heritage made him a staunch supporter of the museum. He regularly loaned his prized bikes to their exhibits, ensuring that future generations of riders could appreciate the history that shaped their world.

A Legacy Forged in Steel

Today, Samson Exhaust is known worldwide as a leader in high-performance aftermarket parts, but Kenny Price’s legacy is more than just the sum of the products he’s created. It’s about a lifelong love for the open road, a commitment to innovation, and a dedication to the motorcycling community that has never wavered. From his early days on that 1956 Vespa to his revolutionary designs at Samson, Kenny’s story is a testament to what happens when passion and craftsmanship come together.

Though Kenny has seen countless trends come and go, his devotion to quality and performance has remained unchanged. Whether it’s through the roar of a Samson exhaust, the gleam of a rare bike on display, or the friendships forged over miles of blacktop, Kenny Price has made his mark—one ride at a time. For the “Godfather of Pipes,” it’s a lifelong love that will never fade.