John Shope

John Shope: The Visionary Behind Dirty Bird Concepts

From the sunny streets of California to the scorching heat of Arizona, John Shope has carved out a name for himself as a true visionary in the world of custom motorcycles. As the mastermind behind Dirty Bird Concepts, Shope has redefined what it means to build and customize Harley-Davidson and Indian motorcycles. But his path to the top was paved not just with metal and machinery, but with relentless creativity, hard work, and a fearless determination to push the limits.

From a Trail 50 to Dirty Bird Concepts: The Early Years

John Shope was born and raised in California, the son of a single mother. Growing up, he dreamed of owning his own motorcycle, and at the tender age of 10, that dream became a reality when his mom surprised him with a brand-new Honda Trail 50. The joy of cruising up and down the street on his new bike was short-lived, though. Within hours, an unfortunate collision with a car bent the handlebars and ended the ride. Most kids might have hung up their helmet, but not John. He patched up the bike, straightened the handlebars, and got back on, never letting the setback diminish his love for riding.

That determined spirit was just a glimpse of what was to come. As he got older, Shope pursued art and sculpture, developing a keen eye for design and detail—skills that would later shape his signature style in the custom motorcycle industry. In the 1980s, he took his passion for motorcycles to the next level, starting small in his own garage, modifying and fabricating custom Harleys. These early years of experimentation and hands-on learning would lay the foundation for his future success.

The Move to Arizona and the Birth of Sinister Industries

By 2006, Shope had decided it was time to take his craft to a new level. With his wife Sara and their 6-month-old son Colton in tow, he made the move from Oregon to Arizona, where he set up shop in an RV garage on his property. It was a humble start, but it gave him the freedom to tinker and build at all hours while staying close to his young family.

The move proved pivotal. Arizona’s open roads and strong motorcycle community were fertile ground for Shope’s talents to blossom. In 2008, his creative designs caught the attention of the Country Music Channel’s show The Chopper Challenge. The show pitted nine builders against each other, each partnered with a sponsor to create a bike that reflected the sponsor’s brand and style. Shope’s entry stunned judges and fans alike, earning him the title of Master Builder of The Chopper Challenge and establishing him as a force to be reckoned with in the custom bike world.

Reinvention and the Rise of Dirty Bird Concepts

But success didn’t come without its share of obstacles. Shortly after the show aired, the U.S. economy took a nosedive, and Shope’s business was hit hard. Many shops folded, and the custom bike industry faced an uncertain future. Faced with dwindling orders and mounting pressure, John knew he had to take a bold leap.

One morning, he turned to Sara and announced, “I have a new idea! If it doesn’t work, I’ll go be a plumber or something.” The next day, he purchased a 2007 Harley-Davidson Street Glide—at a time when touring models weren’t a major focus for customization. Ignoring conventional wisdom, John wheeled the bike into his shop, cut the front end off, raked the neck, and slapped on a 23-inch front wheel. It was a move that changed everything.

That single project sparked a revolution. Riders, captivated by the sleek look and aggressive stance of John’s new custom touring bike, began clamoring for more. John knew he was onto something big. He transformed his small operation, Sinister Industries, into John Shope’s Dirty Bird Concepts, a brand dedicated to the radical customization of Harley-Davidson touring bikes.

A Customization Empire is Born

With Dirty Bird Concepts, John did more than just build showstoppers—he created an entire line of aftermarket parts. These weren’t just for full-scale custom builds, either; John’s vision was to make customization accessible. Harley owners could pick up one of his parts—a sleek fairing here, a raked neck kit there—without having to break the bank on a complete modification. This business model resonated with riders across the country and kept smaller motorcycle shops afloat during the recession, giving new life to an industry on the brink.

John’s impact didn’t stop with Harley-Davidson. As the custom bagger scene took off, Indian Motorcycle took note of Shope’s innovative designs and partnered with him to create a full line of parts for their new Chief and Chief Classic models. His work gained national attention when he competed in Biker Battleground Phoenix, where the stakes were higher than ever. Shope came out on top, winning the title of Biker Battleground Ultimate Build-Off Grand Champion and solidifying his place as one of the top builders in the country.

Always on the Cutting Edge

Today, John Shope’s Dirty Bird Concepts is a multimillion-dollar operation, setting trends and challenging the norms of what’s possible in the custom motorcycle world. He’s not afraid to take risks, whether it’s creating new parts for the latest Harley models or building an entirely new line for Indian’s groundbreaking Scout. Each project is a chance for Shope to push the envelope and stay ahead of the competition.

His walls are lined with awards, and his bikes have graced the covers of hundreds of magazines. Yet, Shope remains as humble as ever. For him, it’s never been about the trophies—it’s about staying true to his word, keeping his designs fresh, and maintaining his brand as the go-to source for riders looking to transform their motorcycles into works of art.

A Family Affair

Despite his high-profile career, John remains grounded. His shop might be filled with the roar of engines and the hum of machinery, but family comes first. He and Sara continue to live in Arizona, raising their three boys, all of whom are already chasing their own racing dreams on dirt bikes. To them, their dad isn’t just a master builder—he’s a role model. And if you ask John what his proudest achievement is, it’s not the TV shows, the accolades, or the big contracts—it’s being a good father and passing on the love of two wheels to the next generation.

Building Dreams, One Bike at a Time

John Shope’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience. From the streets of California on a little Honda Trail 50 to the heights of custom bike stardom, he’s shown that success isn’t about following the rules—it’s about rewriting them. And as long as there are bikes to build and ideas to explore, you can bet John Shope will be out there, leading the charge, one wild ride at a time.