Jeff Decker

Jeff Decker: Immortalizing Motorcycling in Bronze

Sculptor and historian Jeff Decker has carved out a unique niche in the art world by immortalizing the history and culture of motorcycling in bronze. His work is celebrated not only for its artistic merit but also for capturing the essence of the bond between man and machine. One of his most iconic pieces is By The Horns (also known as The Hill Climber), a towering 16-foot-tall, 5,000-pound bronze sculpture that proudly stands at the Harley-Davidson Museum. This monumental work of art is a tribute to the thrilling and daring world of hill climbing, a sport that pushed the limits of both rider and machine.

For those unable to make the trip to Milwaukee, a miniature replica of The Hill Climber can be seen at the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, serving as a testament to Decker's deep connection to the motorcycling community and the historic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Decker’s bronze-cast masterpieces have earned him equal recognition in both the fine art and motorcycling worlds. His work often depicts early 20th-century motorcycling icons, racing machines, and the visceral pursuit of speed, capturing moments of tension, triumph, and movement.

Decker’s fascination with speed and machines began early. Working full-time at a bronze casting foundry, he sought to capture humanity’s relentless quest for velocity, a theme that resonates across all his creations. His sculptures don’t just portray motorcycles—they express the spirit, freedom, and passion that define the motorcycling culture.

Through his work, Jeff Decker has elevated motorcycling into the realm of fine art, celebrating its history and soul. His sculptures stand as lasting tributes to the pioneers of motorcycling, the machines they rode, and the people who continue to push the limits today. Decker’s vision ensures that the story of motorcycling will be told, not just in words, but in bronze, for generations to come.