Micah McCloskey

Micah McCloskey: The Speed-Driven Life of a Biker’s Biker

For Micah McCloskey, the journey began as a directionless teenager with a dream, but it didn’t take long for a vision to form when he laid eyes on a 1936 Indian Scout. That motorcycle would change the course of his life, setting him on a path that would take him from a novice wrench-turner to a master craftsman and speed enthusiast, cementing his status as a legendary figure in the world of custom American motorcycles.

The Early Days: A Scout and a Plan

In his early 20s, Micah was just a kid searching for something to believe in, until he found that ’36 Scout and his passion for speed started to grow. After outgrowing the Scout’s 45-inch engine, Micah traded up for a 74-inch Flathead Indian—an upgrade that fueled his hunger for more power and faster bikes. Speed had become an obsession, but it also gave him a newfound sense of direction.

By 1970, at just 20 years old, Micah responded to a job ad for a full-time position at American Indian Motorcycle in Monrovia, California, owned by the legendary Sammy Pierce. The ad was looking for someone with Indian motorcycle experience, who owned their own tools, and could show up on time. Micah didn’t fit any of those requirements, but he convinced Sammy to hire him anyway, promising to be there every day, no matter what.

Starting out cleaning up and handling chains and tires on Saturdays, Micah quickly proved his dedication and willingness to learn. Six months later, when the motor bench spot opened up, Micah stepped in, eager to absorb everything he could about the art of building engines. The experience was a true trial by fire, as the shop dealt with old, often incomplete or broken Indian parts. But this rigorous training laid the foundation for Micah’s skills and set the stage for his transition to Harley-Davidsons, where the parts were pristine, complete, and allowed him to flex his creative muscles.

The Road to Mastery: From Apprentice to Innovator

By the mid-1970s, Micah’s reputation was growing. He took on jobs at several shops, including Sporter Motors in Canoga Park, before eventually working for Joe Scarber’s Custom Cycles, also in Canoga Park. In 1979, when Joe decided to move on, Micah bought the business, keeping it alive and thriving through multiple economic downturns and industry shifts.

He later moved to a larger 5,000 square-foot facility in 1993, a landmark location on Sherman Way that became synonymous with custom performance and quality. This shop would operate until his semi-retirement in 2013, with its iconic McCloskey’s Custom Cycles neon sign now housed in the Valley Relics Museum in San Fernando Valley—a testament to the legacy he built.

Chasing Speed: Easyriders Streamliner and Land Speed Records

It wasn’t long before Micah’s love for speed brought him to the salt flats. In 1989, he joined the famed Easyriders Streamliner Project as assistant crew chief, working on motors and transmissions with Keith Ruxton. With Micah’s meticulous engine-building skills, the team set a Harley-Davidson land speed record at 284.55 mph that year. But they weren’t done yet.

In 1990, the Easyriders Streamliner smashed the land speed record for all motorcycles, clocking in at an astonishing 322.150 mph. The accomplishment was historic—not just for the crew, but for American motorcycle racing. Micah’s engines had helped bring the record back to America, and his name became synonymous with high-performance builds and innovative engineering.

Drag Racing and Custom Creations

In the 1990s, Micah turned his attention to drag racing, working with the Southwest Drag Racing Association and the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA), while also competing in various street bike drag racing events. He joined forces with Keith Ruxton once again, working pit crew for his pro-fuel drag bikes. Whether it was building top-speed motors or wrenching in the pits, Micah was always at the center of the action.

By then, Micah’s expertise wasn’t just limited to speed. His custom builds were garnering attention across the country, and his shop, McCloskey’s Custom Cycles, became known as the go-to place for serious riders looking to get more power out of their American-made machines. From restorations to full custom builds, Micah’s reputation for delivering honest advice and flawless craftsmanship attracted customers from all walks of life.

Brotherhood, Charity, and the Uglies M/C

In 1990, Micah joined the Uglies Motorcycle Club, an association that became a cornerstone of his life. The club wasn’t just about bikes; it was about brotherhood, good times, and giving back. In 1992, the Exceptional Children’s Foundation approached Micah about organizing a charity motorcycle event, sparking what would become the second largest motorcycle charity event in Southern California. That event would also be the setting where he met the woman who would later become his wife.

A Legacy of Speed and Craftsmanship

Even after closing his shop in 2013, Micah hasn’t slowed down. He still works on complete motor rebuilds, custom creations, and restorations from his home shop. Specializing in Knuckleheads, Panheads, and Shovelheads, he’s known for bringing classic American iron back to life, with an unparalleled attention to detail that keeps collectors and enthusiasts coming back.

Today, Micah rides a Road Glide with a custom flame paint job—a nod to his lifelong love of speed and style. And while the Road Glide is his go-to for cruising, he still has his beloved Indian Chief. It’s a reminder of where it all began for the self-proclaimed directionless kid who found his passion in the world of motorcycles.

Looking Back: A Career of Speed and Integrity

For Micah, it’s never been about fame or recognition. His role models, Sam Pierce and Gary Bang, instilled in him the values of hard work, dedication, and honest craftsmanship. Over a career spanning decades, Micah has stayed true to those principles, earning a reputation as a biker’s biker—the “baby boomer bike builder of the San Fernando Valley.”

“I’ve always been about building motors to go faster,” Micah says. “Anything to do with speed or a challenge has always caught my attention.”

That relentless drive for speed, paired with his unwavering commitment to quality, is what makes Micah McCloskey a true icon in the world of custom motorcycles. Whether it’s breaking land speed records or building a beautiful restoration, Micah’s work is a testament to what can be achieved when passion and skill come together in perfect harmony. As long as there’s an engine to be tuned and a motorcycle to ride, you can bet Micah will be there, pushing the limits and loving every minute of it.