Skeeter Todd

Vene Lee "Skeeter" Todd: A Life Fueled by Harley-Davidson and a Passion for Custom Motorcycles

Born in the small town of Oneonta, New York, Vene Lee “Skeeter” Todd’s love affair with Harley-Davidson motorcycles was destined from the start. As family legend goes, Skeeter’s father—a biker himself—was forced to sell his beloved Panhead when Skeeter’s mother, pregnant with him, wouldn’t stay off the bike. That moment in 1949 marked the beginning of what would become a lifelong passion for custom motorcycles and the biker lifestyle.

After serving in Vietnam, Skeeter returned to upstate New York and worked as a union laborer building roads and bridges. But his true passion was always motorcycles. The cold New York winters didn’t slow him down—in fact, they fueled his creativity. During those months, Skeeter built custom Harley-Davidsons, which he would unveil at the Harley Ride-In Shows in Daytona during the 1980s. These bikes, affectionately referred to as “this year’s blonde,” were known for their unique designs, craftsmanship, and one-of-a-kind character. Skeeter’s work was so distinct that several of his creations were featured in motorcycle magazines, including his famous “Panster,” a motorcycle with a Sportster bottom end and a Panhead top end.

Despite his talent, Skeeter rarely sold his custom builds. His motorcycles were a personal passion, each a reflection of his love for the craft. He even built a number of bikes for his wife, Marie, showcasing his ability to merge functionality with beauty in his designs.

After 20 years in construction, Skeeter decided to make motorcycles his full-time profession. He started working for companies like Custom Chrome and Biker’s Choice, and even collaborated with a frame manufacturer in Canada. Later, he found a home at Orange County Choppers, where he appeared in several of their television productions. While Skeeter never worked directly for companies like S&S, Baker, or Corbin, he developed strong relationships with each of them, always eager to share his expertise. In retirement, he continued to share his knowledge, working with Brock’s Performance in Ohio.

Known throughout the motorcycle industry for his incredible technical knowledge and generous spirit, Skeeter was always ready to help. Whether in person or over the phone, he would spend hours guiding fellow bikers on how to build or repair their motorcycles. His reputation as a mentor and friend extended across the entire motorcycle community.

Though Skeeter wasn’t one to join groups, he was recognized for his contributions to the biker world. He was inducted into “Hamsters USA” in 2010, a significant achievement for someone who preferred to ride solo. He was also a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) and the American Motorcycle Association (AMA).

Beyond building and designing motorcycles, Skeeter’s true passion was riding. One of his favorite rides was the 1,800-mile trip from upstate New York to Sturgis, which he often completed in just two days—riding alone. His love for the open road was evident in every mile he rode, and he took great pride in pushing the limits of both his machines and himself.

For Skeeter, being inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame was one of the greatest honors of his life. It was a recognition not only of his technical skill and craftsmanship but of the impact he had on the motorcycle community. Skeeter Todd’s legacy lives on in the bikes he built, the friendships he made, and the countless riders he inspired along the way.