From the Garage to the Show
When it comes to motorcycle culture, few gatherings hold the same weight as the Born Free Show — and this year, 805 Beer is proud to spotlight Brian Hamm, one of the talented builders bringing his unique style to Born Free Texas.
From San Luis Obispo to Born Free Texas
Hailing from San Luis Obispo, California, Brian has been part of the Born Free scene for years. While this marks his first Born Free as an invited builder, he’s no stranger to the show’s energy.
“I’ve ridden to and attended about five Born Free shows in California,” he says. “This is my first time making the trip out to Texas for Born Free, and it feels pretty special.”
In 2022, Brian competed in People’s Champ, finishing his build and showcasing it at the California event. But this year, things hit a new level.
The Build: Pressure, Passion, and Purpose
The bike Brian brought to Born Free Texas started as a personal project — something he wanted to build for himself. But when sign-ups for invited builders opened, he decided to turn up the heat.
“I was already planning on building this bike, and Born Free Texas had sign-ups for invited builders,” Brian explains. “So I decided to put a little more pressure on myself and do it for the show instead of just to build it.”
Crafting a Classic with Character
Brian’s vision for the bike took shape organically, rooted in his own style and inspired by the old-school Freddy Hernandez builds — machines known for being simple yet functional.
“I didn’t have a plan,” he admits. “I just kept coming up with ideas and seeing if I liked them. If I did, they stuck. If not, I tossed them.”
Balancing Family and Fabrication
The biggest challenge came not from the bike, but from life itself.
“Three weeks after I was accepted as an invited builder, my wife and I’s daughter was born,” he shares. “Raising a newborn and building a show bike was pretty wild, but it pushed me to be more productive with my time and get better at time management.”
The Detail That Defines It
When asked which part of the build he’s most proud of, Brian doesn’t hesitate:
“The molding on the frame,” he says. “It took around 200 hours of work — maybe more, maybe less. It’s all a blur now, but I’m really happy with the way it turned out.”
What Born Free Means
For Brian, Born Free represents the heart of the custom motorcycle world.
“It’s the biggest show of the year—the one you go to see the best bikes in the game,” he says. “I’m honored to have my name in the lineup this year. I hope this opens up other opportunities and helps me meet a lot of really cool people along the way.”
What’s Next
After countless late nights in the garage, Brian is ready to take a breath.
“I’m looking forward to relaxing, spending time with my family, going fishing, and not having to stress over this build anymore,” he laughs.
