Chris Huvane Motorcycle
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Chris Huvane and the Art of Motorcycle Riding

Former GQ Senior West Coast Editor and now long-time partner of Hollywood’s top management firm, Management 360, Chris Huvane has been riding and collecting bikes since 2005. We forced him to take time out from his busy schedule managing the high profile careers of Margot Robbie, Margaret Qualley, Frank Grillo, and the late great Chadwick Boseman, to give us his breakdown of what to ride, where to ride, and where to get a beer & a fine meal in rider heaven.

MY FIRST BIKE

My first and favorite motorcycle. A 2008 Triumph Bonneville. I worship Steve McQueen and he rode a Triumph Scrambler in The Great Escape so of course Triumph was my first stop. I wanted a more street-friendly bike so I went with the Bonneville. 

Triumph Bonneville T120

TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 on leo edit
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T120 on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of Chris Huvane

Huvane’s Personal Triumph Bonneville

THE ULTIMATE BIKE 

The ultimate goal for any bike hobbyist is having a custom bike built for you. It can be expensive and time-consuming because you need to find a builder who you trust and admire. I found that individual in Robert Sabel of the Roughchild motorcycle shop. He specializes in BMW builds and is based in downtown Los Angeles, but is originally from England. He takes you along for the ride of the build by asking you for things that inspire you and your needs. In my case, I told him I wanted something that would appear in a Mad Max film! Knobby- tires and a violent attitude but also something that would impress artful people. He built the most incredible bike for me that literally gets me stopped in the streets by admirers of all ages and types. 

THE ULTIMATE BIKE on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of Roughchild
THE ULTIMATE BIKE on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of Roughchild
THE ULTIMATE BIKE on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of Roughchild

Roughchild / 310.254.6027 / robert@roughchild.net

I GOT A GUY

I only allow one mechanic/builder to work on my Triumph, Kevin Stanley from Moto Chop Shop in Los Angeles.

Photo Courtesy of Moto Chop Shop

Moto Chop Shop / 424.208.9204 / kevin@motochopshop.net

PARTS

Kevin introduced me to a parts company that completely changed my understanding of style and aesthetics on motorcycles: British Customs.

BRITISH CUSTOMS on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of British Customs

British Customs / 850.400.2708

GEAR

Dryspec D20 Waterproof Drybag Saddle Bag System

I just purchased this beautiful waterproof travel bag from them.

DRYSPEC D20 WATERPROOF DRYBAG SADDLE BAG SYSTEM on leo edit

Biltwell Bonanza Helmet

The best way to accessorize while riding is finding a great, safe helmet. I only ride with Biltwell. For local rides where you want your face out in the open, I suggest the Bonanza. 

BILTWELL BONANZA HELMET on leo edit

Biltwell Lane Splitter Helmet

For a safer, more stylish look, check out the Lane Splitter. Fun fact: California is the only state that allows lane splitting. It’s a bit dangerous but for someone like me that hates traffic, it comes in handy for long rides.

BILTWELL LANE SPLITTER HELMET on leo edit

Resurgence Sherpa Jacket Raw

My favorite riding coat was purchased in London last year.

RESURGENCE SHERPA JACKET RAW on leo edit

ON THE ROAD 

My favorite ride is Tuna Canyon in Malibu. It’s a one-way downhill jaunt that is exhilarating and dangerous enough to keep you completely on your toes. 70 turns in 4.1 miles. Beginners, take it slow your first few runs. 

Distance: 17.4 Km / 10.8 Mi Duration: 0:27:45

HANG

The best destination for Los Angeles riders is The Old Place in Malibu. It feels like you’re on the set of a Western flick. The architecture and landscaping are pleasing to the eye and you might forget you’re in Los Angeles for a moment. The menu comes across as simple but that is the point. People that come here know what they want. The bacon is highly recommended. Most importantly for our purposes, they love feeding motorcyclists.

THE OLD PLACE on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of The Old Place
THE OLD PLACE on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of The Old Place

For those that don’t know, The Bike Shed is coming to Los Angeles. I discovered this treasure at the original location in London. You can find custom bikes, beautifully curated gear, and clothing, but you can also enjoy a beer and a fine meal. Oh, and they have barbers as well. Heaven for riders. 

THE BIKE SHED on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of The Bike Shed

The Bike Shed / 384 Old St Hackney, London / 020.7729.8114

READING MATERIAL

The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles

There is only one coffee-table book for the casual or religious rider. Assouline’s The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles. I have never felt more overwhelmed (in a positive way) than when I first opened this giant publication. And I say giant because it’s literally the biggest book you will own. The size is mandatory because of the fine details of the design of the actual bikes that are featured. Sublime to say the least. Enjoy.

THE IMPOSSIBLE COLLECTION OF MOTORCYCLES on leo edit
THE IMPOSSIBLE COLLECTION OF MOTORCYCLES on leo edit

THE REST OF HUVANE’S COLLECTION

2015 DUCATI SCRAMBLER on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of Chris Huvane

2015 Ducati Scrambler

2015 INDIAN SCOUT on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of Chris Huvane

2015 Indian Scout

2017 HARLEY STREET GLIDE on leo edit
Photo Courtesy of Chris Huvane

2017 Harley Street Glide

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