Paul Teutul Sr. from Orange County Choppers launches Ducati dealership
American Chopper fans were surely shocked as the latest season kicked off with the apparent firing of Paul Teutel
Jr., but that's not the only surprise in store for the long-running reality television series this year. It seems the Teutuls have more on their cycling minds than just screaming matches and outlandish Harley-inspired customs. In fact, Paul Sr.'s next two-wheeled venture is just about as far in the other direction as you could imagine. Curious? Think Italian, and think fast.That's right, though it seems at first glance like a rather odd pairing, Teutul Sr. (right) is indeed opening a Ducati dealership in his home state of New York called Ducati Hudson Valley. To celebrate OCC's 10th anniversary, the shop has turned its torches away from rumbling American V-twins for a moment and focused its attention on a new custom L-twin-powered Monster 1100 that will be featured on an upcoming episode of American Chopper on TLC.
Still don't believe it? No worries – we did a double-take too. Click past the break for the official press release.
[Source: Ducati | Image: Andrew H. Walker/Getty]
PRESS RELEASE:
PREMIUM CUSTOM CHOPPER BRAND 'ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS' TO BUILD UPON SUCCESS WITH NEW DUCATI DEALERSHIP IN NEW YORK
Custom Ducati Monster 1100 to be Unveiled at 10th Anniversary Celebration April 23
Cupertino, Calif. (22 April 2009) – Ducati North America announced today that the leaders of cutting-edge custom choppers, the famed Orange County Choppers and stars of TLC's "American Chopper", will debut a single-branded Ducati dealership, officially called 'Ducati Hudson Valley' at its Newburgh, New York location.
Marking 10 successful years in the custom-chopper business, OCC's Paul Teutul Sr. felt the need to expand the dealership to include more of what is hot in the two-wheeled marketplace by incorporating Ducati's motorcycles, apparel and destination dealership-feel.
As part of the anniversary celebration, OCC will debut a highly anticipated custom Monster 1100 to coincide with the dealership launch activities. The bike will not be a chopper but will definitely appeal to their audience. Motorcycle fans can see the full Monster 1100 unveil later this season on an episode of TLC's "American Chopper" (Thursday, 9 PM ET/PT).
"Ducati Hudson Valley will no doubt prove to be a stepping stone in boosting sales and reinforcing Ducati's presence in the Northeast," said Michael Lock, CEO Ducati North America. "Ducati is known for innovative brand tie-ins and we are challenging dogma by exploring creative partnerships like this one with Orange County Choppers. We really looking forward to seeing what they do with the Monster 1100."
Ducati Hudson Valley's showroom will be the very first of Ducati's Retail Design Projects to highlight new elements from Ducati's visual corporate identity, which include custom-made 'bike stands' incorporating graphics tailored to specific motorcycles such as an 848 on a race track or riding a Monster 1100 through curvy mountain roads. Also new to Ducati Hudson Valley is a service area that will feature Ducati's signature red-and-white paint scheme inspired by Ducati's MotoGP replica bike, the Desmosedici.
"We prefer to partner with brands that are class leaders so naturally when we were looking to expand beyond choppers, we saw Ducati as a perfect fit," said Paul Teutul Sr. "Ducati's global reputation in the Superbike world along with the brand's style and design elements really make this an unique opportunity for us."
For more information about Ducati Hudson Valley, please visit www.ducatiusa.com
Ducati Hudson Valley
14 Crossroads Ct
Newburgh, NY 12550-5064
Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Hypermotard, Streetfighter, Monster, Sportclassic, and Multistrada. The Company's motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won fifteen World Superbike titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com.
About Orange County Choppers:
Paul Teutul, Sr., metalworker by trade, first began his business of building custom choppers out of the basement of his home in Montgomery, NY. With the creative help of his oldest son Paul Jr., the two were soon on their way to the top with the success of their first bike, "True Blue" which debuted at Daytona Biketoberfest in 1999. From that point on, Paul Sr. knew he had something and established Orange County Choppers that same year.
Headquartered in Newburgh, NY, Orange County Choppers is regarded as one of the world's premier builders of custom and production motorcycles. The OCC Brand has become one of the most recognizable brands in the world and has also produced a wide array of merchandise such as t-shirts, hats, die casts, assorted novelty items, guitar accessories and more.
The OCC shop is featured on American Chopper, a reality television series that chronicles the lives of the OCC crew as they battle impossible deadlines to create outrageous custom chopper creations. The show, which has contributed to the company's quick rise to fame, debuted in September 2002 on the Discovery Channel and in 2007, Discovery Channel's sister station, TLC, took over the broadcasting and it now airs on Thursday nights at 9pm ET/PT. For more information, visitwww.orangecountychoppers.com and www.occmotorcycles.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
gotsmart 9:08AM (4/24/2009)
A couple of things i took away from last night's show:
OCC is struggling, as i'm sure many custom chopper builders are. The economy is bad, and choppers may be a fading mainstream fad in the way cigars and Hummers were.
OCC is looking to break into the European market. Perhaps the Ducati relationship also brings with it some reciprocal distribution for Orange County Choppers in European Ducati dealerships.
Paul Sr. is getting bored, and may want a "pet project" to keep him busy and involved, but out of Paul Jr.'s way.
Reply
John P. 9:12AM (4/24/2009)
It's just a natural progression. I think you're right gotsmart, the economy, the chopper fad, and just wanting to try something different are probably all factors. Nothing wrong with that.
nadnarb 9:21AM (4/24/2009)
If you notice, the bikes arent that big of a design challenge anymore. I loved the first few seasons when they would build most bikes. Now it seems that they really are bored with it and going through the motions.
pmalloy4391 9:47AM (4/24/2009)
These guys are nothing but crooks. I Live down the road from these guys and they are the classic example of fame getting to their heads. Except for mikey, Mikey is still very mellow and down to earth. Personally I am pissed off that my area is known better for them than for anything else
jv2k 10:10AM (4/24/2009)
Personally I am pissed off that my area is known better for them than for anything else
Well you've always got westpoint.
ronzo 9:20AM (4/24/2009)
Not to mention OCC's desire to expand into the Euro market itself. Partnering with Ducati like this can be a springboard for that... capitalizing on Ducati's established retail channels in the Euro arena.
Reply
Mr.Oak 9:26AM (4/24/2009)
Paul Sr. is an overbearing a--hole. Jr. should have left a long time ago. Notice that Vinny left?
I tuned out a couple seasons ago, who builds the bikes now that Jr. is gone?
Reply
JayC 9:29AM (4/24/2009)
Nothing wrong with following the money.
The Other Bob 9:43AM (4/24/2009)
"Notice that Vinny left?"
He has his own line of bikes now. Saw a website a while back.
Joe 10:24AM (4/24/2009)
Vinnie and Cody joined forces to form V Force Customs.
Rob 9:30AM (4/24/2009)
I really hate that guy. What a macho jackass. Now that everyone is realizing that Harley Davidsons are lame, unreliable, unnecessarily loud pieces of crap, he is trying to save his ass by selling something that is actually competitive in the world marketplace. Newsflash: If I was going to buy an italian racebike, I'd buy it from someone who grew up with them, not some overly american macho dickwad.
Reply
MajorGeek 9:37AM (4/24/2009)
Love my V-Rod muscle, not lame.
They come quiet, due to emissions, loud Harlies after aftermarket exhausts.
I have never had reliability issues UNTIL I bought acustom bike.
Sadly, for all of your your silly, uninformed rant (you just compared Harley as lame, loud and unreliable) in a post about a custom bike builder who does not use the Harley engine a lot) I would not buy a Ducati based bike from these guys either, then again I would not buy a t-shirt either.
John P. 10:01AM (4/24/2009)
Don't know about unreliable, since mine's never broken down. Unnecessary? again, mine get's over 70mpg on the highway and makes a great commuter. Better mileage than your PriUSSY. Loud? yeah. so what?
Dave 10:11AM (4/24/2009)
Its obvious that you know nothing about italian bikes, Harleys or bikes in general. The now 10 year old evolution motor I have has well over 300,000 miles on it and it has only needed routine maintence and part replacement. As opposed to my 10 year old Ducati that needs a GD valve job every 5000 miles. Routine? Yes. A pain in the ass? Oh yea. My Harley is far more reliable as a rideable bike than my 998. Hell of a lot more comfortable to ride as well. And last time I checked, a Ducati can be just as loud as an HD. But thats ok because you like that sound right?
Stop talking out of your ass Rob and grow up. You dont like Harleys. Fine. No one is saying you have to like them. You clearly know nothing about HD and prefer to slander them and their product rather than learn about what they offer. Fine. But dont expect anyone to take you seriously.
Rob 10:43AM (4/24/2009)
John P: I said unnecessarily loud. Not unnecessary, though I can understand why a Harley owner would find such a statement overly complicated, and be unable to understand it.
I think your brain has been vibrated too often.
And yes, I don't like Harley Davidsons. They suck. They do not compete on a global market, instead they just sell a macho image with old technology, old performance, and old reliability. Oh, and btw, I LIVE in Milwaukee, and have worked for Harley in the past. It is a stupid company that is now downsizing like crazy because people realized you can buy a much better performing, more reliable, faster bike for a lot less cash from other manufacturers. The only reason Harley sells anything is "heritage".
PS: Loud pipes= small dicks.
Dave 10:58AM (4/24/2009)
I guess loud pipes= small weiner also applies to the Ducati guys as well. Im sure your bike is 100% stock. As is your car. And everything else you own.
FYI, EVERYONE is downsizing in EVERY sector of the economy. Manufactering is being hit especially hard. So not only do you not understand or just accept what people like about HD, you fail economics 101 and current events 101. Way to go captain obvious.
I still have yet to understand the reliability issue you speak of. Like I said. 300,000 miles with routine maintance. 998= valve job every 5000 miles.
Yes in the AMF days and before HDs were very unreliable. But if you actually knew anything about bikes, and you actually worked for HD recently, you would know HD's evolution motor has proved this statement to be incorrect thousands of times over. Also you ignore the new XR1200 that was built specificallty for Europe that we demanded to get here. Ironically HD actually listnes to its customers vs Honda who leaves nice bikes like the TransAlp in europe because they are afraid it wont sell.
Dude, let people ride what they want. Its guys like you who purpotrate this ridiculous rift between riders. Ill ride with anyone on anything and like differnt things about my differnrt bikes. Go ride whatever you like man.
Shipey 11:00AM (4/24/2009)
Quiet pipes = huge vagina.
Rob 11:32AM (4/24/2009)
Actually nothing I own is stock. But again, loud pipes= small dicks. You rev your obnoxious old weak ass engine at stoplights, when you drive by my car because I have a beautiful girl in the passenger seat, when I'm eating outside at a nice restaurant..... and everyone looks. And you feel good. But what you don't realize is that everyone thinks "what an insecure douchebag". Loud pipes are LAME. They are okay on Ducati's and things that actually have a lot of power and go fast, but Harleys are SLOW bikes. The only reason they are loud is because Harley owners are insecure idiots.
MajorGeek 11:38AM (4/24/2009)
Actually, my V-Rod is pushing over 120 horsepower. Ive kept up with plenty of loud crotch rockets my friend. Your out of touch and overcompensating with your personality, like the pipes you hate so much, in every post here. If you worked at Harley, which no one believes, you would appreciate that we love that sound, it goes hand in hand with a Harley.
Jared 10:14PM (4/24/2009)
calm down. Ya'll sound like your having a dick measuring contest. "Your bike sucks." "No... your bike does" "Your bikes too loud." "No, your bike's too loud!"
blah blah blah
It's personal preference. And anyone can say they don't own something thats stock if they did something as little as a short sifter, exhaust, or stickers...