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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Posts >> Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
        
(Message started by: Racer1_NC on Aug 31^st, 2004, 1:40am)

Title: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Racer1_NC on Aug 31^st, 2004, 1:40am

I do not ride, but love hand built bikes for the skill and craftsmanship. Sad news....

Quote:

Custom bike-builder dies after crash

08/31/2004

Associated Press

A custom motorcycle builder known for his appearances on cable's Discovery Channel, died Monday after crashing during a weekend stunt at an arena outside Charlotte.

"Indian Larry," whose given name is Larry Desmedt, fell off a moving motorcycle Saturday while performing before 8,000 people at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord as part of the Liquid Steel Classic and Custom Bike Series.

Desmedt, 55, died at 3:45 a.m. Monday at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, a hospital official said.

"Indian Larry was a man with great skill and talent as a mechanic and metal sculptor," said Robert Freeman, the chairman of the Cabarrus board of commissioners. "He will be truly missed by his fans here in Cabarrus County and throughout the nation."

The "Indian Larry" Web site also said: "In loving memory of our friend and beloved husband Indian Larry. We'll always keep you in our prayers." Messages left at his Brooklyn, N.Y., headquarters were not returned.

Indian Larry was appearing at a three-day motorcycle event when the bike he stood on began to wobble, and he was unable to regain control, said Mike Downs, Cabarrus County's deputy manager. Desmedt was not wearing a helmet and suffered head injuries, county officials said.

Indian Larry appeared in movies and television shows, once riding a motorcycle through a wall of flame on "The Late Show With David Letterman."

Recently he had been featured on the Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off series, in which well-known motorcycle builders design and build bikes from scratch, then have them judged by motorcycle aficionados.

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Superpain on Aug 31^st, 2004, 1:48am

Not wearing a helmet, especially in a circumstance like that is like going all in on a bluff in poker... Works everytime except for one.

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Racer1_NC on Aug 31^st, 2004, 1:59am

on 08/31/04 at 01:48:48, Superpain wrote:

Not wearing a helmet, especially in a circumstance like that is like going all in on a bluff in poker... Works everytime except for one.

I agree. If I were to ride....best helmet money can buy and wear it 100% of the time spent on the bike.

Bill

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by alleyoop on Aug 31^st, 2004, 4:32am

Although I never knew Indian Larry personally, I've always admired his work and his reputation. Known for his colorful persona(and tatoos), Larry was also a religous man. Here is a little about him: http://www.indianlarry.com/extra/bio_index.html

BTW, the stunt he was performing when he died(standing fully erect on the seat of a motorcycle) is one he was known for. It also just happens to be one I have done many times, just for kicks(both helmeted and unhelmeted).

He will be missed.

....................................alley :'(

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Rock_Lobster on Aug 31^st, 2004, 7:28am

Indian Larry did not seem to let his fame go to his head, by most accounts.

RIP Indian Larry

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Leesa on Aug 31^st, 2004, 12:54pm

Seeing this today on the news broke my heart. Being a kid riding with my father on his full dress Harley my father showed me what riding was all about. The Great Biker Build Off on Discovery Channel brought back some of the BEST memories of my Dad and what he taught me of the master craftsmen of building bikes. "Indian Larry" was a god to my father and to this little dark haired girl. May he be riding high on the open roads, wind in his face. May he rest in peace.
Leesa :'(

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Carl_D on Aug 31^st, 2004, 2:09pm

Very tragic indeed. I have lost 5 friends due to motorcycles, have one who should have died and will never be 'right' again, and yet another who will be a vegetable for the rest of his life.
I refer to motorcycles as "open-air suicide machines" and vowed never to ride one.

R.I.P.
Carl

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Sean_C on Aug 31^st, 2004, 2:19pm

I'm sure he's with alot of old friends on the big highway in the sky..............he will be missed :(

Sean..................

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by john_d on Aug 31^st, 2004, 2:21pm

thanks for the info

I remember him on the biker builder build-off, he won even after honestly helping his competitor as much as he possibly could; and then he shared the trophy with the him and they cut it into peices and handed it out to the crowd. What an awesome guy!

damn

Title: Re: Motorcycle Builder dies in crash....
Post by Sean_C on Aug 31^st, 2004, 2:32pm

on 08/31/04 at 14:21:58, john_d wrote:

I remember him on the biker builder build-off, he won even after honestly helping his competitor as much as he possibly could; and then he shared the trophy with the him and they cut it into peices and handed it out to the crowd. What an awesome guy!

There bikes were breakin apart on the way there and helped each other out the whole way to Sturgis, and then refused to say the others bike was better. One of those TV moments you never forget. They live and ride forever.

Sean..................