WarBikes

The bike that inspired WarBikes. Gunfighter is where it all started. And Gunfighter started with Ralph Randolph choosing to fashion the first WarBike after the P-51D Mustang that caught his eye. Don’t be confused – just watch the show and it will all make better sense. (I didn’t say ‘perfect sense’, now did I?)

Gunfighter, the Mustang, holds residence with the Great Plains Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. More information about the aircraft and her history can be found here.

When Ralph was tasked with building a custom motorcycle for the Commemorative Air Force in less than a month, he knew he could do it. The question now became, “What design do we use for the bike?” He needed inspiration so he checked out some of the CAF fleet.

One of the first aircraft that grabbed his attention was the P-51 Mustang. A Fighter, a Bomber, a Reconnaissance Aircraft – this plane could do it all, did it all. Hers is a silhouette that is recognized for sleek beauty as well as functional form. Put a pilot in her cockpit and watch him grin.

No wonder she caught Ralph’s eye. It was sealed then, this motorcycle would take after a P-51. Gunfighter the warbird has a unique color scheme, making her quickly recognizable within the fleet. A design on the P-51D Gunfighter would incorporate the lines, exhaust, colors and nose art into a two-wheeled form.

In the agreement for the motorcycle build was a donated bike, one that the Knockout Motorcycle Company quickly enjoyed stripping down. (Yeah, we saw that grin.) The sketch was slowly brought to life via laser cut wheels, custom rearview mirrors, leather seating, welding and even pieces from vintage aircraft made to fit. Gunfighter, the motorcycle, was coming together.

Down to the deadline and the stress hit the fan. Could they finish and deliver this motorcycle in time for the 50th Anniversary Celebration for the Commemorative Air Force being held in Las Vegas?

Spoiler alert in case you haven’t seen the video yet – but yes, they did. And she looked fantastic. She was the gleaming jewel on display. Gunfighter, the bike, made her debut to a crowd full of “Ooohs” and “Ahhhs”.

In closing the chapter it was only fitting that the pilot who built Gunfighter get to fly Gunfighter. Wings met wheels one fair afternoon when both Gunfighters took to the runway. A beautiful sight that was.

Our story ends and begins here. Gunfighter was built and inspired several more custom motorcycles to be fashioned after our vintage military airplanes. WarBikes was developed to follow those journeys so we could air them for you. Gunfighter, the airplane, continues to perform in air shows all across the country, even selling rides to those who wish to taste the adrenaline. Gunfighter, the motorcycle, makes her appearance on display for museums, air shows and other events.