Re-Up: Preserving BMX History. Episode 72: Jim Fisher (USA)

Apr 01, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3891 times

Name: Jim Fisher
Hometown: Gaines, MI... Denver area now.
Started riding BMX in: '79
Number of bikes in the collection: 20 plus

Is your focus on BMX bikes from the period you raced in mainly?
Jim Fisher: Mainly '79-'84, I have to say I’m more a collector today than I was a racer back then. I just had and rode a few of these bikes when I was a kid/teen in small town MI. We didn’t have a track but we had a couple sweet bike shops and lots of places to ride like maniacs and we did. I dreamed of moving to California getting a Toyota 4x4 and racing with the pros back then.

Did you manage to get the bikes that you really wanted when you raced?
Jim Fisher: I was blessed to have some nice bikes... I followed BMX thru the magazines and got to know the guys at the local bike shops so I built up a few really nice bikes back then.

I mowed some lawns and my parents supported my interest in having a nice bike..

What were some of the bikes that you raced on?
Jim Fisher: Mongoose, Redline, JMC Racing, GT.

Do you have some of those bikes in your collection today?
Jim Fisher: I do...I started out thinking I would just recreate an old GT I built in '82/'83 then the bug bit and I pursued JMC Racing and some SE’s. My collection represents a lot of different manufacturers now, I’ve just tried to hold on to the rare stuff I’ve found..

Do you feel that you had to race, or be part of BMX, to better understand how bikes should look like?
Jim Fisher: I would imagine it helps.. I really enjoyed building these bicycles as a kid... I bought sold and traded parts back then to better my bikes. Learned how to turn a wrench, paint stuff etc... Skills I’ve utilized my whole life..

Do you feel there is a need for BMX products to survive for history's sake?
Jim Fisher: I think it’s great if they do... I would think as my generation gets older there will be less demand for old school but I’m sure there will be some followers as long as people are riding BMX... I can tell you I’ve made some good friends around the globe collecting these bikes and some of my childhood idols are Facebook friends. I really enjoy that part of this hobby

What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Jim Fisher: I have a 1975 Matthew’s I refreshed, found it in pretty rough shape but complete.. very heavy rude BMX.

Any special love for pit bikes from your side?
Jim Fisher: I do like pit bikes.. they take less space and had very low production numbers... My 1982 JMC 16 was my first pit build. One of, I think, 110 made. Has some history in the JMC group and was featured in the BMX Museum Calendar in 2019

When you started riding what bike was the dream bike for you?
Jim Fisher: Dream bike back then? A fully chromed and loaded Redline Proline with just a few red accents.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
1) Jason Van Buskirk, his bikes are phenomenal.
2) Paul Bennett, his Cruiser builds are top notch.
3) Mike Iliff, JMC Racing Master.

Do you have any BMX Freestyle bikes/products in your collection or is that not where your interest is?
Jim Fisher: I don’t... I did some abandoned skate park and pool riding in the early '80s and appreciate freestyle bikes but my knowledge is limited. I was on to mountain bikes, fast cars and girls with boobs when freestyle took off. I do collect some Vintage MTB’s, Yeti, Fat City, Fisher, Ritchey, ETC.

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Jim Fisher: Depends on how bad but for basics, Gunk engine degreaser, Kroil oil, WD 40, Citric acid, Never Dull wading polish, Meguiars Cleaner wax and Armor All tire foam.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Jim Fisher: I’m pretty full now but there was a time I was a daily user.. I pay attention though. A large part of my collection I’ve found local but my JMC’s are from all over. I like to buy complete bikes as opposed to individual parts if I can.

When you need to have one of your frames repainted, who do you go to?
Jim Fisher: I’ve done my own but I have a local friend Kenny Jones if I need perfection...

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Jim Fisher: I’m fortunate to have a room to use and a cool wife. Not really a man cave but has a bunch of bikes, parts and paraphernalia. I’ll sometimes grab a whiskey and go sit in the middle of it.. lol. I hope to have a bigger space and workshop for the bikes someday..

What are the Bike Shows that you must attend?
Jim Fisher: Crown Point and I want to head up to WA, I think they have a couple big ones and I want to see that part of the country..

At swap meets or yard sales, are you always looking to see if there is some interesting BMX stuff in there?
Jim Fisher: Yes... it’s an addiction. I’ve found some cool stuff just milling around. I have some friends that know I buy this stuff so I get some phone calls about things from time to time these days..

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Jim Fisher: Yellow Zap Pads Velcro 82-83, Yellow decal Haro Series one plate, Yellow Oakley F1 grips.

Where can people reach you when they have that part available?
Jim Fisher: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Previous Episodes on FATBMX: