Re-Up; Preserving BMX History. Episode 82: Arthur Kourtis (AUS)

May 02, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 3965 times

Name: Arthur Kourtis
Hometown: Melbourne Northcote, Australia
Started riding in: 1979
Number of bikes in collection: I currently have 16 what I call boutique BMXs. All of which date from '77 to '84

What was the moment for you to start collecting BMX bikes?
Arthur Kourtis: I started collecting bmxs from a very young age. I’d even say for a long time I kept most of my original bikes from when I was a kid and only got rid of them in the last 12 years as I wanted to buy bikes I couldn’t afford so I’d trade up. Growing up in the northern suburbs in Melbourne our BMX was our wheels. We went everywhere on our bikes. Being of European background as a kid our parents wouldn’t let us race. So we just lived on our bikes

Is older better in your book?
Arthur Kourtis: Good question. I have full respect for all eras of BMX. As I was there for all of it.

Old school started it all but Mid school bikes blew my mind. I saw things I didn’t think were possible. Like carbon fused to alloy, and titanium, and gyros, and tricks and mind blowing stuff. Too much to mention. New school, Olympics, BMX on the world stage AMAZING. But personally I prefer to collect bikes I only saw in magazines in the '70s and '80s.

Patina style, or perfect condition, what works best for you?
Arthur Kourtis: I love all BMX; patina style, NOS, you name it. I fully respect it all

What's one of your oldest BMX products in your collection?
Arthur Kourtis: Currently my '77 restored DG racer. Is the oldest BMX bike I own, with all parts on it to suit.

Do you feel that you had to race, or be part of BMX, to better understand how bikes should look like?
Arthur Kourtis: Personally I feel like I didn’t really need to race, but I did want to learn as much as I could regarding anything to do with our hobby. You learn something every day and help others as much as I could.

What was it like meeting the likes of Mike Miranda, Mike King and Perry Kramer?
Arthur Kourtis: Meeting guys like Stu Thompson, Bob Haro, Eddy Fiola, Eddy King, Perry Kramer, Harry Leary and Hollywood Mike Miranda. These guys were on posters on my wall when I was a kid. These guys are just to name a few of the legends I've met. The stories they tell are mesmerising. True heroes and innovators of our hobbies. And to meet them in Australia I was humbled by them being there let alone hanging with them.

Do you buy and sell, trade, fix and sell, or what's your way of participation in the BMX collecting world?
Arthur Kourtis: I love to buy new parts new BMXs. I occasionally trade and sell, but I love to help others with their builds, it’s my passion. You learn every day and seeing how happy they are when it’s done is a massive turn on for me, lol. It’s like welcome to my world.

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
Arthur Kourtis: 3 top BMX collectors I respect of many not in order as there is no order:

-Warren Eales: For me arguably the biggest collector in the world when it comes to knowledge. With a BMX museum in his possession he is very inspiring.
And is always willing to help me personally.

-John Parris: Just as passionate as me if not more and is a true gentleman and a great friend. He has a brilliant collection.

-Mick Smitz: They need to erect a statue of this guy in front of the opera house in Sydney. Probably the biggest gentleman and longtime mate I've known way before Facebook. Has hosted some of the best BMX shows in Australia and helps with the rest of them. A true hero and brother in my book.

There are too many BMX collectors I've had the privilege of meeting and I have full respect for them all.

What kind of car would you be able to buy when you would sell off your BMX collection tomorrow?
Arthur Kourtis: Guys ask me all the time what exotic car I’d buy if I sold my collection. Firstly I couldn’t put a price on it all but if I did sell my collection off,
my dream car would be a '67 Chevy 4 door pillar less Impala, like the one out of Supernatural lol.

Do you have any BMX Freestyle bikes/products in your collection or is that not where your interest is?
Arthur Kourtis: I currently do not own any freestyle BMX bikes. I've only had 2 of them, an '86 Haro Master and a black and pink Torker 540 air. Both of them I regret selling.

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Arthur Kourtis: Nothing beats good old elbow grease when it comes to restoring something old. Always do your research when you have to make something shine. At the end of the day I’d rather see it restored than scrap metal. Depending on what you are restoring then depending on the product you should use for it.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Arthur Kourtis: I mostly use Facebook and my contacts when I’m shopping for BMX stuff. I personally prefer to shop in Australia as I want it fast!

Do you take your bikes out for a cruise from time to time?
Arthur Kourtis: I have to admit I don’t ride all my bikes. There’s only probably 3 I will really ride. The rest are to look at only.

What are the Bike Shows that you must attend?
Arthur Kourtis: I must try to attend as many bike Shows as I can. They are all great and I don’t have any favourite shows but as I keep telling people;
I don’t want to see you, I want to see ya bike. It’s a bike show for crying out loud, lol! I say try and get to them all.