Re-Up; Preserving BMX History. Episode 92: Michael James (USA)

Jun 23, 2024

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 2314 times

Name: Michael James
Hometown: Vancouver, WA. USA
Started riding BMX in: Started riding/Racing in 1976 in MT. Sterling KY.
Number of bikes in the collection: Over 50 bikes currently.

Do you remember the moment that you decided to start collecting BMX memorabilia?
Michael James: I had the last bike I competed on a 1987 GT pro freestyle tour, that was just how I rode it, all mismatched parts & such. Back then we concentrated on what worked & did not break. I saw a flier for an Old school BMX show at the Recyclery in Portland, Oregon. Took my '87 Kuwahara Bravo Pro frame with me to check it out. So cool to see all the old school rides! Talked to the curator of the event Paul & we became best friends. We started doing the show together & this year will be the 14th year!

Paul moved back to Arizona so not sure how it will go this year but looking forward to the next chapter. Gary from BMX museum is one of the sponsors & is a big help. Still have quite a bit from my childhood & always looking.

Is the focus on ''Freestyle' Bikes for you?
Michael James: Definitely have more freestyle than race but dig them all! Love to build customs out of old Schwinn’s, Hawthorne’s, Columbia’s etc…

At this moment, do you wish you had started collecting earlier?
Michael James: I do wish I would have started earlier & wish I would have kept a few I got rid of. I had an '88 Ozone method one that I wish I still had. But overall pleased with the collection.

Do you feel there is a need for BMX products to survive for history's sake?
Michael James: I totally dig the history of BMX & the cohesion of the community. It has always been a great outlet for kids & adults alike.

What's your take on companies reproducing bikes in the oldskool style?
Michael James: Reproduction is great for riding & honestly you may never be able to get a grail bike if it was not for the companies making these bikes, so I’m totally cool with it. Colony made the Oz-one & it’s a great rider & finding another Ozone has proved challenging to say the least.

Is the Yamaha Moto bike your oldest BMX product in your collection?
Michael James: The Moto bike is the oldest BMX bike in the collection, it’s a '74. Also have a '78 Motomag & a 1980 DB large pro.

When you started riding what bike was the dream bike for you?
Michael James: My dream bike was a 1986 Haro Master. I don’t have that exact bike in the collection ( I destroyed it riding flat) but do have a replica that is very close. Did still have the Haro number plate off of it from Christmas morning 1986

Name three BMX collectors that you respect?
Michael James: Collectors I respect; Jeff Haney & locally Gary Samson & Dustin Howell all have amazing stuff! Love the way these people keep the hobby alive!

Do you have decent mechanical skills?
Michael James: I was a machinist in the military & really dig finding and repairing crappy rides. I do have some survivor rides but really love the restoration process. Have a really good local Chromer & powder coater. Have a local bike shop that is great also.

What products are a great help when you find an old rusty historical piece of shit bike that needs to shine again?
Michael James: Mostly just the local folks are the most helpful. Pacific NW plating, Mr. Powdercoat & Vancouver Cyclery are super helpful on getting the builds done.

What's the story behind the candy apple red Diamondback?
Michael James: The candy red 1980 DB pro belonged to one of my best friends in high school. His Dad worked for the county & powdered it orange & it was never assembled afterwards. One day I was at his house & asked him if he wanted to get rid of it? He collected Coca Cola stuff so we worked out a trade. Found some if the original color on the bottom bracket & took it back to the original red. One of those bikes I could never get rid of.

How often do you look on eBay/Craigslist/BMX Museum to shop for old BMX stuff?
Michael James: I look for bikes & parts every day I all sorts of social media. For the most part I do only buy locally however.

What's the most ridiculous amount you have paid for a bike part that you needed to own?
Michael James: Most I have ever paid was a thousand. I mostly trade or restore garbage!

Do you have a man-cave where your bikes are displayed?
Michael James: We have a bonus room that serves as the bike room. Currently there are 36 bikes, 1 mongoose scooter & 2 tricycles. The numbers fluctuate depending on what’s going on. Sold 3 recently to pay for an engine for my '57 bug.

Do you always have room for "one more bike"?
Michael James: Always have room for another bike. There are probably 10 in the bard & another 10 or so in the shed.

What's a bike (part) you have been looking for but haven't been able to locate?
Michael James: Really want a set of flight 400’s for a survivor '84 Master build. Would also like a set of original Vector freestyle bars for it also.

Where can people reach you when they have that part available?
Michael James: You can reach me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Or at classic57vw on BMX museum.

Thanks to: Thanks to my Wife for always being patient with my collections ( also collect vintage toys & VW’s ) & to all the local folks who help with the show & keeping me in mind when they find something they think I may want or need for a build.