2 minute read
AMERICAN MADE : Boss Hoss Motorcycles
AMERICAN MADE
Advertisement
The conversation may go like this:
Q. “What did you do?” A. “I mounted a Chevy V-8 engine on a motorcycle body.” Q. “Why did you do that?” A. “Why not? Cause I could.” Q. “Did it work?” A. “Yep!!!”
The year was 1990, and that was the beginning of Boss Hoss Motorcycles. Monte Warne from Dyersburg, TN built a huge bike by himself and true to the spirit of motorcycle riders everywhere, he had fun with it. His idea soon outgrew his one-man shop, expanding to a 22,000 square foot factory. He kept the design simple beginning with a single speed one gear transmission, then adding a two-speed manual shift model. Boss Hoss is a custom creation, made completely by hand, using all American
Mr. Warne is a quiet man, not much caring for the spotlight, but if you know the type you can almost picture his proud grin when he rides his 1,000 + pound bike into Daytona’s Bike Week or out to Strugis. These custom bikes also come in a 3-wheeled version which makes it easier for some of the faint of heart riders to control. While every component of this bike is American made, its name has reached international recognition. Luckily, Mr. Warne was able to assemble a talented crew of technicians to help him fill the orders that came pouring in as soon as word got out that this massive bike with its outlandish power came with a smooth as silk ride.
The Boss Hoss team makes a few modifications to the Chevy 350 V-8 Corvette engine and with a two-speed transmission this machine can go from 0 to 100 mph in 4 seconds flat. It will ride smooth in first gear at 80 mph, so unless you are on the Autobahn you won’t even need to use the manual shift to second gear. There is a story that Mr. Warne got pulled over for drag racing. He was calm and pleasant, offering the officer to try out his bike. The officer did.
The company is now owned by the Dietz brothers, but the quality and energy of the Boss Hoss motorcycle has remained. The cost for one of these can start at $30,000.00, then considering customization you could be looking at upwards of $70,000.00. Be still my heart!
Janith Emm
Sources: bosshoss.com, autoevolution.com, powersportsguide.com/boss-hoss-facts/ Tennessee Full Throttle Magazine www.tnfullthrottle.com 39
