MEET KERRY SAYRE OF "THE ROUGH TRADE"
Where do I even begin talking about one of the nicest guys on the planet who's literally done everything that defines cool. Kerry Sayre is a Midwest 90's BMX legend, a cancer survivor, a chopper guy who's turned into a vintage bike guru, a swap meet nut and the Vice president of the AMCA Lake Erie Chapter.
His latest embarkment is creator of the company The Rough Trade, specializing in reproduction tools and parts needed to keep your favorite vintage Harley-Davidsons on the road.
Kerry Sayre in the heart of the 90's BMX scene.
I first met Kerry when I was 13 years old at the world famous Chenga WORLD Skate / BMX park in North Ridgeville, OH. The first interaction was him getting my waivers signed and getting my membership card so I could skate there. He was tall, lanky, no chin, a few tattoos and I remember him kind of being a prick.
Kerry in a BMX ad.
In 1989 Kerry got his first Dyno BMX Bike. From that day he's always been riding something two wheels. While he worked at Chenga World he was also a sponsored rider for Mutiny bikes for a handful of those years. The dude could do some wild stuff on a BMX.
Kerry "working" at FBM
Kerry on his 1981 Ironhead Chop. I believe we were riding together to the Lowbrow Getdown in 2013
Over the years our friendship grew and Kerry's love for vintage motorcycles grew even more. From building his first Panhead Chopper back in 2014, which was by far one of my all time favorites he's built.
Kerry on his first 1959 Panhead chopper build.
THE BIRTH OF THE ROUGH TRADE
Kerry at the Lowbrow Swap and Meet
With the cost of specialty tools in mind, Kerry decided to design and cut some of those tools out for himself on the CNC at his job. They worked flawlessly and saved him a bunch of dough for the next swap meet. Eventually a few friends would ask to borrow one of the tools here or there and he came to the realization.
Some of The Rough Trade wrenches next to Kerry's Knucklehead.
HANGING IN KERRY'S GARAGE
Kerry moved from Elyria, out to the boonies of Ohio a couple years ago. I don't nearly get to see him as much as I used to, but its mostly my fault due to my stubbornness not to ride out to his house or on the many events he does through out the year.
With the new brand launch I made an effort to make sure I got out to his house and snap some photos of his huge garage with his ever growing collection. Also wanted to get some photos of Kerry which I knew he would hate, but also snap a few of big Louis (his horse... I mean dog) and a couple of his favorite bikes.
Kerry and Louis.
As I walked up to Kerry's garage I was immediately greeted by a very timid teddy bear of a huge dog named Louis. With the garage doors open I saw his chopper on the lift, a Knucklhead in the corner, and several others bikes lined up next to his wife's Edsel and a few other bikes sitting outside.
There was a gas tank getting spun tumbled on a stand in the front making a super loud chatter and there Kerry says to me as always, "Hello, Michael!"
A glimpse into Kerry's garage.
Surrounded by memories of past party flyers, bike parts, and raffle prizes, Kerry's garage is a fun one to peruse around. Theres also lot's of prototype parts that have been cut hanging on the walls, Amca and old Harley memorabilia everywhere as well. It's just a real great place to hang out and work on bikes.
My first question to Kerry was, whens the Knuckle going on the lift. He laughed and said to me, "I'm gonna try and get this Panhead chopper wrapped up and MAYBEEEE I will get that one started. I'm in no rush and everything is so god damn expensive on that one!"
This Panhead chopper used to be the 1959 wideglide flamed out Panhead he used to ride. Kerry decided to redo the bike after the tank got a wicked leak in it. MORE PHOTOS OF KERRY'S GARAGE
The shitty wizard tank.
Garage heaven.
Kerry likes to win helmets.
Lake Erie AMCA chapter represent.
Anyone need a Harley Lighter?
There's probably a good story behind that ol' shirt I can't remember.
Tumbling a gas tank. Kerry made this, pretty neat.
Oh is that a flathead!
Louis likes Ace of Base too!
Just a man and some of his things. His knuckles read Have Fun! And thats Kerry in a nut shell.
Can't wait for Kerry to start on his Knucklehead.
Kerry used to have this on his old van and would get random people posting about it on the internet all the time.
BMX Trophies and Kickstarting it with Kerry stickers!
The chopper through the Edsel.
I'm forever grateful for motorcycles because they have a way of bringing like minded people together. Kerry is one of the hardest working people I know and his passion for all things two wheels is unlike anyone else I know. He eats, sleeps, and breaths vintage Harley-Davidsons. It's a real honor to call him my friend and stoked on what he's got going on with The Rough Trade. Make sure to check out his tools and grab a few if you are in need, you wont be disappointed. Now let's check out some of his panheads!
JUST A COUPLE OF KERRY'S CHOICE MOTORCYCLES
1953 HARLEY-DAVIDSON FL PANHEAD
The first bike I chose to shoot photos of was Kerry's coveted 1953 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead. It's his all time favorite and the one he rides daily. He picked it up in the summer of 2017 in Akron, OH from a mutual friend Mike Kiefer's recommendation. Apparently the bike sat in a pool hall in Massillon, OH for many years before purchased by the care taker Kerry got it from. It's been a super solid runner and one he's thoroughly enjoyed. He's rode to Davenport, IA, on The Apocalypse run and countless other states surrounding Ohio on this bike. It's that bike he holds near and dear to his heart and will probably never sell.
"God, I hate snakes" - Kerry. We were just about to shoot his portrait with the bike when a snake slid past his feet.
1953 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
General:
Owner: Kerry Sayre
Year/Make/model: 1953 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
Be a man.. Ride a Pan!
Engine:
Year/Type/Size: 1953 FL 1200
Carburetor: Linkert
Exhaust: Partially Chrome, Part Rust, Part Sludge
Air Cleaner: Stock HD
B-side 1953 Harley-Davidson FL Panhead
Frame:
Year/Type: Stock
Rake/ Stretch: none
Hydra Glide Front end.
Front End:
Type/Brand: Hydra Glide
Front Wheel: 16" with drum brake and with Shinko Classic 16" tire.
Rear Wheel: 16" wheel with Shinko Classic 16" tire.Wheels:
Rear Size: 16" wheel / Shinko Classic 16" 5.00-16 Tire
Classic paint scheme.
Finish/Paint:
Paint by: No Clue
Plating/Polishing: Ummm crusty
Comfy Deluxe solo seat.
Accessories & Other Notable Parts:
Front Fender: Stock, missing lower fender trim.
Rear Fender: Stock hinged fender.
Gas Tank: 51-53 Tank shift set.
Handlebars: Harley-Davidson.
Grips: Very Worn out and needing replaced.
Mirrors: Yes I've got one.
Hand Controls: Front brake lever and tank shifter.
Foot Controls: Rocker clutch and stock brake lever.
Headlight: 6 volt that lets you almost see just enough at night.
Turn Signals: My left arm
License Plate Mount: Stock Mount with The Rough Trade Backing Plate
Floor Boards: Stock but added Strange Bird floor board extensions.
He never found that snake.
Just a classic Panhead.
Panheads Forever and Ever.
Every kids got to have their sticker collection somewhere.
Stock Air Cleaner.
Faucet Handle style battery toppers.
1953 License plate. In Ohio you can reuse old plates if they aren't registered on the correct year of the bike.
Really nice Harley-Davidson emblems.
Kick it over man!
Vintage Reflectors.
Floorboards with Strange Bird floorboard extensions.
Not actual miles, Kerry had dash redone and thats how many he's put on the bike since the speedo was redone.
Trough the bars.
Old bikes have horns!
Still no snakes.
Tank shift knob.
looks good from all sides.
:Primary side.
Kerry's wife Stephanie puts a blanket on this rack and thats her passenger seat.
That Shinko classic tire tread.
Seat flair.
Hell of a nice Panhead.1962 HARLEY-DAVIDSON DUO GLIDE
The second bike I wanted to shoot was Kerry's 1962 Harley-Davidson DUO Glide with a bunch of wild white fringe all over it. I won't bore you with all the details on this one just share with you a bunch more photos. Love this bike and yes Kerry has matching vans to go along with this one as well. It's a thing.
Kerry's 1962 Harley-Davidson Duo Glide.
Check out that fringe!
Kerry's long driveway makes for a good backdrop.
Even has fringe on the seat.
Panheads are so classy.
Just a great stance on this one.
AOOOOOGGGGAAA!
You can tell its a Duo Glide because of the way it is. 
B-sides.
When you are on the Ohio Turn Pike and need some quarters for the toll.
When you need some butter for your bagel... no no no, thats some extra spark plugs int there. This bikes got tons of wild little accessories.
Fin.
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