Who was Indian Larry?
Indian Larry was a motorcycle builder and artist, stunt rider, and biker who became famous for his appearances on cable’s Discovery Channel. He was known for his old school style of choppers, inspired by the 1950s and 1960s hot rod and motorcycle culture. He was also a fan of Von Dutch and Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, whom he would later meet in California
Indian Larry was born Lawrence DeSmedt in Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York on April 28, 1949. He grew up in the Newburgh, New York area and developed an interest in hot rods and motorcycles at an early age. He attended a Catholic elementary school where he suffered abuse from the nuns. He later dropped out of high school and became involved in drugs and crime. He spent some time in jail and a mental institution before moving to New York City in the 1970s
There, he joined a motorcycle club called the Dragoons and earned the nickname Indian Larry for riding a chopped Indian motorcycle. He also worked as a mechanic, a tattoo artist, and a body piercer. He became friends with other bikers and artists, such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, and Robert Mapplethorpe. He also met his wife, Andrea “Bambi” Cambridge, whom he married in 1990
How did Indian Larry die?
Indian Larry died on August 30, 2004, at the age of 55, from head injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident while performing at a bike show in Charlotte, North Carolina. He was doing one of his signature stunts, called the “no-handed stand”, where he stood on the seat of his bike while riding at high speed. He lost his balance and fell off the bike, hitting his head on the pavement. He was not wearing a helmet, as he believed that helmets were “uncool” and “restrictive”. He was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery, but he never regained consciousness. He was pronounced dead the next day
His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family, who remembered him as a talented, charismatic, and generous person. His funeral was attended by hundreds of bikers, who rode in a procession to honor him. His ashes were scattered in the wind by his wife, Bambi, from the back of his bike, Grease Monkey
What was Indian Larry’s legacy?
Indian Larry left behind a legacy of creativity, passion, and originality. He was respected as an innovator and a pioneer in the field of custom motorcycle building. He created many iconic bikes, such as Daddy-O (known to most people as the Rat Fink bike), Wild Child, and Chain of Mystery. He won several awards and competitions, such as the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off, where he competed against other famous builders. He also inspired many people to pursue their dreams and express themselves through their bikes
Indian Larry’s spirit lives on through his work, his fans, and his family. His wife, Bambi, continues to run his shop, Indian Larry Motorcycles, in Brooklyn, New York, where she sells his merchandise and his bikes. She also organizes an annual event, called the Indian Larry Block Party, where bikers and artists gather to celebrate his life and legacy. His bikes are displayed in museums and galleries, such as the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Petersen Automotive Museum. His story is told in books, documentaries, and magazines, such as Indian Larry: Chopper Shaman, Grease Monkey, and Easyriders
Indian Larry was more than just a motorcycle builder. He was an artist, a stuntman, a biker, and a legend. He was a rebel, a visionary, and a free spirit. He was Indian Larry, and he will never be forgotten
