Punk rock, fast cars, cool bikes, and hot women. These are not just words to be scrolled across a T-shirt but are in fact a mantra for a way of living that is reserved for only those who adhere to a series of beliefs that bikes should be built, ridden, broken, repeat. Michael Barragan, owner of Evil Spirit Engineering, is one of those builders who has been keeping the spirit of true hot-rodding alive ever since he was a teenager. “I have been fortunate enough to build multiple motorcycles over the years and show them at, what I believe to be, some of the coolest shows in the world. I’ve watched the imposters who were sucking the motorcycle industry dry start to leave because there was no more to take, and I’ve watched what I believe to be the true motorcycle enthusiast stay and harness the spirit of what this shit is really about: building your own motorcycle, riding it, breaking it, and fixing it” (Feb./Mar. 2013).

This bike named California Dreamin’ represents a glimpse into the type of bikes that must have been built in the small shops and backyards in the late ’60s/early ’70s Southern California motorcycle scene. Evil Spirit Engineering has managed to capture the feel of old-school cool with the custom Freddy Hernandez frame and STD Panhead motor all wrapped in a classy, understated white, blue, and gold paint. The all-metal molding and perfectly raked stance leading up to narrow pullback bars also speak volumes to Michael’s talent with extreme attention to era-correct details.

Since this build, Evil Spirit Engineering has gone on to build more cover bikes and graced more pages of magazines without getting caught up in the modern-day fashion show going on in pop culture. But despite all the attention and recognition, it’s the ingrained mentality of doing things the right way that keeps his builds from ever becoming dated or built as a fad. Michael would like to thank Christina Rocha, Abraham Gonzales, Buck Wild, Scotty Sampson, and his kids for all the help making this bike what it is today