In the heart of Southern California’s custom motorcycle culture, Jam City Cycles has become a name synonymous with dedication, detail, and respect for Harley-Davidson heritage. At the center of it all is Jose Cornejo, a builder whose rise has been fueled by hands-on experience, long nights in the shop, and a clear vision of what a true FXR should be. Alongside close friend Ramon Gonzalez, Cornejo brought two very different—but equally striking—FXRs to life, proving that sometimes two builds tell a stronger story than one.

Cornejo’s FXR began as an intentional move against the grain. At a time when blacked-out bikes dominated the scene, he wanted something louder without sacrificing authenticity. “Everyone was doing the black look, and I wanted to go against the grain and do all chrome,” he says. The idea quickly escalated, but the result was a bike that shimmered with personality while still appearing stock at first glance.

Working at a local motorcycle shop, Cornejo treated the build as both an education and a proving ground. From budgeting and parts sourcing to problem-solving on the fly, the FXR taught him what it truly takes to build a bike from scratch. His attention to detail showed in the choice of rare, old-school components, including ball-milled parts from Arlen Ness and Pro 1, capped off by an elusive set of Pro 1 three-piece billet wheels.

Like many grassroots builders, Cornejo had to hustle to fund his vision. As a full-time student and shop apprentice, he flipped parts from swap meets and online marketplaces to afford chrome work and hard-to-find pieces. The payoff went beyond the finished bike. “The most fulfilling part was making a name for myself,” he reflects. “Seeing how far I’ve come made it all worth it.”

While Cornejo leaned heavily into chrome and nostalgia, Ramon Gonzalez took a different path with his FXR. His goal was to merge modern performance with classic style. The bike’s paint tells that story best—traditional in layout, but modern in color—paired with contemporary upgrades that elevate both ride quality and capability. A standout detail is the frame color, carefully chosen to complement the paint and chrome without overpowering them.

Gonzalez built his FXR to be ridden, whether carving canyon roads or heading out on multi-day trips with friends. The reward came not just from trophies at shows, but from the experience itself. “Even through the frustrating days, it was all worth it,” he says. “That’s what pushes me to build another one.”

Today, Gonzalez is finishing up a 2019 Low Rider, once again with Cornejo’s guidance. Meanwhile, Cornejo continues to focus on FXRs, currently assembling a ’91 model for a customer and planning a hot-rod FXRT with a chrome frame for Jam City Cycles’ next debut.

More than just metal and chrome, these two FXRs represent growth, friendship, and an unwavering commitment to the craft. For Jam City Cycles, this is only the beginning—and the FXR remains at the center of the story. HB

Words: Brian Scott 

Photos: Jose Gallina