Recently, my Harley was given a slight makeover: the team from Etschside Custom took care of a new chassis, a customised engine tune-up and the due general inspection. I had a chat with the owner Johannes “Jonny” Huber – Jonny is a master mechanic and has been in a wheelchair since an accident.
Before you read, please note: this post was translated with the help of Deepl.
If you find any errors – please have fun first and then give me a hint.
Jonny, how did you come up with the name “Etschside Custom”?
Does the river have a special meaning for you?
I have always been passionate about water sports, but the river itself has no special significance for me.
However, the Naturno Youth Centre has played a big role in my life since I was 12 years old. Early on, I was involved in the working group for concerts and open airs – when we renamed our open air “Etschside”, I thought it was such a brilliant name that I wanted to use it for my workshop too.
When did you first want to ride a motorcycle?
I already had this desire as a child. I suppose because I was allowed to ride on a motorcycle for the first time at the age of five. I bought and restored my first Vespa when I was 12 and could hardly wait to turn 14 so that I could ride it legally on the road.
The next tough time came at 18, when I was already working at Harley-Davidson, but was only allowed to ride the bikes in the car park. Then finally at 20 – freedom! No more restrictions at last.
Harley-Davidson:
What does the brand mean to you?
Freedom, life, friends, family, coolness, passion …
My father always raved about Harley-Davidson. So even as a child, I realised that this was THE premium brand. I love motorcycles very much. Many friends who were in the Krampus club with me and also had other common interests rode Harleys; that’s how my youth was shaped.
When I was 16, I built my first chopper with a scooter engine and sprinkler pipes and rode it to one of our Harley parties. That was THE show!
You did your apprenticeship at Harley-Davidson.
Can you still remember your first day at work?
I was very motivated and naturally wanted to do my best – because this opportunity was a dream!
On the first day of my summer internship, I only sorted used screws, but I was very lucky that the internship was later converted into an apprenticeship contract.
From sorting screws to his own workshop
Now you can say it:
Which jobs did you hate? 😉
Creating the inventory or tidying the cellar – those were the jobs I would have gladly done without.
Is there a dream bike?
Or do you build it yourself?
The dream motorcycle that I want does not yet exist. But that’s also what makes the Harley-Davidson brand for me: Variety and customisation. I have several ideas for dream motorcycles in my head – and I’m going to build them all!
Lots of ideas for dream motorcycles
Dream motorcycle again:
Is there a favourite motorcycle that you work on?
Not really. My favourite thing is to change the look of a bike.
Where are you travelling to:
Route 66 or across the Alps?
I choose both 😂! But of course – travelling along Route 66 is a dream. To experience this historic road and the endless country in the saddle of a Harley – that would be great!
Your dream with Etschside Custom?
What would you like to achieve with it?
My dream is to develop and build every customer’s dream bike according to their ideas.
Creating dream bikes together with his customers
What is the most special motorcycle in your customer base?
That’s difficult to answer – because every motorcycle is special in its own way.
Are there partner companies or partnerships?
Are you networked in the scene?
I have a good network here in South Tyrol. In the area of paint work, for example, there is a co-operation with Hups from American Bikes in Kaltern.
Of course, there is still a lot of room for improvement – international, or even better, worldwide partnerships would be cool.
Were you supported?
Or confronted with doubts?
I received nothing but support from all sides! I am lucky to have such a great family and circle of friends behind me. None of this would have worked without them.
Jonny from Etschside Custom
What is your biggest challenge in everyday life?
Getting up in the morning 🤣
Role model OCC:
How do you like their unconventional work?
Well, American Chopper on DMAX brought me to my dream job. As life goes: We didn’t have satellite TV at home – so I used to watch the programme at my grandma’s house.
Hey Jonny,
Thank you for the interview. Ride on!
© Photographs: Etschside Custom
Contact to
Etschside Custom
Jonny Huber has been running his workshop Etschside Custom, which specialises in Harley-Davidson, near Merano since 2022. He also looks after my Road King. You can reach Jonny by phone on +39 388 1430122 or by email at info@etschsidecustom.com.
Perfectly matching:
The “Light painter” Uli Biggemann: a portrait
Robert Friedrich – The Racer in the wheelchair
