Release Date: 9/8/2004

Charlotte, N.C. - (MCNW) Motorcyclist from around the country are morning the death of Indian Larry (Larry Desmedt), a master motorcycle mechanic and stunt man who was killed following an accident while performing at the Liquid Steel Classic and Custom Bike Series show at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord N.C. Indian Larry was performing his most famous stunt, standing on the seat of the moving motorcycle, when he lost control. After a weekend at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, he died Monday at 3:45 a.m. from head injuries. Desmedt's remains have been cremated as per his request.

Larry gained fame with his unique "old school" choppers, and through his appearances on the Discovery Channel's "Great Biker Build-Off" series along with several other appearances with builders Jesse James, Billy Lane and Paul Yaffee. But while friends and family will remember his old school creations, it was Desmedt's personality that left a mark on their hearts.

 Since his death, biker web sites from all over the country have sported message boards filled with memories of the master builder. One friend said, "Indian Larry was his own man. He lived life like many wish we could. I've met him a few times, he was a regular guy who treated everyone with respect and honesty. He will truly be missed." Howard Kelly, editor of Hot Bike Magazine said he knew Desmedt through his publication and his general interaction with custom builders. "He was a personality," Kelly said. "All of our conversations were happy and always about motorcycles. He was the guy who was always willing to talk about motorcycles." But Desmedt did a little more than just talk the talk. As anyone who knew his work could say, the master builder was instrumental in bringing back the original chopper, or "Bobber." "Bobbers," with a minimal amount of flash and parts, but a maximum amount of power and charm, were Desmedt's trademark. His influences were "old school" chopper masters Ed Roth and Von Dutch. An autobiography on Larry's life is scheduled to be published by Crown Books (A Division of Random House) early in 2006 tentatively title "Grease Monkey, The Life And Times of Motorcycle Artist Indian Larry."

The family has requested that any donations be send In Memory Of Larry To::

National Council Of Alcoholism

1675 Whitehorse-Mercerville Rd Suite 205

Hamilton, NJ 08619 609-689-0121

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