Gene Bowers' 1966 Yamaha YM1

A photo of Gene on his Yamaha taken after Von Dutch had given it a flame paint job in 1972. In November of 2023, Alton Bowers told Sondre Kvip of Kustomrama that he vividly recalled the story his dad told him about how he met Von Dutch at County Cycle on Cave Creek Road in 1972. Gene was working at the shop, and Dutch either worked at or visited it when their paths crossed. Alton recounted, "My dad knew that Dutch was difficult to approach and cared little for money so my dad introduced himself with a six-pack of Coors. After they consumed most of the six pack my dad convinced Dutch to paint the gas tank on his bike." Photo courtesy of Alton Bowers.

Gene's Yamaha was customized, including a new gas tank. Alton described, "The tank is not originally from that model since dad had changed the front forks and the gas tank to change the look of his bike. The tank is painted with flames that are pinstriped with gold and some very subtle airbrushed scallops." Photo courtesy of Alton Bowers.

The Yamaha has remained a treasured item within the Bowers family. Alton noted, "The motorcycle is still in the family as I have turned it over to my little brother but I still have the gas tank." Despite its age, the tank maintains much of its original paint. Photo courtesy of Alton Bowers.

"After so many years, it is not in the best condition, but 90% of the paint is still there, and Von Dutch's signature and date is still visible on the rear of the tank. Most people don't believe me because they aren't aware that Dutch was in Arizona in the early 70s." Photo courtesy of Alton Bowers.

Gene asked a family friend to store the bike in his garage, but he ended up storing it uncovered outside in the Arizona sun. When Alton got the bike back he was concerned about losing more of the paint job, so he gave the tank a clear coat to prevent any additional flaking. Photo courtesy of Alton Bowers.

Alton reflected on a unique aspect of Von Dutch's work, "Another story that my dad told me was that Dutch liked to hide somewhere in his paint jobs a small insect of some sort or maybe it was a spider." This intriguing detail adds a layer of mystery to the tank, which still proudly displays Von Dutch's signature and the date of his work. "I have looked all over the tank but have not found any insect. Maybe it was on one of the damaged areas and has been lost to time." Photo courtesy of Alton Bowers.

Von Dutch: The Art, The Myth, The Legend. Hardcover book by Pat Ganahl released in 2005. This book chronicles Kenneth Howard's life from pinstriping beatnik to bus-dwelling hermit. Where it can, this book sets the record straight on Von Dutch the man, but in many cases conflicting stories will serve to illustrate the contrary, colorful, and sometimes difficult nature of Von Dutch the legend. This book is a must-have for fans of hot rodding and hot rod culture! The first edition of the book is hard to come by, but it sometimes pops up for sale on Amazon. Click here to check availability on Amazon.com.

Von Dutch

1966 Yamaha YM1 305 2 cylinder 2 stroke motorcycle owned by Gene Bowers of Cave Creek, Arizona. Bowers' Yama received a flame paint job by Von Dutch in 1972.

A Six-Pack Introduction: Gene Meets Von Dutch

In November of 2023, Alton Bowers told Sondre Kvip of Kustomrama that he vividly recalled the story his dad told him about how he met Von Dutch at County Cycle on Cave Creek Road in 1972. Gene was working at the shop, and Dutch either worked at or visited it when their paths crossed. Alton recounted, "My dad knew that Dutch was difficult to approach and cared little for money so my dad introduced himself with a six-pack of Coors. After they consumed most of the six pack my dad convinced Dutch to paint the gas tank on his bike." Gene's Yamaha was customized, including a new gas tank. Alton described, "The tank is not originally from that model since dad had changed the front forks and the gas tank to change the look of his bike. The tank is painted with flames that are pinstriped with gold and some very subtle airbrushed scallops."

In Search of the Hidden Detail: The Signature Von Dutch Artistry

Alton reflected on a unique aspect of Von Dutch's work, "Another story that my dad told me was that Dutch liked to hide somewhere in his paint jobs a small insect of some sort or maybe it was a spider." This intriguing detail adds a layer of mystery to the tank, which still proudly displays Von Dutch's signature and the date of his work. "I have looked all over the tank but have not found any insect. Maybe it was on one of the damaged areas and has been lost to time."

A Family Heirloom

The Yamaha has remained a treasured item within the Bowers family. Alton noted, "The motorcycle is still in the family as I have turned it over to my little brother but I still have the gas tank." Despite its age, the tank maintains much of its original paint. "After so many years, it is not in the best condition, but 90% of the paint is still there, and Von Dutch's signature and date is still visible on the rear of the tank. Most people don't believe me because they aren't aware that Dutch was in Arizona in the early 70s."