ABOUT US

ASHCROFT MOTORCYCLES is located in Salem, Oregon. We build full custom “hot rod” oriented motorcycles and custom automobiles. The shop is owned and operated by Lynn Ashcroft. Joe Miller manages the shop on a day to day basis and employing a full and part time staff that varies between 4 and 6 individuals. Virtually all fabrication and finish work is completed on site.


BIO’S:

The two principals in Ashcroft Motorcycles are Lynn Ashcroft and Joe Miller.

LYNN ASHCROFT has been a “hot rodder” all his life. He began building custom motorcycles a few years ago and possesses a true passion for them. Lynn does all of the design work and most of the fabrication. Lynn is self trained in metal fabrication, lathe and mill work and welding (although some would argue whether he has any training at all, self or otherwise). His philosophy is that custom bike designs should be timeless; that is, that if the bike is “cool” today it should still be “cool” 10 years from now. Ashcroft Motorcycles are each unique and no two will be built as copies of another. Attention is paid to detail and each part should be functional but understated. The bikes mix traditional motorcycle and “rodding” designs and components incorporating modern technology and ideas. Lynn has great respect for all other bike builders and designers, but is not above “stealing” an idea (with attribution) and incorporate it into his bikes if it improves the style or function. Lynn’s philosophy is that each bike is built as if it were his own (because they are).

In addition to building custom motorcycles, the shop builds and restores street rods and automobiles. The shop is in a 6500 square foot facility with full fabrication abilities including a state of the art paint booth, mills, lathes and other metal fabrication tools and equipment.

Lynn is a former Brigadier General and served both on active duty in the United States Army and in the National Guard as an Armor Cavalry Officer, Infantry unit commander and a Judge Advocate General officer. Lynn was the senior partner in a law firm with offices in Salem and Portland, Oregon and presently serves as an appointed Circuit Judge Pro Tem in the Marion County, Oregon, Circuit Court.


JOE MILLER manages the shop on a day to day basis and has likewise had a lifetime participation in motor sports. "Nitro" Joe’s father introduced him to drag racing and Joe is a licensed NHRA nitro dragster driver and owns and is preparing to campaign his own Funny Car having recently acquired and restored one of the 70's era “Revellution” Dusters of “Big Ed” McCullough. Joe’s primary skill is in custom car and motorcycle paint. He is primarily responsible for some final assembly work on the bikes including wiring (Lynn believes that electrical components are "voo doo" controlled) and hydraulics (likewise a black art). Joe’s paint work has been nationally and internationally recognized. Joe takes pride in producing a high quality end product and is sought out both as a painter and car builder. Lynn and Joe met a number of years ago when Lynn was referred to Joe for a custom paint job on a car project, and although Joe ripped him off royally, they none the less became good friends and formed a working partnership some 10 years ago. Joe continues to struggle with his sexual identity but because of his great skills as a painter Lynn has been tolerant (although not indulgent) of Joe's aberrant behaviors and bizarre requests.

Lynn Ashcroft and his vehicles have been featured in video, television and print media, including the following:

"More Motorcycle Masters" video
"American Thunder" on the Speed Channel
"Chopper Nation"
"The Robb Report Collections" magazine
"The Robb Report Motorcycling" magazine
"Easyriders" magazine
"V-Twin" magazine
"Stuff" magazine
"Rebel Rodz" magazine
"Classic Custom Trucks" magazine
"Drive Time" magazine
"Big Twin" magazine