Who The F%&K is Roadside Marty??

Roadside Marty was born and raised in Florida where his father owned a motorcycle shop behind their house in the 70's. At 15, Roadside owned his first street bike, a Kawasaki 1500 Enduro. This 41 year old Army Veteran and father of an eighteen year old son, works as a water specialist for a public utility. He credits his father, uncle, and older brother for introducing him to motorcycles. In his lifetime he's owned 14. His first Harley was a 72 Sportster which he still owns.

Because of his passion for motorcycles, Roadside started Flat Broke Customs and has been building motorcycles with this father ever since. I happened upon the Flat Broke blog one day and after reading post after post I had to find out Who the F%&K Roadside Marty was. If you regularly read Cycle Source Magazine you may already know of Roadside, if not here you go...

What are you riding now?
’00 FXDX; ’93 FXR; ’65 Pan; ’79 FLH

Tell me about Flat Broke Customs .
Flat Broke Customs came about as a way for me to be known on my own as opposed to whose son I was, not that I’m embarrassed by that, but I wanted to make my own mark, and since I wasn’t born wealthy most of my bikes made me “flat broke” building them!

Do you have a favorite bike that you built or do you fall in love with all of them?
I guess they all have a special place. Each time I see or remember them, it reminds me of where I was at that time in my life.

What is the stupidest comment that you’ve received from a non-rider?
“You’re gonna kill yourself on that thing!”

Do you feel you are treated differently because you choose to ride a motorcycle?
Not as much now as 10 years ago, people are more accepting, I guess.

Do you have any mentors or heroes? If so, what have they taught you?
My father is truly my hero because he taught me so many things . . . a strong work ethic as well being a man who does what’s right, even when it’s not that easy! My brothers and close friends who have stood by me through good and bad times have helped me become the man I am today.

Is there someone in the motorcycle community that you would like to hang with for a day and have never had the opportunity to before and why?
Willie G. Davidson, because the man and his family have created a product that I have given a large part of my life to, and to talk with him about some of his accomplishments.



What is your favorite rally?
That’s a tough one . . . but I have to say Daytona – so many friends and chicks, not to mention I’m a born and bred Florida boy! (If you are going to Daytona Bike week you can find Marty at Willie's Tropical Chopper Show.)

What are your thoughts on women riding their own motorcycles?
Having grown up riding behind my mom on her own bike, I think it’s cool as hell to see women riding, not to mention I think it’s sexy too – turns me on!

Do you have a favorite part of the U.S. that you enjoy riding?
There are too many to have a favorite, very tough question! I would love to one day ride around Europe.

What is the wildest thing that has happened to you on the road?
Edited by IHG...if you want to know this e-mail IHG @ motorcyclesandskulls@yahoo.com.

How did you get the name Roadside?
Picked up a chick at a bar to go for a ride and pulled over in a parking lot and got busy . . . True Story.

You also have a blog called Flat Broke. Why did you decide to start it?
A few people I respect and admire suggested it; I’m glad I did, it’s actually kind of fun! (Parental warning...Flat Broke is definitely an Adult Blog!)

There is another contributor to the Flat Broke blog named Alvarez . . . who is he?
That would be Scott Alvarez, my tattoo artist – really cool guy.



Are there any lessons that you’ve learned on the road that stand out the most?
Stay Calm!!! Sooner or later a solution to whatever problem you have will show itself.

What has your greatest accomplishment been?
Raising my son and watching him grow into a fine, young man.

Do you feel like there are divisions in the motorcycle community because of the type or brand of motorcycle you ride?
Not as much as in years past, but there will always be people who feel that way, that’s just the way it is. Personally, I don’t care what you ride as long as you ride because 2 wheels beats 4 wheels any day, in my book!

Is there really a motorcycle “wave” or is it just something we do to freak non-riders out?
For as long as I’ve been riding on the street (26! years now) 98% of the riders I pass wave and so do I. F%&k being a hardass, loosen up and wave back!



What do you think of helmet laws?
A matter of choice without question!! If you feel safer with one, then wear it; if not, then that should be your choice! I wear one only when I’m riding where it’s required or when it’s really cold.

Do loud pipes really save lives?
I believe they do in certain situations because I have seen it first-hand, but dumbasses that rev them up just to get attention at a red light need their ass kicked; I mean, c’mon, grow the f%&k up!

If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you do?
Make sure the people I love have all of my worldly possessions to make their lives easier or more enjoyable, or both. Whether they sell it, keep it or ride it, just enjoy life and remember me every once in a while!

Do you have a favorite swear word?
Absolutely . . . . PUSSY!!

What activities do you enjoy when you are not riding or building?
I actually really enjoy going to the movies, always have.

What are you currently reading?
The Johnny Cash Story, In His Words – very interesting man.

What’s in your CD player?
Declaration of Independence by Rebel Son, I f%&king love those guys! And some early Social Distortion, David Allen Coe, Johnny Cash, and Misfits.

What else do we need to know about Roadside Marty?
If you see me at a rally, party or on the road, say hello. I love to meet motorcycle people because they’re my people, and if I see you and don’t say hi, it’s because I didn’t know you wanted me to!

I want to thank Stephanie for interviewing me. This has been a lot of fun!


You'll have to check out the February issue of Cycle Source Magazine. Roadside Marty's motorcycle beauty, Purple Haze, is featured on the cover. Marty's buddy & editor of Cycle Source, Chris Cullen, wrote a great article about Marty & Purple Haze. The Chick Magnet is another build that Marty takes great pride in. I'm looking forward to seeing what Roadside builds in 2011. Thanks for the interview Roadside! You are one "f%&k'n cool builder and biker!

If you want to follow Roadside Marty here are the links to his blogs.
Flat Broke
Flat Broke Chops and Rods