Laughlin River Run Interview Dave Perewitz

Gotta love a good rally. You never know who you’re going to run into. While cruising vendors’ row today at the 2009 Laughlin River Run, Motorcycle USA had the good fortune of running into Dave Perewitz. Dave was at the Allstate Insurance booth promoting the Allstate Garage Tour in his efforts to make roads a safer place for riders. And when he’s not touring the country with the Allstate crew, he’s in the shop perfecting the craft of custom motorcycle building, a trade he’s been doing for over 30 years. The man behind Perewitz Cycle Fabrication does it all, from designing, fabricating, painting and mechanics. Dave is a former Discovery Channel Biker Build-off Winner and has been inducted into the National Motorcycle Hall of Fame. He recently built a clean bobber for Allstate that will be raffled off at the end of the Allstate Garage Tour. Dave was cool enough to sit down with Motorcycle USA to answer a few quick questions.

Motorcycle USA: What have you been doing in conjunction with Allstate Insurance?

Dave Perewitz: We’re promoting safety for motorcyclists and car drivers alike. We’ve made up some tri-fold tip cards with the help of the National Motorcycle Safety Council with suggestions like “Look three times” and drop them off in high traffic areas like libraries, DMVs, and local driving schools.

Motorcycle USA: What have you been working on recently?

Dave Perewitz: Working on trying to make a living.

Motorcycle USA: What’s keeping your business afloat in these uncertain economic times?

Dave Perewitz: Just out there hustling, doing everything from oil changes to full ground-up customs. We’re a full service repair shop and do it all under one roof.

Motorcycle USA: What trends do you see in the industry right now?

Dave Perewitz: Bobbers and baggers. Those are definitely in right now.

Motorcycle USA: What’s your favorite part of the River Run?

Dave Perewitz: I like it all out here. Being able to ride through the hills and the weather. It’s nice not having to worry about anything but what short-sleeve shirt I’m going to wear.

Motorcycle USA: What’s up next for you?

Dave Perewitz: We’re headed to Laconia with Allstate. After that we’ll be at the Allstate 400 at Indy, then head to Sturgis right after that.

Motorcycle USA: What’s the best part about your job?

Dave Perewitz: Being out, going to events, meeting all the different people and getting to do what I love to do.

Motorcycle USA: What’s the worst part?

Dave Perewitz: Paying the bills.