Matt Chambers: The Philosopher of Motorcycling

Forever Motoring

Andrea Hiott talks with Matt Chambers, CEO of Curtiss Motorcycles. They discuss the company's shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycles to light electric vehicles (LEVs), with the focus on creating unique timeless designs. Matt emphasizes the philosophy of their designs offering a sensory experience with emphasis on quality, attention to details and sustainability. He also touches upon concepts such as 'letting go of control' while on a motorcycle, navigating 'negative space', and the shift toward a culture of 'thinking small' and sustainability. His vision is to create a motorcycle for every person - a vehicle that they do not have to replace regularly but can continue to use and enjoy due to its quality and design.
Together they reimagine Hunter S. Thompson, edges, electricity and ecology--looking at the connections between meaning, desire and motorcycling.
Albert Camus the Rebel
A primary inspiration he mentions is Virgil Exner
1957 Chysler, memoralized in the movie Christine.
The Curtiss 1 and working with JT Nesbitt
"Part of being free is realizing there is no certainty."
"Desire can't exist without authenticity."
What Matt regrets about his relationship with Pierre Terblanche.
Fewer bigger pulses or more smaller pulses?
Matt's idea of Negative Space: dealing with ambiguity.
Hunter S. Thompson wanting to ride one of Matt's bikes: "the only one who knows where the edge is is the person who has gone over it."
His Glenn Curtiss inspired new electric motorcycle company.
Rejecting escapism and growing up.
ee cummings quote: “To be nobody but yourself in a world
which is doing its best day and night to make you like
everybody else means to fight the hardest battle
which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.”
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