"Sarap" on Two Wheels: A Filipino-American Tribute in Honda Chopper Form

Words & Photos: Henry Quindara

Instagram: @henryquindara

“Sarap” — a Tagalog word meaning “delicious” — might not be the first word you'd associate with a motorcycle build, but for one Filipino-American builder, it perfectly captures the flavor of his latest custom project.

Growing up as an American-born Filipino, the builder often felt disconnected — seen as an outsider because of the color of his skin. As time passed, so did a desire to reconnect with his heritage. That journey of identity led him to honor one of the most iconic and expressive symbols of Filipino street culture: the Jeepney and Tricycle.

“They’re a wild display of pride and a pure reflection of the builders and their families,” he says. “This build is my way of paying respect to that culture — not just in paint or parts, but in spirit.”

The result is a Honda Chopper that not only turns heads with its shimmering layers of candy paint and gold flake, but also tells a deeply personal story of craftsmanship, identity, and family. It’s a reflection of what the builder calls the most welcoming corner of motorcycle culture: Honda choppers.

A Journey Through Two Wheels and Two Worlds

The bike’s foundation came from an unlikely gift — a secondhand build inherited from his father-in-law after a family move. It wasn’t love at first ride, but rather a test of patience and a long road of learning.

“Everything you see here, I did myself. Welding, painting, fab work — all of it,” he explains. “YouTube University, trial and error, and a lot of dumb mistakes.”

This version of the chopper is the second full iteration, started in January 2025. By April, it was road-ready — but like all true customs, it's still evolving.

“I still tinker. I’m learning pinstriping next.”

The paintwork alone is a masterpiece in layers. Beginning with four base coats of House of Kolor Shimrin Gold, followed by layer upon layer of flake, candy, and clear coats — over ten paint steps in total — the finish is deep, rich, and unmistakably personal.

The Details That Matter

Some parts were bought, like the exhaust and tank from TJ Brutal Customs, mid controls from Doom Industries, and bars from Zombie Performance. But much of the work was fabricated by hand: from the hardtail (a kit he welded himself), to the sissy bar, to the custom fender mounts.

One of the most notable features? Mid controls — a rare choice for a Shadow Chopper.

“Everyone runs forwards on these bikes. But with mid controls, I can glide through bumpy roads. Forward controls just kill my body.”

That attention to function as much as form defines this build. It’s made to be ridden — not just displayed.

From Brooklyn to the Barrio

The journey goes back much further than this current build. In 1997, at 18, he bought a CB750 for $500 — only for his parents to bribe him to get rid of it. Instead of selling it, his father and uncle disassembled the bike and shipped it to the Philippines. Years later, he rode that same bike during college visits.

By 2005, he was wrenching on Ruckus scooters on the streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, blasting by Indian Larry’s shop — too nervous to stop and say hi. In 2006, he picked up a CM450 and started getting serious about custom work.

Then came fatherhood in 2014, and like many new dads, he stepped back from riding. But after moving into a house with a garage, the itch came back strong — and this time, he had the space to make something truly his own.

“This project has been about reclaiming that space. Not just physically, but mentally. I’m finally building for myself.”

A Culture of Sharing

True to the community spirit of Filipino culture, Henry is generous with knowledge. “I’ll never not help someone who asks me how I did something or where I got a part,” he says.

He also wonders — half-joking, half-frustrated — why so many people hate on choppers without front brakes.

“It’s so odd,” he laughs. “But hey, I’ll still cruise by and let them say, ‘Cool Harley,’ before they realize it’s a Honda.”

And that’s exactly the point. This isn’t just a Honda Chopper. It’s a rolling story — of culture, perseverance, self-discovery, and, yes, sarap.