By: Raine Devries | 24 July 2026
After 33 years of crafting custom, hand-built American V-Twin choppers and high-performance motorcycles, Jeff Nicklus is liquidating the complete business assets of Desperado Motorcycles. The entire contents of this Magnolia, Texas manufacturing facility are now available in a massive online auction, with every item selling to the highest bidder.
Register and bid today at www.AuctionsTexas.com/auctions. Bidding closes Sunday, July 26th at 12:00 Noon.
Jeff Nicklus, founder, CEO, and chief designer of Desperado Motorcycles, earned recognition as a Motorcycle Master Builder. Industry profiles describe him as one of only a small number of builders to receive that distinction. He began building motorcycles at age 15 in Dallas and went on to create limited-production, one-of-a-kind American V-Twin machines known for sleek design, careful engineering, and strong performance.
Desperado produced a range of signature and limited-edition models—including the Pale Rider series, Assassin II, Gun Runner II, Smuggler II, Posse II, and custom bobbers—each hand-built and tailored to the owner. Production was intentionally limited to prioritize quality. Every motorcycle carried a 17-digit VIN, was titled as a Desperado, and appeared in valuation guides such as Kelley Blue Book and the N.A.D.A. Guide. Nicklus was known for personally test-riding each bike before delivery—if it did not meet his standards, it did not leave the shop. He also built numerous one-off customs for charity, including projects supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Personal Note: I’ve known Jeff Nicklus for about 22 years, and he has always been exceptionally kind to me. A while back, when my dad was in town visiting, I took him over to Strokers Dallas to meet Rick Fairless. After that meeting, Jeff shared with me that Rick had called him to say my dad was a proper “long hair,” just like Jeff and Rick — Jeff got such a laugh out of that!
One notable creation was the NRA 2nd Amendment Bike, a one-off Softail featuring elaborate House of Kolor paint with gold and silver leaf graphics and signatures from figures including Ted Nugent, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr., Tom Selleck, and various political leaders.
Regarding Nicklus’s background, several published sources have described his military service:
In a November 19, 2010 American Rider magazine article by Robert Filla: “Jeff Nicklus is the founder, CEO and head engineer for Desperado Motorcycles. As a former F-4 Phantom driver (pilot), he was ingrained with a philosophy embracing fluid lines and aerodynamic design.”
NOTE: Check out Robert Filla’s other articles on 2WheelMedia.Substack.com!A long-standing Claytowne.com builder profile states: “Jeff was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force with over a hundred combat missions flown during the Vietnam War.”
In a January 5, 2011 Cyril Huze Blog interview, the interviewer noted that Nicklus is “an academy jet jock with two Vietnam tours under his belt (who survived being shot down and fished out of the South China Sea twice).”
Highlights among the more than 1,600 lots include The Last Desperado custom motorcycle, a 1969 Coca-Cola vending machine, a Lark 6x12 cargo trailer, frames, wheels, exhaust systems, a 6-speed transmission, custom motorcycle parts and accessories, professional tool chests, metalworking and fabrication equipment, welders, compressors, a tire machine, engine hoists, motorcycle lifts, workbenches, shelving, office furnishings and decor, Desperado-branded items, vintage advertising pieces, and specialty collectibles gathered over decades of operation.
Whether you are outfitting a fabrication shop, restoring motorcycles, stocking a garage, or seeking one-of-a-kind collectibles, this auction offers a wide range of opportunities.
Location: Magnolia, Texas
Preview & Inspection: Friday, July 24 by appointment – call 281-241-7441
Register & Bid: www.AuctionsTexas.com/auctions
Bidding Closes: Sunday, July 26th at 12:00 Noon
Buyer’s Premium: 18% (15% for cash/EFT)
No Shipping: Pay and pickup by appointment only, Friday–Sunday, July 31 through August 31, 10 AM–4 PM in Magnolia, TX
James Ford (Texas Auctioneer License 12478) is conducting the sale. Everything sells to the highest bidder.
This is a rare chance to acquire tools, parts, and memorabilia from a long-running Texas custom motorcycle manufacturer. Mark your calendar, register now, and start planning your bids.
~Keep the shiny side up!
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