Dave "Huggy Beahr" Hansen

Dave “Huggy Beahr” Hansen was a beloved figure in the vintage motorcycle world and a lifelong resident of Ventura, California, whose passion and generosity left a lasting mark on the community. For more than five decades, Dave dedicated his life to preserving, restoring, and celebrating antique motorcycles, earning international recognition as a leading expert on Indian and Harley-Davidson machines. As the owner of The Shop for over 50 years, he became not only a master mechanic but also a trusted mentor, training countless mechanics and sharing his deep knowledge with enthusiasts from around the world.

Dave’s love for motorcycles extended far beyond the workshop. He was actively involved in organizing and judging antique motorcycle shows and embraced the thrill and history of racing at the Bonneville Salt Flats. His expertise and unmistakable presence also connected him to popular culture, including involvement with The World’s Fastest Indian and appearances on A&E’s Storage Wars. No matter the setting, David was known for his warmth, his infectious smile, and his ability to make everyone feel welcome.

A true community pillar, Dave built lifelong friendships across the globe and was equally known for his compassion off the bike, always opening his heart, and his home, to animals in need. He passed away on April 12, 2023, at the age of 75, leaving behind his wife Gwendolyn, his son Tory DuVarney, grandchildren, and a wide circle of friends and family who continue to cherish his memory. His life and legacy were celebrated with a memorial service on June 8, 2023, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, marked by a motorcycle procession from The Shop, an unmistakable tribute to a man whose life was inseparable from the spirit of motorcycling.