Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Paul (Paulie) Teutul Jr. of reality TV "America Chopper" fame unveiled two motorcycles Wednesday that will be on display at the Empire State Plaza this summer.
One is a custom-built bike with a "Made in New York" insignia that was a prize-winner and the other is Cuomo's Harley Davidson touring motorcycle. Teutul created the Made in NY bike and customized Cuomo's motorcycle with the State Seal on its front and the number "56" in tribute to Cuomo, New York's 56th governor.
"He's got a gorgeous Harley," Teutul said. "All black. Very classy, so we didn't want to overdo it."
Teutul showered Cuomo with praise, calling him a "great governor" and said manufacturing motorcycles in the state for the past 10 years has been a positive experience. "We love the fact that we have a gear-head governor," Teutul said. "That's a real treat for us."
Teutul shot to reality TV fame with the show about the family-run Orange County Choppers motorcycle shop. He and his father ultimately had a televised falling out and ended up in court over ownership of the business.
Cuomo said he was a recreational motorcycle rider, and said it gives him a measure of anonymity when he puts on his helmet and sunglasses. The bike is made for comfort and cruising on the Thruway or Taconic Parkway.
"For a long ride, there's nothing like it," he said.
