GLITTER + GRIT // Interview with Morgan Michelle

Instagram: @yourmomschopper

Photos: Morgan Michelle & @manny_pandya_photo

MEET MORGAN MICHELLE

A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH

Fresh off being named Motoblot 2026 Champion, The Litas Des Moines co-founder Morgan Michelle made history as the first woman builder invited to compete at Motoblot in 13 years. She transformed her Iron 833 into a brilliant work of art. Hand-applying more than 33,000 disco tiles to bring her glitter-filled vision to life, Morgan earned the coveted Gungnir, Odin’s Spear and a place in Motoblot history.

We've been captivated by Morgan's glittering disco Sportster ever since it first caught our eye on Instagram. Read on as we talk to Morgan about her build, the challenges behind creating something so personal, and the journey that led her to victory.

@yourmomschopper custom sporty

THE WHO

First and foremost, I am a mother to an amazing son, who is two and a half years old. I’m naturally extremely creative, crafty and ambitious. I’ve been around motorcycles from afar, my first ‘big girl’ job was at a Harley dealer in Omaha Nebraska when I was 19; that is where I got my motorcycle credentials with the learn to ride program.

Admittedly, I was too scared to operate a bike, so I got myself a 125cc Buddy scooter and ripped it around for a few summers. I loved having the wind in my face. I wanted more, but wasn’t sure how to jump in. After I gave birth to my son, I struggled with postpartum PTSD, so I finally made the leap and purchased a 2001 Harley Davidson 883 Sportster to try to find myself again and feel alive. That kicked everything off for me, and I began tearing it apart and customizing it… after only riding it twice!

I just took it to the limit

with this motorcycle. My bike has been customized with glitter and girl power from the bars, all the way down to the spark plugs.

THE WHY

As a woman who struggles with anxiety and ptsd, riding my motorcycle is the only place I truly get to feel relief from my mind because I am using all my senses to actually keep myself alive. I feel completely free when riding, and it has saved my life.

I have learned more confidence, to be bolder, and courageous because of riding. 

THE BUILD

When I was learning to ride and dreaming of my first bike, I always had a vision of silver glitter. So I just took it to the limit with this motorcycle. My bike has been customized with glitter and girl power from the bars, all the way down to the spark plugs. I have hand applied over 33k 5x5mm disco tiles to the tank, derby cover, struts, sissy bar, foot control mounts, and starter lever. The frame is painted a silver glitter. The grips are glow-in-the-dark; the custom bars I drew up myself and Zombie Performance executed. Moonrider made me the most incredible seat with glitter vinyl material and hand stitched detail. Initially, I sent my sportster out to a local motorcycle mechanic to execute the electrical and engine work, and he found a lot of mistakes I made. would highly recommend anyone getting into the custom motorcycle world for the first time to have someone experienced look over their work. This will keep you safe on the road while you are learning. Since I began two years ago, I have continued customizing my bike and ended up taking the front brakes off and running a 21” spool wheel with shaved and lathed lowers. I’m really not sure I will ever be done with this bike.

When I began, I did not know what I was doing, so it was all trial and error. I ordered a lot of parts that didn’t fit, that I couldn’t return. I overpaid for services that now I would have shopped around for or done myself. It’s all a learning curve and finding the people and parts take time! I purchased 3 sets of bars I didn’t love before I just designed my own and had them fabricated.

THE DETAILS

I am proud to be able to say I have shards of glass in my fingers from hand applying 33k disco tiles. I love my bars and my front end. It has a mean stance when riding and being able to not run front brakes really toughens the build up. A family friend gave me some raw turquoise from his father that passed away; I affixed it to the frame as a sentimental homage. 

My favorite thing about my bike is how it brings people together. Men bring their wives, partners and children over to look at it, when they may have never been interested in a motorcycle before. It inspires women to ride, customize and dream — and shows little girls they can, too, someday.

THE CHAMPION

Being awared the 2026 Champion award at VALHALLA, part of the Motoblot Moto and Music Festival in Chicago, I was in shock, truly. I don’t think it’s set in yet. This win breaks barriers for other women who are busting tail to create their dream bikes in a highly male dominated environment. My first thought after winning was “we gotta get more girls here next year.” I’m already in discussions with Motoblo to host an all female ride in show for 2027, with awards, crafts and all the girls we can get to Chicago. Mark your calendars for Motoblot 2027 ladies! 

THE INDUSTRY

No matter how accomplished, award winning, or bold a woman is in this industry and culture, there’s always people who will say they didn’t earn it for whatever reasons they can think of. We are still fighting for the seat at the table, and when we get it, we are told we didn’t deserve it.

We deserve it. We work hard. We earned this seat.