Patrons Spirits’ CEO’s motorcycle collection includes a US$20,000 BMW and a chopper that runs on tequila
But a full tank of ‘fuel’ would cost US$1,200
By Emmie Martin
Inside John Paul DeJoria’s Austin, Texas-based garage, you’ll find a US$200,000 Ferrari and a customised US$550,000 Lamborghini. But those belong to his wife, Eloise.
The billionaire founder of Patron Spirits Co. and John Paul Mitchell Systems prefers to ride on two wheels, as evidenced by his motorcycle collection, which he shared with CNBC on a recent episode of “Secret Lives of the Super Rich.”
“This is one of the newer Indian motorcycles,” DeJoria says, motioning to a sleek black bike with leather seats and silver trim. “It’s one of the best motorcycles ever made.”
It’s a 2018 Indian Chieftain Dark Horse worth between US$20,000 and US$25,000. “It’s a real cruiser,” he says. “It’s really comfortable for long rides.”
A 2010 BMW-Sidecar model worth an estimated US$20,000 sits at the back of the garage. The bike features a fierce face bearing long rows of sharp teeth, which DeJoria describes as “fun.”
Another chopper, a 2004 Harley-Davidson worth between US$4,000 and US$5,000, was custom built for the billionaire. The black seat is contrasted by silver piping below. “It’s really down home,” DeJoria says. “It’s low, lean and cool.”
But one bike stands out as a favourite: A 2008-2009 Arlen Ness & Victory model plastered with green flames. Nicknamed “The Patron Bike,” the chopper earns its title: The carbaration was re-calibrated so it will run off Patron tequila or gasoline.
“I’ve never filled it all the way up with Patron,” DeJoria admits. “That would be a very expensive fill!”
He’s right: For a full tank, it would take approximately US$1,200 worth of the tequila.
When the bike brakes, it lights up with a message: “powered by Patron.”
DeJoria sold his 70 per cent stake in the tequila business to Bacardi Limited in a US$5.1 billion deal in January, according to Forbes. He’s currently worth an estimated US$3.4 billion.
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