World Championship Custom Bike Builder - Harley Forum

admin · #1 05-29-2007, 04:37 PM

We at American Iron Magazine are in discussions with other leading Harley-oriented motorcycle magazines around the world to create a true world championship series for custom bike builders. The plan is to have a number of high profile local bike shows around the world in 2006 where the winners qualify for the world championship show in America in 2007. I'm asking for ideas on how to make this the best it can be. Any thoughts on classes or structure?
This could be pretty cool to be a part of.
Buzz

Posted by: dual carb on Feb 18, 06 7:27:58 pm

admin · #2 05-29-2007, 04:38 PM

A rule that you should use is one that is similar to the one used for the "FLASH RACE",only this time they should be required to ride 100 miles and a route chosen that would approximate one that an everyday rider would encounter in the real world, not one that is silky smooth. The reason for this is because i still question wether or not the builders in the biker build-off series actually ride their bikes the distance that they say they do. Some of them look like they could do the distance while most probably couldn't.

Posted by: mtyevo on Feb 19, 06 7:29:28 am

admin · #3 05-29-2007, 04:38 PM

How about some scale for fabrication level? Are the tank, bars, oil bag fabricated or off the shelf? If it's is similar to the FLASH race format, then the bikes should be street legal. That means gauges, signals, brakes, etc.
Mtyevo took the words right out of my mouth: Is it a trailer queen or is it rideable? If trailer queens are to be allowed then they should be in a seperate class. Maybe bikes should be based on rideability? I know bikes that look like they'd be painful just riding off the trailer and ride beautifully over distance, and some bikes that look pretty comfy and ride like a haywagon.

Posted by: Majicbringer on Feb 19, 06 9:27:26 am

admin · #4 05-29-2007, 04:39 PM

Great points both...!!!

Posted by: frisco-rigid on Feb 19, 06 7:56:56 pm

admin · #5 05-29-2007, 04:39 PM

Hi Buzz,

Classes:
All bikes should have (at the very least)the tins fabricated by the builder. The bikes should be considered 'daily drivers'.

1. Rigids: Any rake, any power.

2. Bobbers: STOCK Harley frames and power. (just like the original bobbers)

3. Softails: Innovative suspension, big-bore - big power engines.

4. Baggers: Bikes truly built for touring. Innovative suspension systems. Innovative drive systems. Innovative creature comforts.

I think you have to bear in mind most folks want looks, not necessarily function. Therefore you would have to try and have both this could be achieved in the Rigid class. A builder that could design and build a custom Bagger (I'm including Roadkings in this) with great looks, handling, performance would not only have a something unique in the show world, they would also set the stage for changing the face of the show world.

Events:

Have Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, Central, Pacific and Canada. The winners of each compete for a North American Grand Champion. The same can be done for Europe.

Elect Judges from your readers, maybe a contest? What a great way to involve your readers.

Just a couple of suggestions.

P

Posted by: Pitar on Feb 20, 06 10:42:03 am

admin · #6 05-29-2007, 04:40 PM

Not to slam Pitar on having readers for judges, but a lot readers aren't going to know their ass from a hole in the ground about judging bikes. That's what the "fan favorite" catagoy is for. So all those dazzled by chrome, or wild theme, or cool paint job get to have a say.
I don't know everything about bikes, but I'm not going to take off points for a daily driver because I see some tar up under a fender or the seat's got a scuff mark and the ack of tank has a scratch where the riders jacket hits it. But if it's a trailer queen I sure as hell am. But is Joe Schmoe random reader going to have that in mind?

Posted by: Majicbringer on Feb 21, 06 12:32:49 am

admin · #7 05-29-2007, 04:40 PM

Hey Majic;

That's not a "slam" it's a valid point. I'm not suggesting all the judges be "Joe Shmoe" It's just a suggestion of how to keep reader involvement high.

Posted by: Pitar on Feb 21, 06 3:14:52 pm

admin · #8 05-29-2007, 04:41 PM

Anyone who has read about what and how I ride know I am into function over fashion, but this concept is for the best custom builder, so it's more a beauty show than anything else. I'd prefer that the bikes ran and are ridden, but I don't think that can be easily enforced (unlike the FLASH Race. Our thinking at this time to to have several classes and honors at the world final. Most of them will be trailer queens - at least until after the judging, then I hope most of them will be ridden. The top prize will be Best In The World as judged by the editors of the world's leading bike mags. We'd have other trophies, possibly inculding People's Choice (I do like having a popular vote), Best Sportster, Best Softail, Best Rigid, Best Bagger, etc.
Buzz

Posted by: dual carb on Feb 22, 06 8:37:22 pm

admin · #9 05-29-2007, 04:41 PM

Sounds like you have it all figured out Buzz. Where are you going to kick this off?

Posted by: Pitar on Feb 24, 06 11:15:36 pm

admin · #10 05-29-2007, 04:42 PM

I'd like to see a catagory for best bike done on the cheap. I have no idea howt his would be judged, but I like the idea anyway! LOL
Maybe one part could be having the bike dyno'ed on some basic set-up and see what make the most power for the cheapest. Maybe have a small "judging fee" that would go to charity.

While I'm at it, being sleep deprived and punchy - How about: Best backfire; best use of a non-motorcyle item used on a motorcyle; most times "harley", "HD" (etc) appears on the bike; for kickers - most kicks to start...

Posted by: Majicbringer on Feb 26, 06 2:00:19 am