Events

Show Class Magazine's People's Champ Final 6 Pack

no@spam.com (Show Class, Lisa Ballard)

Like any great boxing match, there are many highs and lows for the main fighters. They may be dominating the first round but an unforeseen right hook in the 12th hits the opponent square in the face and changes the fights outcome. This same scenario has played out throughout the downsizing of the Show Class Magazines People’s Champ. I reached out to Tim, co-owner of Show Class, to give me the run down on how we got to this stage.

Hippy Killer Hoedown 5

no@spam.com (Lisa Ballard)

The Hippy Killer Hoedown was conceived as the pre-party for the Biltwell Bash and has turned into a very successful one day event. Kutty Noteboom, owner of Hippy Killer Garage, had a vision to create a family friendly event that provides a laid back vibe with custom cars and motorcycles, great music and vendors

Focus: Bama Swap and Drag

no@spam.com (Lisa Ballard)

The Bama Swap and Drags was created by father and son team, Rick and Michael Lewis a few years back. Their main goal was to provide a low cost event for spectators, securing vendors that shared the common bond of vintage parts and for everyone to have a good ol’ time. I reached out to Michael for the low down and had Debbie Fitch capture the event for us.

Focus: Loser Machine's Born Free 5 Pre Party at Garage Co.

no@spam.com (Lisa Ballard)

The Born Free Bike Show has become the premier vintage custom motorcycle event in the US. What started out as a small gathering has quickly grown to over 12,000 motorcycle enthusiasts coming together for this one day event.

Show Class Magazine's "Born Free People's Champ 2013"

no@spam.com (Bill Bryant, Show Class)

A couple months ago our friends at Show Class had an idea for a way to get someone new into the "invited" builder arena at what has America's best custom motorcycle show. Taking submissions from over a hundred builders meant 75 percent of them had to be clipped, with survivors filling the roster. Eventually it'll come down to six bikes to be displayed at Cook's Corner on the Friday evening before Born Free. The winner of the Show Class pre-party bike show at Cook's Corner will get to display his people's choice machine with the big guns at Born Free.

Details Make the Difference

no@spam.com (Bill Bryant)

How many times have you heard that details make the difference? Obviously this is especially true when it comes to building motorcycles. Off-the-shelf parts are easy and often that is the best way to go. But, combine a few of your own hand-hewn solutions and the end result will surely be more satisfying. A few details at the recent David Mann Chopper Fest caught my eye (and lens) so here's a bit of inspiration.

2012: The Year in Reverse

no@spam.com (Harold McGruther, Bill Bryant)

New Year's Eve is a great time to reflect on what you accomplished in the previous 12 months, and to make plans for even bigger and better adventures in the year ahead. As this collection of bike features, scene reports and tech how-to's illustrates, 2012 was another banner year for building and bikeriding on the old 33.

Knuckleheads of David Mann Chopper Fest 2012

no@spam.com (Bill Bryant)

The David Mann Chopper Fest in Ventura, California always has a good turn out of quality chops, bobs, restos and whatever else you wanna call custom motorcycles. This year was no different and there was no shortage of old pans, knucks and flatheads. I shot a couple hundred photos so I'm gonna break it up into digestable chunks. Today's feature is all about the knuckleheads...

Mooneyes 2012: Chopper Seats and Upholstery

no@spam.com (Harold McGruther)

In our final installment of this month's four-part feature from Yokohama, we focus on the motorcycle seats at Mooneyes. CC members' appreciation for upholstery, hand tooling and saddle making is well known, and there was plenty to love in Yokohama last week. Here's some of the best.

2012 Mooneyes Custom Show: The Cars

no@spam.com (Harold McGruther)

Shige is Mooneyes' owner and the curator of his company's eponymous custom culture showcase, and an inveterate car and motorcycle freak in his own right. VW was the featured mark at this year's event, and the Moon crew picked some honeys to sprinkle among the chops, rods and customs on the Pacifico show floor.