"Biker Build-Off": Discovery Channel Drives Motorcycle Sales and Style

Returning for its fourth season, the Discovery Channel's "Biker Build-Off" series epitomizes the TV genre that is driving motorcycle sales and style, reshaping the image of chopper motorcycles, and turning custom-bike builders into household names.

With series like Monster Garage, Orange County Choppers, and Biker Build-Off, the Discovery Channel has shifted the custom motorcycle from a bad-boy art form to mainstream pop-culture phenomenon. Customizers once known only to a small circle of hard-core custom-motorcycle enthusiasts are now household names. The popularity of these shows has advanced motorcycle sales (especially cruisers), given new validation to custom-bike enthusiasts, and even driven the style of production bikes like the new Victory Vegas.

Now Discovery has kicked off a fourth round in its Great Biker Build-Off. Each episode of the show, which debuted in 2002, pits two leading chopper builders against each other in a unique bike-building competition. The personalities and creative artistry of these builders and their motorcycles make the shows, which air Tuesday nights at 10:00, compelling viewing even for non-motorcyclists.

Here are the contenders for Round 4 with the dates the shows first air:

Jerry Covington vs. Warren Vesely
Jan. 11, 2005

Joe Martin vs. Shinya Kimura
Jan. 18, 2005

Jesse Rooke vs. Ron Finch
Jan. 25, 2005

Russell Mitchell vs. the Detroit Brothers
Feb. 1, 2005

Indian Larry vs. Mondo
Feb. 8, 2005

Chica vs. Mike Pugliese
Feb. 15, 2005

Cory Ness vs. Eric Gorges
Feb. 22, 2005

Hank Young vs. Cole Foster
March 1, 2005

Billy Lane vs. Mike Brown
March 8, 2005

Kendall Johnson vs. Eddie Trotta
March 15, 2005

Matt Hotch vs. Rick Fairless
March 22, 2005

Arlen Ness vs. Roland Sands
March 29, 2005

Grand Finale
April 2005

For additional information, visit the Discovery Channel website.