Championship of the Americas Custom Motorcycle Show

The Championship of the Americas, a custom bike show held at the 2016 American International Motorcycle Expo ( AIME ), featured bikes from builders throughout the Americas, from Greenland to the southern tip of South America. There were four categories within the competition: Free Style, Retro Custom, Street Custom, and Performance Custom. The Free Style category, imposing zero restrictions, gave builders the chance to win entry to and expenses paid for the 2018 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, which will be held at Intermot in Cologne, Germany. Here, we show you twelve of the entries that stood out.

This 1981 Yamaha XS650, built by Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles, has a fully rebuilt engine with electronic ignition. The chassis was designed and built by Confederate Motors, with Hagon shocks and Racetech fork internals. The fly screen is custom made, as is the seat with integrated taillights. Powder coating was done by J&J Powdercoating, with a beautiful paintjob by Kiels Kustoms, and pinstriping by Brando.

Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles built this 1972 Triumph Bonneville with a fully rebuilt engine and a Bobby Newby racing clutch. This Bonnie has a Dave Bird Hard Tail, and a lowered BSA front end with custom damping rods. All brass accents on the bike are solid brass, including the headlight which is made from a brass cigar tin. The Bonneville was clear coated by Kiels Kustoms, with pinstripe and leaf by Brando.

Jesse Spade of Jesse Spade Designs customized this 1971 Triumph Tiger in lots of fun ways. The engine is rebuilt with electronic ignition, and H.O. stator. The Tiger has a modified mono-shock, forks, wheels and brakes. The powder coating was done by Miller’s, and the eye-catching paint job was done by Mike Lewis and James Palmer.

Built by Wendel Turner of Turner’s Cycles, this 1995 Harley-Davidson FXD Bobber features a 112ci S&S engine, and sits on a modified hard tail chassis. The Lone Wolf’s paint job was done by Rick Sheet’s Customs.

This 2016 Union Speed Cycle was built by Jordan Dickinson, with a 93ci S&S Knucklehead. The Speed Cycle’s generator was cut off, its cases were reshaped, and it now contains high compression pistons and hot cam. The frame is a one-off hand built by Union Speed. The gas tank, fender, and oil tank were all hand fabricated, and a custom air bag was installed under the seat.

Built by Kyle Shorey of Speed Foundry of Texas, this 1979 Harley-Davidson FX is powered by a stock Harley-Davidson motor with STD cases. The fuel tanks have been customized by being narrowed and notched. The swing arm comes from an early model, and the FX fender has been extended. Other custom features include the dash, bars, seat, grips, and footboards. Chrome Plating was done by Melec, and the paint job was done by Speed Foundry of Texas.

Another interesting build from Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles: a 1975 Ducati GT880. Tony did a full rebuild on the engine, and added a Desmo Pro ignition. The subrframe was trimmed, and Fox shocks were added to the rear. The front end is from a Triumph Tiger. Powder coating was done by J&J Powdercoating, and paint was done by Kiels Kustoms, with pinstriping done by Brando. Tony call this GT880 “My version of a Scrambler if Ducati would have made them with Bevel headed twins in the ‘70’s.”

This 2016 Custom Bobber was built by John Shipley of Hoosier Daddy Choppers. Starting with an 86ci Sportster bottom end with tranny cut off, one panhead and one shovelhead, this Bobber has dual linkert carbs. The Harley-Davidson barnfind wishbone has been stretched and raked. The oil tank, exhaust, grips, controls, axle spacers, and rear fender are all custom. Chrome plating was done by Brown’s, and the paint job was done by Jay Bury of Good Times Reform.

This Panhead, built by Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles, features a 1950 dual carb FL engine. The Chassis was modified by Bling Cycles, and the Paint was done by Rick Sheet’s Customs.

Dubbed “El Ray,” this 2016 Lone Star Chopper is built on a one-off frame custom made by Bill Ford and Larry Curik. El Ray is powered by a 93 ci Accurate Engineering XRP dual rear panhead motor with a custom ground camshaft. The exhaust and gas tank are both handmade, as are the mini-disc front brakes, handlebars, stainless steel seat and sissy bar. Chrome plating was done by Smothers Metal Finishing, and the paint job was done by Tom Schneider of Curtis Auto Body.

This 2006 ASVE “Twisted Bobber,” built by Timothy Scates, features an engine with split rocker boxes, SU Carb, magneto, and diamond cut heads. The frame is custom built, with all internal wiring. Dual exhaust is also custom, and the rear fender is from a 1936 Ford spare tire ring. The fuel tank is custom built, with an antique gas cap. Chrome plating and powder coating was done by Atlas Plating in Houston, TX. The vibrant green paint job was done by Pygmy in La Marque, TX.

Bryan Fuller, of Fuller Moto in Atlanta, Georgia, built this 2016 Millenium Fuller on a custom chassis. The tank and wheels are also custom built. Powder coating was done by Miller Powdercoating, and the paint job was done by JDK Paint.