It was hot in New York. And the wool Pendleton board shirts and a heavy jacket were overkill for the 60 degree December weather. It was even hotter in the Javits Convention Center because it was packed wall-to-wall with enthusiasts.
Jeff Holt from Hot Bike Magazine and Street Chopper Magazine awarded the Editor’s Choice awards to Pat Isaacson for his 1975 Harley and Nick Beaulieu of Forever Two Wheels for his bad ass chopper. Up on stage Holt gave a rousing speech about builders and the commitment it takes to show up and put your creativity on the line.
In New York we had two awards for Peoples Choice, one at the show and one for online. The in-person award went to Paul Andrecola of G Clean for his 2013 600 HP Custom Trike. He took home a Bell lid. Isaacson picked up his second award for the online People’s Choice. He received a power washer from G Clean.
The SHO DOG award went to the hardest working builder promoting his work at the show. This year The Leatherworks solo bag went to Scott Avery of North Jersey Customs.
J&P Cycles provided a goodie bag with a t-shirt and G Clean threw in a full package of green-cleaning supplies.
After the builder’s came up on stage for their pictures, it was time to get down to business and award some cash.
After the builder’s came up on stage for their pictures, it was time to get down to business and award some cash.
MOD CUSTOM
Keino of Keino Cycles brought in two bikes and came out the winner with his 2014 XJR 1300 Yamaha. The custom featured a springer frontend, custom pipes, tank, tail section and saddle. This bike could take you on a wild ride. He took home a check for $750.
Keino Sasaki, Keino Cycles – 2014 XJR 1300 named Rhapsody in Blue
Chris Zahner – 2014 Royal Enfield Continental GT
MOD RETRO
If you were paying attention to the International Motorcycle Show social media posts then you were seeing the build of Evan Favaro’s custom a piece at a time. With this Speakeasy Motors bike, the whole is much better than the parts. It features prototype billet/lexan valve covers, hartailed frame, custom neck, Leaf spring front end by kiwi Indian, Bevel gear throttle, hand fabricated split tanks and fenders. Handmade stainless exhaust stainless seat with hand-tooled pad, 21” front wheel, custom intake and custom rear brake. He took home a check for $750.
Evan Favaro, Speakeasy Motors – 2015 Custom named Ethel
Justin Reid, Longwood Customs – 1972 Bonny named Amalgamation
MOD HARLEY
Dell Battle’s custom Sportster has only been in two shows and it took a 1st at the Harley-Davidson Museum Show and second at the CIA OC Bikefest Custom Bike Show.
This bike features a stock but highly-modified frame with air ride front and rear with a radical custom paint job. He took home a check for $1,000.
Dell Battle, Dangerous Designs – Custom Sportster
Scott Avery, North Jersey Customs – 1991 H-D Softail Springer
FREESTYLE
George Stinsman of Chaos Cycle took the win over Nick Beaulieu by a single point. That is how tight the competition was in NYC. The paint, style and fit and finish was on Nick’s column but Stinsman’s motor won the day. It’s called a Shovester and features a Shovelhead top and Sportster bottom. Stinsman’s bike is an interpretation of the 70’s era drag bike. He clipped the tranny and installed a Baker 6. A slick for the rear tire and a custom Chaos Cycle front wheel gives it a down and dirty look. He took home a check for $2,000.
George Stinsman, Chaos Cycle – 2016 Custom named Thugnificent
Nick Beaulieu, Forever Two Wheels -2015 FTW Pan Chopper named Darkest Day
Throughout the 10 show series approximately 400,000 enthusiasts will see the custom bikes. The total cash and prize package for the series is $100,000. The Chicago round will host the US Championship and will provide $50,000 in cash and awards. Sponsors include J&P Cycles, Harley-Davidson, Progressive Insurance, Bell Helmets, Speakeasy Original, The Leatherworks and 5 Ball Leathers.
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