The Progressive IMS show is finally back (as a series of outdoor events), and with it comes a new round of the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. Here’s a quick look at the winners from last week’s show!
The text below is from IMS’ Press Release:
“We designed the competition to spotlight professional and amateur builders alike, attracting world-class builders at each stop along the tour that come to showcase their rolling works of art. Not only do the participates receive well-deserved recognition, but the custom motorcycles on display provide event attendees the opportunity to engage with some of the finest customs across the US,” remarked Bob Kay, director of UBCBS.
Each stop along the tour holds a competition at the event comprised of three classes – Custom Street Class, Custom Classic Class, and Freestyle Class – and the People’s Choice Award. Winners from each category are entered into the championship round held in Atlanta, competing for the grand prize and renowned title: King of Builders.
Winners from IMS Sonoma includes:
CUSTOM CLASSIC
Winner: Hugo Eccles with Untitled Motorcycles won with a 1975 Moto Guzzi Supernaturale. The custom is a minimalist café racer that features an 844cc engine and a 23% lighter build than its original 1975 donor. The hand-formed aluminum gas tank is a contemporary reinterpretation of the classic LeMans and encloses a state-of-the-art electrical system, and much more.
This was my personal favorite of the winners.
Runner-up: Dave Kelly secured runner-up with a custom-built 1939 Flathead.
CUSTOM STREET
Winner: Daniel Stern and painter Art Himsl won with a 2004 Harley-Davidson Softail/sidecar that features handmade fenders and body panels. The sidecar hosted exotic wood flooring, full aluminum louvered polished belly pans, and custom luggage behind the seat. The custom also features handmade taillights and trim work, hidden handlebar controls, a bronze powder-coated engine, and much more.
Runner-up: Phil Susoev secured runner-up with a 2003 Harley-Davidson Softail standard, custom-built by Ricky Bray at RKB Kustom Speed.
FREESTYLE
Winner: Gino and Denise Ilacqua with Jezabel Customs and painter Shane Leasure won with a 1976 Custom Chopper. The motorcycle features throwback rocker boxes, a custom oil tank, twist bar, plus bent metal pieces using camper propane tanks and a vise to shape fabricated pieces, and so much more.
Runner-ups:
Dave Kelly secured co-runner-up with a custom-built Pan Shovel.
Andrew Harris secured co-runner up with a 2018 Sur Ron Lightbee. The all-electric on- and off-road supermoto features regenerative breaking, and a complete lighting system including ambient RGB under glow.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Winner: Joe Stoesser won the People’s Choice award with a 1994 Harley-Davidson FXR. The custom, known as The Team Dream, is a perfect example of the last of the FXR. The motorcycle was built in a one car garage in San Francisco, features a nickel-plated frame, one-off swing arm, candy paint, and a few hundred hours of hand engravings.
