By broadcasting shows like Monster Garage, Orange County Choppers, and Biker Build-Off, the Discovery Channel has moved motorcycle customizing from a back-alley art form to mainstream pop-culture phenomenon. Customizers once known only to a small circle of hard-core custom-motorcycle enthusiasts have become household names. The popularity of these shows has advanced motorcycle sales (especially cruisers), given new validation to the custom-bike world, and even driven the style of production bikes like the Victory Vegas.
Now Discovery has kicked off a fourth round in its Biker Build-Off. The show, which debuted in 2002, pits two leading chopper builders from different parts of the U.S. against each other in a unique 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. For those with an interest in customizing their own machines, they are a window on the processes involved.
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 more information, see the Discovery Channel website.