The Detroit round of the 2013 edition of the Ultimate Builder saw snow all three days and weather as warm as 12 degrees. But that is walking weather for the hearty families from Michigan as the Progressive International Motorcycle Show was packed with enthusiasts. The enthusiasts were checking out the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and were rewarded with outstanding custom bikes.
Ultimate Builder Class: FreeStyle
Don Weimer’s 2009 Weimer Rigid won Detroit’s J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. His SoulShaker features an EVO 96” mil with custom frame, 9” stretch frame, drop seat and a custom gas tank located in the frame cradle.
- Don Weimer – SoulShaker, 2009 Weimer Rigid
- Tony Starita, Big Tony’s Chopp Shop – Peacemaker, ’12 BTCS Pro-Street
- Poor Boy Choppers – Sinister, ’13 Poor Boy Chopper Softail Custom
Ultimate Builder Class: MOD Harley
Brian Ratkos of Baggers Unlimited won MOD Harley with a custom bagger that featured paint by ACP / Kustom Haus, raked triple trees, custom bars, 180mm wide rear kit, Legend rear air ride and Bagger Unlimited front air ride. The bike has significant work in the go fast department on the Harley-Davidson 108ci mil including ported and polished heads, Andrews Gear Drive Cams, Jims roller rocker arms and Jims rocker arm support.
- Brian Ratkos, Baggers Unlimited – ’06 HD FLHX
- Bob McAreavey – 2009 Roadking
- Anthony LaMontia – FatAss Bagger, ’03 HD FLHTSI
Ultimate Builder Class: Retro MOD
You expect to see a few car guys in Detroit. Paul Anderson manages the building of show cars and you can see his level of detail and execution in his 1946 HD WLA. It’s original with a subtle 2-tone paint scheme. The normal rubber pieces have been replaced with belting leather with laser etching. A beautiful build.
- Paul Anderson – Once in Awhile, 1946 WLA
- Ron Harris, Chop Docs Choppers – Sweet Lou, ’77 FXR
- Ralph Spencer – Manx Titan, ’71 Suzuki T500 Titan
Ultimate Builder Class: Performance Custom
Jody Jendon built the Bud Light bike for Dylan Jendon, a 1999 Hayabusa with a big bore kit, Starr Racing heads, 22” extended swing arm, 360 rear tire, rear air ride and cut front shocks and LED lighting throughout.
- Dylan Jendon – Bud Light, 1999 Hayabusa
- GIO, Blacksmith Motoring – El Vaquero, ’77 Honda Gold Wing
Ultimate Builder Class: MOD Street
GIO from Blacksmith Motoring drove in from Chicago with his latest turbo build, El Vendetta, and took the win in MOD Street at Ultimate Builder in the Great white North. The 2008 Yamaha Retroliner features a Blacksmith 120ci stroker with forged pistons, lighten crank with HIPO heads & intake. The bike rolls with a 26” front wheel, air ride and 6 piston Hawg Halters brakes.
- GIO, Blacksmith Motoring – El Vendetta, 2008 Yamaha Roadliner
- GIO, Blacksmith Motoring – EL Patron, ’03 Suzuki Voluisa
Additional Awards
Bob McAreavey won the Show Dog Award sponsored by Rocking K Custom Leather for his promotion at the show. Bob McAreavey won the People’s Choice Award with his 2009 Roadking.
The Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is produced by www.bikerpros.com. At each round of the competition Biker Pros photographs each bike and makes them available in their Flickr gallery at www.flickr.com/photos/bikerpros.
We are awarding $100,000 in cash and prizes over our 13 event series. The big money winners to date are:
- GIO – $8,500
- Kyle Shorey – $5,000
- Bruce Bolden – $3,000