Biker Build-Off is a reality television series for the Discovery Channel. Created and narrated by Thom Beers, the series was originally conceived as a single special called The Great Biker Build-Off. The show proved so popular that more episodes were produced in succeeding years, to the point that it was turned into a regular series (and its name shortened to just Biker Build-Off) in 2005.
Premise of the Show
Two reputed custom motorcycle builders from different parts of the country—usually with very different styles of building—each build a unique custom bike in their respective style, pitting their teams and expertise against each other to see who is the better builder.
Format
Biker Build-Off was originally an irregularly-grouped series (termed "rounds") of contests that spanned a calendar year. The original Great Biker Build-Off was a single competition. In 2003, the second round had three contests, and the third round (2004) had six. In 2005, the program was turned into a regular series in which each round would feature a total of 13 contests each. There has also been a World Biker Build-Off special (pitting three international bikers) in 2004.
The rules
Various aspects of the rules have evolved over the course of the series. When the show became a regular series, the current rules of the Biker Build-Off were defined as follows:
1. Each builder has 10 days to build a working custom motorcycle in his or her respective style.
They must obtain a framework, engine, and other necessary parts, construct their unique body, have it painted, and then complete assembling the bike and make it operational before midnight of the tenth day. During this build period, the show switches perspectives back and forth between the two builders as they and their respective teams plan and build their bikes.
2. Upon completion, the two builders bring their bikes to a mutually-agreed neutral location.
Custom motorcycle master of ceremonies Hugh King (co-executive producer of the series) will meet the two builders at the agreed location and declare where the ride will go and where the bikes will ultimately be judged.
3. When they meet, the two builders and their teams will begin a lengthy ride to a bike show.
The ride is designed to "break in" each bike and ensure they're both truly road-worthy before they reach the bike show. If a problem emerges that prevents the bike from running, the builder is allowed one hour to repair it before he/she is disqualified. (The disqualification may be waived by the competing builder; several shows have featured instances where the bike would have been disqualified ("DQ'ed") but the other builder did not enforce the rule.)
4. At the bike show, the two bikes will be showcased and a winner decided by an audience ballot.
Exceptions may occur for specific competitions. A 2007 contest designed to build drag bikes was decided by a best-of-three set of drag races.
