News & Press Releases

< News & Press Releases

INTERMOT and AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building 2020 Canceled

Tuesday 16th Jun 2020

Koelnmesse, the international exhibition center at Cologne, Germany (that organizes the biennial INTERMOT expo for the German motorcycle trade association/IVM), has announced that it has had to cancel this year's planned October INTERMOT. . Therefore, AMD will not be able to stage this year's much-anticipated World Championship of Custom Bike Building at the venue and time planned. With nearly 100 custom bikes already slated to compete, and builders expected to travel to the event from some 30 or so countries, this is obviously a blow for the custom bike market.

Business Continuity Statement

Friday 17th Apr 2020

As at today's date (17 April 2020) the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building will go ahead in October 2020 at INTERMOT (Cologne, Germany) as planned. Clearly, where the status of planned shows and industry Expo events are concerned, the situation we are all in is 'fluid' and if anything changes we will be sure to advise all competitors directly by email.

AMD World Championship Sets Records, Russian Builder Scoops the Win for First Time

Monday 29th Oct 2018

The 13th AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, staged at INTERMOT Customized, Cologne, October 3-7, is widely being hailed as a success, with the standards and numbers of bikes entered reaching standards and numbers not seen since the event moved to Europe, or before. At 85 individual builders, the number of competitors is a new record, as anticipated, but so too is the number of countries - they came from 30 different countries, including some (Indonesia, Malaysia and India) for the first time as the global passion for custom motorcycles continues to spread around the world.

Russia scoops 2018 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building

Sunday 21st Oct 2018

Russian customizer Zillers Garage scored a convincing first place in the 13th annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at INTERMOT Customized, Cologne, Germany, October 7. With 'Insomnia', Zillers' Yamaha SR 400 based masterpiece, rising star Dmitry Golubchikov takes the coveted title of Avon World Champion of Custom Bike Building for the next two years, and becomes the first winner of the AMD World Championship from Eastern Europe.

Avon Agrees Multi Year AMD World Champion and Freestyle Class Sponsorship

Thursday 9th Aug 2018

Leading custom tire manufacturer AVON has signed a multi year agreement to be Freestyle Class sponsor at the 2018 and 2020 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building - the winner will be the 'Avon World Champion Custom Bike Builder'. One of the oldest motorcycle product manufacturers of any kind in the world, Avon traces its origins back to 1885. The company entered the motorcycle and sidecar tire market in 1911.

AMD World Championship Set for Record Bike Entries and Visitor Attendance in October?

Monday 11th Jun 2018

With 17 weeks to go (at press time) until entries close for the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building (Cologne, Germany, October 3-7), the response to what will be the 13th 'AMD' has been universally positive. Entries are running way ahead at this stage in the planning cycle compared to prior years - either in Europe or in the USA - with over 80 bikes slated to compete already.

Japan scoops AMD World Championship for third time

Sunday 9th Oct 2016

82 bikes, 67 competitors, 23 countries. 9th October, 2016, Japanese customizer Suicide Customs scored a convincing first place in the 12th AMD World Championship at 'INTERMOT Customized' at Cologne, Germany, October 10th to take the coveted title of AMD World Champion of Custom Bike Building. Voted for by the competitors themselves, this is the third time that a customiser from Japan has taken the Championship ring home, and in a close field of Freestyle class entrants, Suicide Customs was the clear choice of his fellow competitors as their Champion for the next two years.

AMD and INTERMOT confirm World Championship of Custom Bike Building plans for 2016

Friday 12th Jun 2015

We are pleased to announce that the 2016 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building will be staged at the internationally acclaimed INTERMOT expo at Cologne, Germany, in October 2016. Having made a successful debut in Europe at Big Bike Europe in 2013, the opportunity to move the Championship to INTERMOT in 2014 proved a great success - with an estimated crowd of over 100,000 high-mileage 'mainstream' riders seeing custom bike builds of AMD World Championship calibre for the first time.

Krugger wins 2014 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building

Monday 6th Oct 2014

Freddie 'Krugger' Bertrand joined the exclusive club of multiple title winning World Champions when he took top honors in the 2014 World Championship of Custom Bike Building with his BMW K1600 engined masterpiece called Nurb's. Krugger, who is a regular competitor at the AMD World Championship, beat 69 other builders from 22 countries to once again lift the coveted Freestyle class trophy.

The Irish Italian Job - a new AMD World Champion

Sunday 12th May 2013

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Big Bike Europe welcomes - AIRHAWK Comfort Seating

Wednesday 24th Apr 2013

The AIRHAWK comfort seating system is a motorcycle seat overlay system that uses AIRHAWK dry floatation technology - a system of interconnected air cells that mimic the properties of water by evenly distributing the rider's weight across the entire cushioning surface of the seat. By distributing the weight from the peak pressure areas that cause discomfort, numbness and pain, the company says its "medically proven technology also reduces vibration to the spine and allows air to flow under the rider for control or removal of moisture".

Klock Werks to exhibit at Big Bike Europe

Thursday 18th Apr 2013

Brian Klock is coming to Europe! This won't be his first trip to Europe but it will be the first time that dealers and consumers will have been able to see the Klock Werks range of custom Bagger parts and accessories "up close and personal"!.

S&S Cycle to sponsor the Production Manufacturer Showcase at Big Bike Europe

Thursday 4th Apr 2013

THE 'Production Manufacturer' class at the upcoming 10th annual AMD World Championship will showcase examples of custom bikes whose design and engineering considerations are aimed at repeatable production of street-legal custom bikes. Showcasing models built by those who have made the investment in EU homologation, the 'Production Manufacturer' Showcase is open to competitors whose custom bikes have an EU Certificate of Conformity.

Here it is - the 2013 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building World Champion ring design!

Thursday 28th Mar 2013

AS at March 25th there are 98 builders from 23 countries registered to enter 126 bikes in total at Essen, Germany, for the 10th annual AMD World Championship - the first to be held in Europe at its new permanent host event, the BIG BIKE EUROPE expo.

WIZARDS selected as official detailing product of World Championship

Wednesday 20th Mar 2013

WIZARDS Products has teamed up with the World Championship of Custom Bike Building to be the exclusive provider of cleaning and polishing products for the 2013 event in Essen, Germany. Damon Willis, National Sales Manager of Wizards' motorcycle division, says; "We are thrilled to be selected for this honor; for over 26 years Wizards Products has been passionate about bringing the highest quality detailing and finishing products to the industry. We appreciate the opportunity to share great products with some phenomenal builders and good friends.".

Highway Hawk to exhibit at Big Bike Europe

Tuesday 19th Mar 2013

Well known Netherlands based custom and cruiser parts specialist Motolux, owners of the Highway Hawk accessory and Ledrie leather luggage programs, is among the latest high-profile companies to become a part of the fast-growing Big Bike Europe family of exhibitors. Founded over 30 years ago and active in 35 countries, Highway Hawk's most recent product introductions include a range of copper accessories, brass knuckle brake and clutch levers as well as a wide range of Harley-Davidson accessories.

Leading Italian custom parts manufacturer Rebuffini to exhibit at Big Bike Europe

Wednesday 6th Mar 2013

INTERNATIONALLY respected Harley-Davidson aftermarket and custom v-twin parts and accessory designer and manufacturer Livio Rebuffini is among the latest European specialists to sign up for BIG BIKE EUROPE. Founded in 1987, Rebuffini combine refined Italian design principles with high quality advanced high-tech manufacturing techniques to produce a unique and uniquely stylish product line that stretches from wheels, swingarms and headlights to forward controls, mirrors, hand controls, triple trees and touring accessories.

Arlen Ness Enterprises sign up for Big Bike Europe

Monday 4th Mar 2013

ALWAYS a popular parts and accessory program with dealers and customizers in Europe, Arlen Ness Enterprises are among the latest in a slew of market leaders to sign on to exhibit at the upcoming BIG BIKE EUROPE expo. This year has again seen the iconic Californian company continue its reputation as prolific new product designers and has targeted the focused and relevant approach to parts, accessories, custom styling and performance that has become BBE's expo hallmark as an ideal platform from which to further promote already strong European demand for their product lines.

S&S Cycle to exhibit at Big Bike Europe

Friday 1st Mar 2013

Market leading "Proven Performance®" parts and engine components manufacturer S&S Cycle is among the latest US vendors to see BIG BIKE EUROPE as "an important element of our European marketing strategy" according to company President Steve Iggens. The internationally respected Viola, Wisconsin, headquartered specialist is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year and has embarked upon a prolific new product introduction programme that is set to continue throughout the year.

DNA Specialty to exhibit at Big Bike Europe

Friday 22nd Feb 2013

Wheels to trike conversion kits, and a full line of accessories to rolling chassis designer and manufacturer DNA Speciality is to exhibit at the upcoming Big Bike Europe expo at Essen in Germany in May.

AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building passes the 100 bike mark with 3 months to go!

Tuesday 19th Feb 2013

The exceptional response to the decision to host the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Europe for the first time ever continues to capture the imagination of the European custom bike industry. With three months to go, and available competition space running out fast, having over a hundred bikes registered is "an unprecedented level of participation in the history of the World Championship program," according to Championship Director Neil Blaber.

2013 AMD World Championship entry forms and class information now available online

Wednesday 12th Sep 2012

First fifty bike entries received will be free of charge. The official entry form for the 10th annual 2013 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building is now available online. Being staged in Europe for the first time, at the all-new BIG BIKE EUROPE expo at Essen, Germany, on May 10th to 12th 2013, AMD is pleased to announce a series of competitor promotions and incentives being funded by confirmed European BIG BIKE EUROPE exhibitors such as Motorcycle Storehouse, Zodiac International, Parts Europe, MAG Europe, Paaschburg & Wunderlich and TTS Wheels.

9th annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building - Class winners

Tuesday 14th Aug 2012

Boccin Custom Cycles, Italy, take Modified Harley-Davidson AMD World Championship win at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Following their triumph at the AMD World Championship program affiliate event at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, England in June, Boccin Custom Cycles (B.C.C. - www.boccincustomcycles.com) have become Modified Harley-Davidson World Champions at the 9th annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building at the 2012 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August.

Thunderbike, Germany, wins 9th annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building

Tuesday 14th Aug 2012

For the first time an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer has scooped the custom motorcycle industry's top design and engineering prize. Thunderbike, of Hamminkeln, near Essen in Germany, was chosen by fellow competitors and selected VIP judges to have built the stand-out 'class of 2012' custom motorcycle with 'PainTTless', a hand crafted one-of-a-kind tour de force that oozes stunning design and engineering craftsmanship from every angle.

World Championship moves to Big Bike Europe in 2013; AMD affiliate show at the H-D Museum, Milwaukee

Friday 6th Jul 2012

The move to Big Bike Europe at Essen in Germany means that AMD will be able to stage the World Championship in an air-conditioned, state-of-the-art professional expo environment. Following six successful years at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, years that have seen AMD's World Championship of Custom Bike Building become established and respected as a leading showcase for innovative custom motorcycle design and engineering, the 9th annual World Championship at Sturgis this August (5th thru 8th) will be the last to be staged at the rally.

Big Bike Europe is European Championship host event

Monday 16th Jan 2012

Plans for the return of the European Championship of Custom Bike Building are unaffected by the cancellation of Custom Chrome Europe's Dealer Show. As announced in August 2011, the next European Championship is being staged at the first annual Big Bike Europe Expo, at Essen in Germany on May 10-12, 2013. Big Bike Europe is the all new, independently owned and operated headquarters expo for the European performance, custom, tuning, workshop and service parts and accessory industry.

World Championship 2011 Web Favorite Award Winners

Tuesday 1st Nov 2011

After two months of intense courting of public favour via Facebook, we are now pleased to announce the winners of this year's "Public Pick of Excellence" awards. This award was intended as an alternative to the standard "Public Choice" award given at many shows, and encouraged World Championship competitors to use their internet social networking skills to attact as many Facebook "Likes" as possible on their Registry page on AMDchampionship.com.

SuperTrapp acquires JayBrake

Tuesday 25th Oct 2011

NOTED Cleveland, Ohio based motorcycle exhaust manufacturer SuperTrapp has acquired the popular JayBrake brand and product line from Horschel Motorsports of Springville, New York. Founded by Jay Brainard in 1981, JayBrake is one of the best known custom V-twin and Harley-Davidson aftermarket brake component and controls manufacturers, with a reputation for robust quality and innovative design. SuperTrapp President Kevin Berger: "We look forward to continuing the high-level of quality, product development and customer service that JayBrake customers have come to expect over the last 30 years".

Love Ride returns for 2011

Tuesday 11th Oct 2011

IN October 2011 the Love ride returns for the 28th time with Tonight Show host Jay Leno leading riders to Castaic Lake. This year's event, which takes place on October 23, is being supported by Robert Patrick, Peter Fonda, Lorenzo Lamas, Larry Hagman and Willie G. Davidson. "The Love Ride is truly unique because it's not just entertainment for charity," says event founder Oliver Shokouh. "It's a full-immersion experience that lets people participate in a way that raises the spirit of giving to high levels, mainly because it feels so good.".

World Championship 2011 Web Favorite Award

Tuesday 6th Sep 2011

As an alternative to the regular "Public Choice" style awards, we have decided to honor the 2011 entry which, by the end of October, has accumulated the largest number of "Likes". You'll need a Facebook account in order to vote, and can select as many bikes as you want. Just click HERE and you'll be able to see photography and the tech spec of any bike by clicking on the ">>" on the far right.

2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building - RESULTS

Thursday 11th Aug 2011

Many internationally known custom builders headed to Sturgis to compete in the 2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building but it was a relatively unknown customizer that took the top honors. After working on his bike for 3-1/2 years Ken Tabata, of Tavax Engineering, Yao City, Osaka, Japan, appeared in Sturgis and now he is preparing to leave as the 2011 World Champion of Custom Bike Building. He describes his winning bike, TAVAX2011V, as being designed to look like a Cheetah about to pounce, all dynamic movement and power.

Partner Pick of Excellence Awards 2011

Tuesday 9th Aug 2011

Each year at the World Championship of Custom Bike Building the event's sponsors recognize the hard work and commitment of the participating builders with the "Partner Pick of Excellence Awards". The 2011 award ceremony, held on Sunday evening during the VIP Industry Reception, began K&N recognizing the high standard of work and race inspired engineering done by Satya Kraus on one of his two entries in the Championship - Bolide.

World Champs 2011 - Live!

Saturday 6th Aug 2011

With just a few hours to go before opening to the public, it is set-up day at the 8th annual AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, with builders from all over the world uncrating their bikes and the show taking shape in Champions Hall at 3rd/Lazelle in downtown Sturgis, South Dakota.

World Championship offers official merchandise

Tuesday 14th Jun 2011

Now available, the 2011 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building t-shirt may be ordered online by visiting www.amdchampionship.com. Printed in Sturgis, South Dakota, the t-shirts are made of 100 percent cotton, preshrunk 6.1 ounce. Available in Black only, in sizes: Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2x, and 3x. The back of the shirt identifies the Affiliate custom bike events leading up to the 9th Annual AMD World Championship in Sturgis 2012, including those in Austria, the Netherlands, South Africa, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden, France, and Portugal.

World Champs info and entry forms now linked from Harley website

Tuesday 7th Jun 2011

With two months to go before this year's AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, entries to the four classes are running ahead of last year at around 65 bikes already, and plans are moving ahead for the staging arrangements on the downtown Sturgis Lazelle/3rd site we now share with Harley-Davidson.

2010 World Championship of Custom Bike Building - RESULTS

Wednesday 11th Aug 2010

Freddie 'Krugger' Bertrand is now wearing the World Champions' ring after being named the 2010 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building.

H-D and AMD partner to produce World Champs finals at Sturgis

Friday 7th May 2010

AMD is proud to announce support from Harley-Davidson for the Official World Championship of Custom Bike Building at a new level. Building on Harley-Davidson's official sponsorship of the AMD Modified Harley-Davidson class, starting at this year's 70th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Harley-Davidson will also become AMD's new World Championship event production and staging partner.".

Top honors to Italy at European Championship

Monday 29th Mar 2010

The annual Custom Chrome Europe Dealer Show once again played host to the prestigious AMD Official European Championship of Custom Bike Building at the Phoenixhalle, at Mainz, near Frankfurt in Germany on March 27th and 28th. In an event that saw some 119 custom bikes from 20 different countries (making this the most international AMD European Championship yet!), Italian builders continued to confirm their emergence onto the international scene by scooping most of the top honors.

European Championship & Custom Chrome Europe Dealer Show

Tuesday 23rd Mar 2010

This weekend will see the staging of the annual European Championship of Custom Bike Building at Custom Chrome Europe's Dealer Show at Mainz in Germany. Staged at the Phoenixhalle, on Saturday March 27th and Sunday March 28th, the event is expected to see one of the largest European Championships to date, with over 120 bikes pre-registered by the deadline. Harley-Davidson are backing the Modified Harley-Davidson Class at the European Championship, with one of their new 120 inch Twin Cam engines as first prize.
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