Since before World War I, the motorcycle has conjured up iconic images of rebel, outlaw and outsider. But more than the rider, the machine itself has long been a symbol of mechanical pride and craftsmanship of both artists and engineers alike.
The era post World War II brought about the customized chopper not only as a mode of transportation, but also as a lifestyle. Bikers lead the pack as their stock motorcycles were modified to reflect their individuality and counter cultural stance.
A life lived less ordinary but
always true.
It’s time to find the one person who will become the next legend. The Next Great American Builder life’s ambition is to be a bike builder. A person who lives and breathes motorcycles. Who has dreamed of becoming a hero in
the field since kick starting that first panhead. And now, the once in a lifetime opportunity has come a knockin’ with a chance to reveal a breakthrough talent to the world.
The nationwide search starts here.
Create your vision in the ultimate workshop, going head to head with
the competition to win big.
All guts. All glory
The key to your survival is held both
by Billy Lane and Paul Cox.
Judgmental you say? Just a little.
Born and raised in Miami, Billy’s dad got him interested in cars and hot rods early on. So with this he decided to study mechanical engineering in college. While in school he bought his first bike, which was basically in a thousand pieces and so began his first build. Once he completed his two degrees, he started making custom motorcycle parts for friends mostly due to being strapped for cash. But the demand became so high, he decided to open Choppers Inc. in Melbourne, Florida in 1995. Since then, Billy’s creations have won countless awards and been featured in hundreds of magazines. He’s also written two books on choppers: Chop Fiction: It’s Not A Motorcycle Baby, It’s A Chopper (2004); and How To Build Old School Choppers and Bobbers (2005). Already considered a living legend, Mr. Lane holds seven U.S. Patents for his innovative motorcycle parts and has famously appeared on several tv shows including “Monster Garage”, “Biker Build Off” and in the documentary “Blood, Sweat and Gears”.
Like Billy, Paul Cox was inspired by his father’s love of hot rods at an early age.
But beyond building everything from soapbox cars, hand gliders, robots and dirt bikes, his interests quickly expanded to painting, sculpture and leatherwork. This lead him to art school in Virginia where he studied painting and illustration, and eventually New York City in 1989. It was then he returned to bike building and met Indian Larry. The two began working together at Psycho Cycles where Paul honed his vast skills of metal fabrication, engine builds and leatherwork and they eventually opened legendary Gasoline Alley, which eventually became known as Indian Larry Legacy. Paul Cox Industries in Brooklyn, NY is one of the most respected custom bike meccas in the world. His bikes have appeared in hundreds of magazine covers and spreads, as well as won countless awards. Paul starred alongside Billy Lane
in the documentary “Blood, Sweat and Gears” (2006) and has appeared in numerous episodes of “Biker Build Off.”
