Bikers, parents group praise 'Biker Build-Off'

[totalmotorcycle]

Bikers, parents group praise 'Biker Build-Off'
Monday, January 8, 2007 - By Mark Holmberg - Richmond Times-Dispatch - timesdispatch.com


Since the Discovery Channel's "Biker Build-Off" premiered in 2002, more than 25 custom-motorcycle builders have squared off, pitting their handcrafted machines against each other.

Each competing shop has about 10 days to build its machines, largely from the ground up. It's a showdown between mechanics and designers, mixed with a beauty contest and race, all with a brotherhood-of-the-bike backdrop.

The show has garnered positive reviews from motorcycle enthusiasts for showcasing the intricacies and challenges of bike-building and even praise from a parents entertainment-watchdog group for displaying math and engineering problem-solving at work.

The program has helped move "motorcycle customizing from a back-alley art form to mainstream pop-culture phenomenon," according to an article on the Motorcycle Cruiser Web site. "The personalities and creative artistry of these builders and their motorcycles make the shows, which air Tuesday nights at 10, compelling viewing."

According to the ParentCenter Family Entertainment Guide, the PG rated shows with "tricked-out bikes make math cool."

"Parents need to know that this well-produced reality show encourages an interest in engineering, math, design and creativity," the ParentCenter Web site continues. "That said, some episodes include multiple shots of the main characters smoking cigarettes while looking cool. Frequent cursing and occasional drinking also appear. Some risk-taking - like jumping over people with a minibike . . . otherwise 'Biker Build-Off' is an excellent tool for encouraging kids to work hard while having fun."

The Richmond episode is slated to air sometime in February. Some highlights of previous shows can be seen on discovery.com.