The Australian Custom Bike Championships are on again

Australian Custom Bike Championships

A popular feature of the Australian Motorcycle Expos and Sydney Motorcycle Show, the  Australian Custom Bike Championships (ACBC) attract bike builders from across the nation, all aiming to take out the overall title. In 2008-09, the ACBC welcomes the return of naming rights sponsor East Coast Custom, who will also provide the prize for the overall winner – their choice of an ‘Old School’ Knucklehead, Panhead or Shovelhead engine.

This year’s championship will feature three major categories including street custom, custom bike and performance bike. Street custom entries are open to any modified street registered motorcycle, while the custom bike category is open to any motorcycle with a custom or highly-modified stock frame. Performance bike entries are open to any custom performance motorcycles.

The ACBC will be held across three separate states, with the Australian Motorcycle Expo Melbourne (30 October – 2 November 2008) hosting the opener, followed by the Sydney Motorcycle Show (21-23 November 2008) and the Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast (20-22 February 2009). The inaugural Gold Coast event will also host the final, with interstate winners invited to attend and compete for the overall show trophy and the major prize. Organisers have added an additional ‘People’s Choice’ award to the prize pool, with the winner to receive a Rivera Primo belt drive kit.

Event Manager Mark Petersen of Exhibitions and Trade Fairs said he expected the ACBC to once again be a main drawcard for each of the three events in 2008/09. "In its first year, we had an astounding number of entries and the quality of the custom motorcycles was incredible," said Petersen. "We’re excited to bring this truly national championship back in 2008/09 and welcome East Coast Custom, our naming rights sponsors, who are also providing thousands of dollars worth of prizes to our winners," 

"Visitors to all three events will be amazed by the painstaking detail and quality of the entries, some of which are worth over $100,000. The Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast will host the grand final in February next year, with state winners to be presented to our judging panel who will award the overall prize."

Organisers also welcome Heavy Duty Magazine and QBE Insurance as presenting sponsors of the ACBC. In total, over 70,000 enthusiasts will witness the range of custom bikes on offer across the three showcase events, which also feature the latest motorcycle, ATV and scooter models, as well as a range of accessory, apparel, trade magazine, rider safety and service exhibitors. Applications to enter the ACBC can be obtained by contacting Mark Petersen at Exhibitions and Trade Fairs mpetersen@etf.com.au