New this year during Las Vegas Bikefest (September 27-30), the first annual “All Bagger” competition! Don’t miss your chance to claim your share of over $5,000 in cash and prizes plus a chance to have your Bagger featured in Urban Bagger and American Bagger Magazines! Check-in/Register for the Baddest Bagger Contest on Saturday, 8:00am – 10:00am at the Government Building on Washington across from Cashman Center. Bikes will be on display from 10:00am-7:00pm. Prize Package: 1st place ($2,000 prize and builder gets invite to 2013 Artistry In Iron Competition) , 2nd and 3rd place trophies will be presented in 3 classes:
Semi-Custom – Factory stock except for exhaust, handle-bars, seat, air cleaner and similar minor modifications. No frame, front end, fuel tank or fender modifications other than paint or chrome. Can have chrome accessories. Production custom bikes (Big Bear Chopper, Bourget’s, Big Dog, Ness etc.) do not qualify as Semi-Custom and must enter in Custom or Radical Class. Custom – Stock, modified stock or aftermarket frame that resembles stock; body modifications, metal fabrication, or significant modifications. Includes production custom bikes, i.e. Big Bear Chopper, Bourget’s, Big Dog, Ness, etc. Radical- Bikes with aftermarket or custom frame, molding, handmade parts, and extensive modifications must enter Radical class. Registration at Las Vegas Bikefest.
I guess we gonna see more bagger only bike shows around the country.
I can’t see why people are down on “baggers” other than them having a stupid nick-name. If we all had the same taste, we may as well all ride Hondas.
Now that I’m older 52 I what to buy a bagger tired of eating bugs. So really its pretty cool
Who is putting on the show?
Who is judging it?
Hi Joe, why is buying a bagger going to stop you from eating bugs ?
This all bagger show might be a hit. Be careful of the judging and management. There seem to be a few people and organizations that are hellbent on self promotion and use casual acquaintance as a basis of business accomplishment and acumen. An appearance of these bottomfeeders in Sturgis was recently observed. Museums, halls of fame, and bike shows are easily manipulated and captured by these self proclaimed experts. Do not pay them a dime.
Agreeing with Mike Greenwald. They are organized to promote readership and sell ads in low readership bagger magazines and help some builders/vendors sell their bagger parts . Politics, politics.
I think that most people are aware that the shows and magazines are used to promote products and that is business. We all realize that they are good and bad businesses in all walk of life.
Since this is about motorcycles and bike shows let’s look at the people putting them on. There are those at local events in towns and states, not big but still bike shows and I am sure most people try to make them as fair as they can. Then there are the larger ones being put on at the major motorcycle events and shows around the country. In most cases the people doing this have a reputation to behold and try to maintain it.
The question that should then come to mind is who is the promoter? The next is who will they have judging the show, what qualifications do these judges have? There are actually people who make a living or part of their living judging bike shows. Look closely into who they are and what their background is. If you have names you can search them on the internet and in most cases find out a lot about them. Some even have web sites. If they do look and see what they are saying their credentials are. Check some of that out. You and I both know no one would actually lie on the internet LOL.
Yes getting into a magazine in most cases will make the motorcycle more valuable. So what do you think some of the people entering a motorcycle into a show would offer a promoter or judge to give them favorable attention? Of course we all hope that if a builder was to do that the judge would disqualify and expose them. But would everyone do that? That is why creditability is important. If someone lies about their credentials would you want them judging the show your bike was in?
I am sure that many of you have been to different bike shows and I am interested in your comments on them and the people putting them on and I am sure many others would as well.
Well said Rogue. I could list a few names names of people involved in judging shows with a resume that they created from scratch and succeeding to get paid to judge bikes while absolutely not qualified to do it. Same for those rewarding bikes/builders using their brand parts. Same for magazines threatening not to publish your bike if you are published by a competitor. And much more… The show tour is a quite dirty affair.
I just covered the Concours de Elegance on the 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach CA golf course. This is the finest automobile/motorcycle show on earth. Every vehicle entered MUST start. The judges are experts in their respective specialties. You best not have the wrong part on your vehicle, cause these guys know and it will cost you points.
Vehicles come from the world over to compete for the coveted prizes. They have extremely high standards and other show promoters could sure get an education by attending.
This year admission was $200 in advance or $250. at the gate and attendance was the largest in recent years. They must be doing something right.
Rodent,
In your infinite wisdom, please share how this works with the chopper, bobber, beer and slobber crowds that seem to aspire to this standard and yet, get caught up in the carni atmosphere that has overtaken so many of the rally venues. Pass the Grey Poupon, please.
Mike
Mike,
The serving person serves the Grey Poop, since you asked. Carni atmosphere you say, Because of all the fluff and shills! Just get unimpeachable judges and pay them for their time. Judges like Arlen, John Reed,
Rodent,
Seems to be a brutal schedule for the few judges. How do you suggest that future judges be selected? Currently, there seems to be a cadre of self proclaimed experts that have questionable background or little skill at anything but running a scam. These scams may include false claims of special forces military service.
I have no problem with baggers having their own show and since I have no experience with the show politics I can’t really comment on it.
However one I observation I have is that people were tired of the choppers and pro-streets that had so much sheet metal they looked like liquid and became unrideable. Looking at the new baggers coming from the top builders they have become the same thing, but no one seems to voice any issues with them. Hmmmmmmm?????????
Correction! The show is at Cashman Center, registration is on Washington St. Call me with any questions at 714 – 403 -7449
Rebecca
And to the other comments…….check out http://www.lasvegasbikefest.com. Or if you want a answer from a human being, no BS! Call me. Stop assuming without any knowledge of what is going on. Better yet come to the event and see for yourself……
714-403-7449
Rebecca
And….we have Artistry in Iron and our Custom Bike Show…not Baggers Only…research people!
Rebecca,
On your site, I noticed that the Artistry in Iron, Master Builder’s Championship is listed. I was wondering if this show is part of the International Master Bike Builders Association. I may be confused by the Masterbuilder thing.
Mike
IMBBA, the greatest joke of the industry. Check the true background of who is behind it.
My question earlier was who was putting on the event and who was doing the judging of the Bike Shows
Going to the website I was not able to find out who Las Vegas Bike Fest is. I mean who are the owners. I did find out Cycle Source is doing
Artistry in Iron, Master Builders’ Championship
It also tells me who is in the show and indirectly that Cycle Source will be responsible for the judges. Since I have covered some of the Cycle Source ride in shows in the past while doing an article on an event for me that answers my questions on that. But then again it may not for others.
I am not familiar with Freedom Custom Exhaust who is doing the Custom Bike Show. Yes there are a lot of companies that I am not familiar with so that in itself is not a big thing. I personally would like to know more about them and who the judges are and what judging system they will be using.
I have been to Las Vegas many times and sorry to say that I have not been to Bike Week there. Hopefully that will change in the future. I have heard some good things about the event from people I know and trust.
Just one comment for people going to Vegas DO NOT JAYWALK! Seems to be a Big Time Crime There LOL
Ronnie
I am aware of the IMBBA and the Founder and President Jeff Starke.
At one time I worked for a shop that Jeff bought in Melbourne Florida named HMW (Formerly – Harley Motor Works). Then later at companies he was an officer in Namely AMW (American Motor Works) followed by Quantum and eventually American Quantum.
I should note these companies are no longer in business.
As I check out the IMBBA website there are many statements made by Mr. Starke that I do Not Agree With but then again Jeff does have a reputation of exaggerating things he says he has been involved in. Well in some cases even lying.
Now if the founder and president of a company who has a questionable past is involved in another business like the IMBBA many people question if they should be involved with him and or any company he is.
Jeff Stark questionable? At least.
How this guy can continue to infiltrate bike shows as a judge and get paid? Because he created a BS association? Everybody employing him should triple check his credentials.
How do Horse Shows, Dog Shows, State Fair Shows, Olympics, Football umps, baseball umps get hired? They are qualified people who fill out an application and get hired. Ain’t no reason motorcycle shows can’t do the same.
Also all entrants should be judged on “rideability” and classed as such. A test could be that they have to go through a course such as the new rider has to go through to get his endorsement. If they can’t then they automatically go in to the “work of art” classification.
How did the IMBBA get linked to the Bagger show in Vegas? They aren’t even doing the judging… The fact is, and I hit about 150 shows a year, the Las Vegas Bikefest is one of the best organized, entertainment packed, all encompassing shows around. They try their best to offer a bit of everything and while it’s hard to please everyone, it’s honestly a great weekend in Vegas. I’m not a local, hell I live in Philadelphia, but I fly out every year & have for 10 years now just to shoot the event because between the Artistry in Iron, the custom bike show, the bikini contests, Miss Las Vegas, Mr. Las Vegas, and LV Harley’s wet t contest, there is a ton to see. Have fun with it everyone, this industry needs it.
this is to all you that are bashing Jeff Starke, shame on you, and you really have no clue as to what he does or has been doing to preserve our industry. but as always on this blog we have so many people with no knowlege and I swear just like to see there useless comments in print. I have so much respect for Jeff and what he has tried to do in this industry. No one else has had the balls to start what he has with the IMBBA. everyone who put a bike together thinks HE is a master builder bull shit. with Jeffs point system you have to EARN that credidation. Even people like Paul Jr dont have the credentials to be called a master builder. As to bike shows Jeff was Carl Smith “big daddy Rat” right had man and we both judged shows for years. we both came to the realization that the scoring system was out dated due to the bar being raised. And now …oh heaven forbid because we are trying to do the RIGHT thing instead of a good ole boys network, we are being chastised. you idiots really need to get your facts straight before you go to print on these blogs. Oh and by the way the creator of this blog”Cyril Huze” is a hall of fame member of the IMBBA, guess that is bunk too.
If all you people would spend as much time being posative as negative this would be a much better industry.
and if you think I am full of shit check MY backround out.
Mike Greenwald,
While I agree that there are those patheitic individuals out there who claim Special Forces military service, I wonder how YOU would vet them? Do you know the right questions to ask? I do. I have a list of them. I usually start by asking who their commandant at the Q Course was. If they don’t know even know what the Q Course is there’s your first indicator. (By the way, mine was none other than Colonel Robert Howard)
If you ever have any doubts about anyone, send me their name. I can find out in one to two business days. I hereby give Cyril permission to provide you with my email address.
18 Bravo,
Thanks for your vigilance. I could have used your help during an 18 month investigation, unsealing records of a Vietnam era vet that was captured and held in Laos. Finally, got his POW status verified and family compensated.
I believe that Stolen Valor is common amongst flim flam men.
Mike
Lee Wimmer. Jeff Starke has never been the right hand of Karl Smith at the Rat’s Hole Shows. Cyril Huze was the head judge and Karl’s right hand in the US and abroad during many years. Cyril transferred his job to Tony Massaro, not to Jeff Starke who was only an occasional judge (not long) It’s called padding a resume.
Lee
You call it bashing Jeff Starke I call it telling the truth about the person who has false information on the IMBBA website about himself.
I worked at American Quantum when the Dave Leno, AJ Foyt and Kenny Branch motorcycles were built and I do not remember Jeff being involved in any of those builds.
You may know Mike Smith who was employed at American Quantum at the time (formerly associated with Arlen Ness) Well Mike was the one who appeared on the Jay Leno Show and not Jeff. There are other American Quantum employees and officers who know this as well.
I do think that the IMBBA is doing a good job of trying to make a fair judging system and that the people that appear in that organizations Hall of Fame have deserved to be in it.
So let us not confuse bashing (?) telling the truth (?) about Jeff Starke with bashing the IMBBA and or the people in their Hall Of Fame
Jack
I do not think that anyone has tried to link the IMBBA to the Bagger Show in Vegas.
I do think that some people just wanted to make sure the IMBBA was Not Doing The Judging.
There are many pros and cons about the organization. Some people like it other do not.
There are many different kinds of bike shows and opinions about who should judge them.
Sharing information on sites like this will help people decide which they want to be involved in or not.
Shifter
I have judged the Rats Hole Show. Does that make me an expert? Do you now want me to tell you how to do it LOL.
Heard that some builders asked their names to be removed from Jeff Starke’s website and had difficulties making him do it. A story about Jeff’s credentials…
18 Bravo
I worked at American Quantum from June of 2000 till it’s close due to bankruptcy. During that time I had occasion to speak with and observe Jeff Starke. As Jeff and I spoke early in my time there we talked about our time in the Military. I am a qualified Nuke Submariner. I have my “PHINS”. I have the official notarized DD-214 to prove it. I carry a copy in my wallet just in case someone wants to call me on it. During that conversation Jeff, told me in no uncertain terms A NAVY SEAL. See we Submariners think we’re the cream of the Navy crop and then there’s the SEALS. I would suggest this. If you really want to find out anyone’s Military background you can go to this government Military site, http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf and D/L Standard Form 180 (SF 180) which if they will sign gives you the right to get a copy of their Military records. If they will not sign that document, well….there’s your answer because it takes all the crap out of the game…period.
BBBLEHEAD
My revised statement….sorry
I worked at American Quantum from June of 2000 till it’s close due to bankruptcy. During that time I had occasion to speak with and observe Jeff Starke. As Jeff and I spoke early in my time there we talked about our time in the Military. I am a qualified US NAVY Nuke Submariner. I have my “PHINS”. I have the official notarized DD-214 to prove it. I carry a copy in my wallet just in case someone wants to call me on it. During that conversation Jeff, told me, in no uncertain terms, he was a NAVY SEAL. See, we Submariners think we’re the cream of the Navy crop and then there’s the SEALS. I would suggest this. If you really want to find out anyone’s Military background you can go to this government Military site, http://www.archives.gov/research/order/standard-form-180.pdf and D/L Standard Form 180 (SF 180) which if they will sign gives you the right to get a copy of their Military records. If they will not sign that document, well….there’s your answer because it takes all the crap out of the game…period.
BBBLEHEAD
This is good they are having a separate show for the baggers. Hopefully they wont allow any baggers in the custom bike show. We will see and some will probably try to put their bike in both shows.
WOW, please let me correct all the crap regarding this show. This show has been a staple of the custom motorcycle industry for over 10 years! It is not a “fly by night” organization..The same family promoting this show are also the co-promotors of the international SEMA SHOW! There are NO PAID JUDGES, NO EXCLUSIVE PHOTO OR EVENT COVERAGE privaliges to ANY MAGAZINE! No doubt, Cyril Huze will cover the show and have highlights on this blog! There are many vendors in the industry that support these shows. with co-sponsorships and donations of their products..These same good people also provide their products at most charity events with little or no recognition! The amount of publicity returned for the time, effort, and expense is MINISCULE at best. The same amount would be better spent on a full page color ad in any national biker magazine with 20 times the results reaching hundreds of thousands of bikers instead of 30,000 or so. The judges ARE NOT RELATED IN ANY WAY, SHAPE , FORM OR BEHOLDING to anyone entered or to any of the sponsors. and CYCLESOURCE MAGAZINE is NOT offering any juging crew to this or any other event. Being a sponsor, allows a vendor or manufacturer to bring their product to the attendees at GREAT EXPENSE in return for NO DIRECT FINANCIAL GAIN. This years show has 14 different custom bike classes to be judged. I will be attending as I have over the years to admire the NEW CROP of talent coming up the ranks! This is their moment to shine and shame on anyone pissing on their parade with false alligations…C YA DERE! “HARLEY”
My opinion and facts on Artistry in Iron.
Im not going to mention any names but do your own research.
1. The magazine who is sponsoring it also has invited a builder to the show, who works for the magazine and is good friends with the chief editor. Hmmmm.
2. One builders bike didnt run last year and still to this date and is invited back again. Really? Any show your bike needs to run or dont bring it.
3. Some of the same builders were invited back again….Nothing like bringing in new people with fresh ideas.
Many years ago Carl “BDR” Smith asked this personage to become a judge of his prestigious Rats Hole Show. I declined as I’m a picture taker not a judge of quality, expertise, etc. I’ve also been asked to judge tattoo shows when I worked for Skin & Ink, which I declined. What to me is a great bike or tattoo for a photo may be technically terrible, but I don’t give a shit cause it’s a great photo. I don’t judge bikes or tats after 30 years of taking photos because I’m not qualified.
No matter what anybody says, Jeff is out there promoting the bike building world when almost no one is.. In this time of downturn i thank him. You all should too.
This is the very reason I don’t do bike shows
Reading the above crap about the politics and bitterness of our industry makes me sick! DEAR MR. ROGUE, just call Rebecca at 714-403-7449 and she will be happy to confirm the same FIRST CLASS people are holding this, I believe to be their 12th year BIKE FEST! I’m sure she can confirm the same promotors have been co-sponsoring the WORLD FAMOUS SEMA SHOW for as many years! This is a FIRST CLASS FAMILY OPERATION, and not a money grubbing side show with half assed effort and sponsorship. As you may notice,,attendence and participation at even the largest bike shows has seen a steady decline. The co-sponsors who help promote these shows are the backbone of the industry. NOTICE THE BIG NAMES STANDING IN LINE TO PROMOTE THE EASY RIDERS V-TWIN EXPO each year in Cincy. They are willing to spend tens of thosands of dollors to keep their good name in the public light. KUDOS to FREEDOM PERFORMANCE EXHAUST for stepping up to the plate and providing the free trophies for the CUSTOM BIKE SHOW and offering free installation on site. They have no interest in the BIKE SHOW JUDGING or politics, just a great time at a great show as they have over the last 6 or 7 years. I do not believe CYCLESOURCE MAGAZINE has anything to do with the judging . Rebecca can answer that question. .In todays economy, promotors can use sponsorships to help defry costs and maintain lower ticket prices. THIS IN NO WAY MEANS ANY SPONSOR WOULD TAKE THE CHANCE TO SOIL THEIR REPUTATION FOR JUST 15 MINUTES OF FAME. We,as the biker community need to support our local shows, and not have them go the way of the EASYRIDER once 9 city tour ,now down to just 3 or 4 cities. STOP YOUR BITCHIN, and show up with your family for a good time, or put on a better venue yourself, if you think you can…
ASUPEP,
Hey folks, all bike shows aren’t about money and personal reputations. I put on a free show at Corbin’s Customer Appreciation Day Celebration (4th of July weekend) each year in Hollister CA. (home of the American Biker). My show is judged by Lompico Lyle, a local club president and founder who has been riding since the 60s as have I. We don’t have certs, we work for free because we care and truly love the machines. Most local shows may be a bit folksie for you “global” guys but are honest and true. I’m proud of our lack of a pedigree and hope you too can value “real” bikers even if they lack a personal website.
Biker Bob
Harry Goldstein and Joe Votola
Please see my prior post.
Jack
I do not think that anyone has tried to link the IMBBA to the Bagger Show in Vegas.
I do think that some people just wanted to make sure the IMBBA was Not Doing The Judging.
I am sorry if some of the things mentioned during this blog upset you But the fact of life is that there are some people in motorcycling and other walks of life that falsify information about themselves.
There may some Confusion because the post originally started about the Baddest Bagger in Vegas Show and when the question on who was judging it came up so did comments on IMBBA.
I do not see anyone saying or inferring that the Baddest Bagger Show has anything to do with the IMBBA.
I do appreciate you and others that came forward and stated facts about the show. That way those reading this will have an opportunity to hear good bad and the difference from one show to another.
I do not think the IMBBA would have come up at all except for Jeff Starke being its president and comments he has made on their website and other places.
Oh just for the record I do like Bike Shows Big and Small and appreciate all that those who put them on go through. I think most are done by good hard working honest people.
Maybe just trying to find out who is who. Keep up the good work.
Biker Bob
I agree that all bike shows aren’t about money and personal reputations and Thanks To Those that put on that kind of show.
Just as a backup to BBBLEHEAD
From the time I first met Jeff Starke at HMW he told me personally and I did hear him tell others he was A Navy Seal.
I never believed him and am sorry to say that I did not do anything about it except to ask him to stop saying it in front of me.
Later on when I worked at American Quantum and the company went on the stock exchange a background check was done on all persons that were involved in that.
A friend in the front office told me that Starke was Not A Navy Seal but a fork truck operator for a unit that supplied equipment to the Seal Team. BIG DIFFERENCE. Not sure if that is even true or not.
So many untruths going around hard to keep track.
I love Las Vegas Bikefest and it’s very professionally organized. I think the discussion above is about a certain organization (not Las Vegas Bikefest organizers) and individuals with fake credentials trying to rule the judging of several bike shows in the US.
Roger
You are correct.
It may have started off about Vegas and then got off track slightly.
But the subject is still important and people are exchanging information which is good.
In Sturgis…2010 I think it was, there was a raffle for a bike that was built by Chickie and some high schoolers on stage at the Spoke and was supposed to be signed by all the IMBBA Hall of Fame members then given away at Daytona’s Biketoberfest. I never saw the giveaway bike…anybody see it completed or know what happened to the bike? Was wondering if it ever got built…
Who gives acrap who’s judging? It’s about getting to the rally and having some fun…and it’s in Vegas. Hell it’s the best way I can get away from the wife and kids for a weekend and still tell ’em “I’m not there to party…I’m working” (semantics).
I was under the impression Maverick Publishing had something to do with sponsoring the contest. Freedom Performance Exhaust…Martin and his crew are a great group of guys who I see at every event I attend. I think it’s great they’re sponsoring in any way…they’re always representing HUGE at LVBF.
Either way, I think the politics on this site are worse than the politics in those contests. Really guys??? Trying to find out somebody’s military background just to call them out about it? If the person is that hard up to impress, then he isn’t worth your time on the keyboard.
This is worse than a bunch of women sucking down fruity martinis and ragging on what some other broad wore to the bar.
Definitely good questions about event ownership. We all know there are some promoters out there that can’t be trusted. Las Vegas BikeFest is owned, produced and managed by ConvExx, an independent event company. We also produce other events including the SEMA Show which we are producing this year for the 31st straight year. So, we know events, we know cars, and we know bikes. Our team includes Mindi Cherry, Jeff Pressman, Chuck Schwartz and Susan Schwartz. Two of our BikeFest Founders Harry & Pam Schwartz have moved on to the retail industry.
Cycle Source, Maverick Publishing (American Bagger and Urban Bagger), and Freedom Performance are event sponsors and have all been extremely supportive of Las Vegas BikeFest for many years. All sponsored activities are produced by Las Vegas BikeFest.
Judging can be a sensitive topic. Artistry in Iron is an invitation only event and is peer judged. Baddest Bagger is also peer judged. For the Custom Bike Show, we generally select our judges from the media and our custom builders from Artistry in Iron. Publishing their names prior to the event can be dicey since we want them to remain as neutral as possible. But, the bottom line is that the information is available anytime to credible sources.
We are looking forward to a very successful 12th Annual Las Vegas BikeFest September 27-30.
Mindi,
Thanks for the straight talk. Has there been any change about LVMPD doing their shakedowns and tattoo photography outside of the hall?
Supreme Team
“Trying to find out somebody’s military background just to call them out about it? If the person is that hard up to impress, then he isn’t worth your time on the keyboard”.
That’s my point.
He IS that hard up to impress and stops at nothing to make the impression even lying about it. I will not surround myself with people like this. They have proven to me they can’t be trusted. It says something about their ego. It’s a character flaw I won’t deal with. No one’s perfect but lying, especially about your Military service, is one I can’t stand. That person is not trustworthy and his motives are suspect.
If I look you in the face and dead nuts lie to you what kind of person am I??
BBBLEHEAD
Mindi
THANK YOU!
I believe you answered the questions about what is going on with Las Vegas Bike Fest. I am sure the event will continue to be a success and maintain the creditability it has earned in the past.
As a photojournalist (among other things) I find information here, at other sites, blogs and by talking to people about issues.
I do get to go to enough bike shows big and small to realize that they include many differences and Yes one is the creditability of the promoters.
For some time now people have been asking me questions about different events and promoters and that is why I asked the question I did at the beginning.
Again you answered my question to my satisfaction and I hope everyone else’s.
Not Fair to you and those involved in the Las Vegas Bike Fest some of the comments did drift to the IMBBA. Unlike your answer there are still many questions that organization has not answered yet and hopefully they will one day.
Jeff Starke – Sturgis Hall Of Fame ?
In 2011 prior to me leaving for Sturgis I was asked if I knew anything about Jeff Starke the president of the International Master Bike Builder Association (IMBBA) being considered for the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
The person who asked me did so because they know I am a member of the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Freedom Fighter section and also that I know and have worked with Jeff for many years in the past and in doing so knew a lot about him.
After I got over the shock of someone even thinking that was possible Jeff was being considered I got curious and started asking some questions.
When I arrived in Sturgis one of the things I was scheduled to do was to appear on stage at the Buffalo Chip with Charlie Brechtel and others that were supporting a fund raiser for the Hall of Fame.
To my surprise Joe Distefano of the Pro Marketing Group was there with Jeff Starke. Jeff was to present a check for I believe $1,000.00 to help the museum. Joe was involved with the museum in a capacity I was not sure of at the time, but he did list them as someone he represented.
I had to think that maybe this had something to do with the question about Jeff being considered for induction. I did ask people that were there including Christine Paige Diers the Executive Director of the museum and was told Jeff had not been nominated. I did mention if he should be in the future I would appreciate the opportunity to voice my opinion and supply some information on Jeff that might help those who make those decisions.
I do subscribe to various newsletters and blogs and I started noticing Joe Distefano posting info on some of the LinkedIn sites we both are on pertaining to Jeff Starke and the IMBBA and that he was now representing them.
Prior to leaving for Sturgis in 2012 I noticed that Joe stated that Jeff Starke built an American Quantum motorcycle that was presented to Jay Leno. I was working at American Quantum at the time and to the best of my knowledge Jeff Did Not Work On or Build that motorcycle.
I posted that in an answer to Joe’s comment to which he replied did I believe that Arlen Ness and Dave Perewitz built their bikes by themselves. My answer to that was I am sure at least they were involved which was not the case in question.
I contacted Joe off the site and expressed my concern about people claiming to build motorcycles and do other things that they did not and that if I saw any more in the future I would comment and state information I had on the situation. There was no more conversation on this on LinkedIn.
Imagine my surprise when I get to Sturgis in 2012 and am informed that Jeff Starke and Joe Distefano are involved in putting together a web site for the Sturgis Museum.
Are they just trying to help out or is there more to this than meets the eye.
After attending the 2012 Sturgis Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast I asked Dave Davis a member of the board if it was possible for me to have a short meeting with him and Christine any time before I left Sturgis. I do thank both of them for making time in their busy schedule to do so that I could try and get answers to the questions many people were asking me and I did not have answers to.
They have assured me that Jeff Starke has not been nominated to the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame and that if anyone does that in the future they will look at the nomination very closely.
I do believe the people involved with the museum and the hall of fame are upstanding and trustworthy, but like everyone they can only make decisions on the facts they have available. I hope I have passed on those that are mine as well as those sent me.
The Sturgis Museum is expanding and has requested suggestions on what people would like to see and other things that will help them grow and continue to be the fine organization they are. If you have something you would like them to know you can do so by visiting their website at http://www.sturgismuseum.com/
And then clicking on Contact Us.
No surprise to see Joe Di Stephano & Jeff Starke doing their politics together. Both full of BS. One jobless, the other looking through an association with no credibility and references he doesn’t own for a way to make money in the industry. Is there an industry Hall Of Shame?
By the way, 4 years ago Jeff Starke announced that he was about to build a museum. Of course., there is no museum. 1 year ago he also announced that he was organizing a Canadian Championship Of Bike Building, and asked Canadian builders to be ready and to build a bike for the event. They did. Of course, there was no Canadian event ever organized. Ask Canadian builders what they think of Jeff Starke. I also heard about the bikes he pretends to have built…Really?
I am a past business partner of Jeff Starke’s, who was not only foolish enough to be one of three partners that started American Motor Works, and my input was the “Build Your Own Bike” on the internet, which later became “Dealer Net” using my concept, which we first showed at Bike Week in 1994 or ’95?
Later, after Jeff cried about it was the “other” partner’s idea to squeeze me out of AMW, because I won the lawsuit against AMW about using my concept of marketing, I foolishly believed Jeff, and was a co-founder of American Quantum Cycle in 1998, thinking we could do it over, but run it correctly and with honestly and integrity to the motorcycle “family”.
I had heard, and was told many times about Jeff’s involvement in the Navy Seals, and knew he was BS’ing me and others, but some people are just so charming, you take a lot of what they say with “a grain of salt”. ( HINT: real Seals rarely say they’re even Seals outside of their family or close friends!)
It was hard for me to believe that I would be so foolish to get in business with Jeff once again, but hey, I tend to take people at their word, and he’s really good about piddling on your boots, trying to convince you it’s raining, and I really wanted AQC to be successful, so I overlooked a lot of things that should have been huge red flags about Jeff and his character, which, like I said, I was the fool.
I knew the full force of his BS when he wasn’t able to “fix” the four valve heads for EPA testing, and I was asked what to do by the other Execs. of the company. I insisted that we hire Rogue, because I knew he knew what he was doing, having become a friend of his back at HMW’s, and observing his fine work. He was hired, and got the EPA testing done out in Texas, otherwise we would have been dead in the water, and unable to go into production. Rogue not only set-up and ran our engine department, but would train others, and gladly shared his knowledge and expertise among the other workers at AQC. I’m glad to say he is still a good friend, and has always been a straight shooter.
It was my idea to offer Jay Leno to build his own “custom”, maybe along with someone like Jeff Gordon, which would later be delivered to them on his show. That project was taken out of my hands and given to Mike Smith, who said he knew Jay, and would take care of it for the company, as I had been moved into being a VP, like Jeff. I know for a fact Jeff never had a thing to do with Jay’s bike, or Kenny Brack’s custom paint job to match his helmet, as well.
I left AQC in Feb. of 2000, as I saw the BS that was going on within management, and really didn’t want anything to do with it any longer. The company filed for chapter 11 in the fall of that same year, and then I found out the missing pieces of what was going on during the bankrupt hearings.
If you get involved with Jeff, just make sure to bring a salt lick along, because a grain or two just won’t do it. I’ve still got the scars on my back from the blade being trust in so many times, all the while he was smiling to my face. Your mileage may vary, and I wish you all the best if you get taken in.
Oh, BTW, I don’t know a thing about judging Bike shows, I only love to ride them !
On his LinkedIn profile, Jeff Starke writes that: he is a:
Master Bike Builder: LOL. Did he ever build a custom motorcycle? He named himself with this title?
Master Judge. LOL. Does such a title exist? Must be a certification he invented for himself.
Network developer and designer of infrastructure to the motorcycle industry. LOL. What’s that? Just blah, blah, blah?
Entertainer and speaker. LOL. His “stories” are entertaining… until some people decide to publish his real story/credentials.background.
i want to know how Rogue can type that much at one sitting, I am amazed at some of cyril’s bloggers/ i would have to have 3 hours a day of freedom also.
Izadoree007,
Are you a poser moron?
Jim Cheal , thank you for saying ,HINT: real Seals rarely say they’re even Seals outside of their family or close friends!. I was about to say the same thing when i read your post. I tried to be one of the Best at Coronado, but i didn’t have all that it takes. But , some of my best friends are retired Seals and they are some of the most Humble and non boasting people i have ever known. I have to chuckle every time i hear a News caster or someone else ask, ” Why is there Navy personnel in the middle of the desert ?”
Yeah, the one thing Jeff didn’t know about me, was that I grew up in Coronado until my freshman year of HS, as my father was a Naval Aviator, and my best friend in HS made it thru BUDS, and we met up after VN in Hawaii. I was taught to Scuba by UDT divers, and like you already pointed out, they’re the most humble and down to earth folks you’re likely to meet, let alone have as friends; they tend to abhor posers. You could sit at a bar with one for years, and never know what his past was, or is, if he was active ( although he wouldn’t be sitting at a bar for years in the first place, so bad example, huh? LOL)
See below my latest message to Mr. Joe Distefano who is involved with both organizations.
I took your suggestion – http://www.sturgishof.com check it out….nice donation from what I can see..just sayin’
What I noticed more than anything was that every page that I went to had the following. – Many of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame Members are also AMA and or IMBBA Hall of Fame Members Visit http://www.IMBBA.com and see. It also had the IMBBA logo on every page.
So I went to the IMBBA site and looked for links to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and did not find any other than IMBBA Gives Big!! Creating Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame Website.
Just to be sure that I was not reading something into this like it being very one sided and benefitting the IMBBA more than the Sturgis Museum I asked some people to check it out and let me know what they thought.
You guessed it they all noticed the same thing. The list is too long to post here But thought ya all might like this one.
As an IT that sets up web sites and maintains them for small businesses…. I can say in my profession opinion this is not a “free” donated site… the Hall of Fame is paying a heavy price for this site with advertising links to Master Builders….
To donate something is to donate… you give without any expectations of making a profit from your donations… while it is common to publicly thank donors that wish to have everyone know they have gifted a donation if is not common practice to have a donor takeover and control the traffic on your web domain….
Web hosting costs less than $150.00 a year for my clients… The Hall of Fame sold themselves rather cheaply?
So what I am going to do as per your suggestion is ask more people to visit http://www.sturgishof.com and then the IMBBA site and let me and or the Sturgis Museum know how they feel about this.
Oh by the way can you tell me how many times the link to the IMBBA is on http://www.sturgishof.com
If you can’t or won’t maybe we can have a contest to see much, like people guessing how many jellybeans are in a jar.
Are Jeff Starke, Joe Distefano and Jim Red Cloud Durham (of the Hoka Hey) related? Looks like the little lady of the Sturgis Museum doesn’t know much about who is who in the industry and falls in all traps. A bunch of losers should not be able to infiltrate our motorcycle institutions.
Mark S.
Artistry in Iron is judged by the peers in the contest. Additionally, it has been common practice for the Artistry in Iron folks to invite the builders back for a second or third contest.
I was in the contest least year, and was invited again this year. So regardless of my affiliation with Cycle Source, I will be there this year, and judged by my peers.
Your insinuation that my participation somehow casts a negative or doubting light on the show is unfounded and uninformed.
Also, more than one bike didn’t run last year, but that was never part of the rules. I agree, the bike should run. Mine did last year, and my entry this year will as well. Again, it’s not part of the contest rules, and therefore it was never brought up during judging.
As for the show as a whole, Mindi and Rebecca are two of the most caring and generous show promoters/organizers I’ve ever had the pleasure of dealing with. They REALLY care about putting on a good show and keeping the vendors and participants happy. This is a welcome departure from the promoters of the better known events that only care about selling beer and getting vendor fees from us little guys.
IMBBA, whatever. Sounds like BS to me. We’ve been hearing about this crap for years, and it still means nothing. The entire title of Master Builder is bullcrap. Anyone that thinks they’ve mastered this craft is completely out of their respective head, or simply cannot fathom the depth of building motorcycles. There are great builders out there, but no one truly masters every aspect this craft.
And ANYONE that questions Rogue and his integrity, knows not what they speak of. Rogue is one the finest men to ever grace “our industry”, and I doubt any single person has done as much good for us as he has. Rogue has been fighting for our rights, both within our industry, and on the streets for longer than I’ve been alive. Doubting him shows your butt, and you should do a LOT more research on the man. I think instead of questioning him, you should thank him. I have.
Respectfully, Paul Wideman
Bare Knuckle Choppers
Cycle Source Magazine