Exclusive. BIKERLIVE. A New Biker Build-Off Series Coming Soon On The Discovery Channel.

bbo1bbo2All those who loved (and are missing) the original biker build-off series should be happy to hear from me that the Discovery Channel will soon air new episodes of motorcycle build-off competitions. Named BIKERLIVE, the TV show got a slightly different format. During each episode, viewers will get a close-up look at the building of custom bikes by 3 different regional shops. Through an interactive live voting component they will be able to choose their preferred creation. Each week a winning bike is crowned, based on audience votes, live.

Pilgrim Studios, the producers of “American Chopper”, started recruiting shops in September 2013. For each shop, shooting takes 5 to 6 weeks and is still in process for several shops, at least until end of May. Expect to see all types of bikes being built, from Choppers to Bobbers, From Café Racers to Rat Bikes, etc. I have a list of shops participating to the competitions that I prefer not to disclose now. No big names. They are “unknown” by most outside the industry and will get a shot at acknowledgment and maybe celebrity. Great for them. Schedule for “BikerLive” to be announced. To follow…

62 Responses to “Exclusive. BIKERLIVE. A New Biker Build-Off Series Coming Soon On The Discovery Channel.”


  1. 1 Bruce Reynard Apr 24th, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Gone OCC. Gone PJD. Let’s see new faces and new bikes.

  2. 2 mike Apr 24th, 2014 at 11:11 am

    These are real builders and real bikes, and I’m very much looking forward to it (although I’m sure there will be much hand-wringing in the comments here regarding the custom baggers, lol).

  3. 3 Mr Dick Apr 24th, 2014 at 11:19 am

    Oh yay, more bikes that can’t be ridden far without the rider being bed ridden for a few days.

  4. 4 LoneRider Apr 24th, 2014 at 11:26 am

    Great, needed are ridable usable bikes not “art bikes”. We long for ridable bikes not art bikes. I do hope they have a ride portion consisting of at least a few days of riding.

  5. 5 bigitch Apr 24th, 2014 at 11:39 am

    bike construction… yes
    drama scenes…no

  6. 6 The Supreme Team Apr 24th, 2014 at 1:30 pm

    It’ll be nice to see all the up and comers showing what they’ve got. Maybe it will rejuvenate the industry with a new audience. Good luck to all involved…looking forward to seeing the final products!

  7. 7 Rodent Apr 24th, 2014 at 2:28 pm

    Boring! Like watching grass grow

  8. 8 CHOPMONSTER66 Apr 24th, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    COOL ! Lets see some new blood and new rides less drama and bullshit. There are a lot of guys that get no credit for what they build. They win at big shows and no one knows there names. Hope we see some nice rides..

  9. 9 Steve The Hog Radio Show Producer Apr 24th, 2014 at 3:45 pm

    Good thing hope is draws a new generation of interested viewers. i also hope it spends more time on the actual building process not the bad attitudes which were too prevalent on OCC.

    Thanks to Pilgrim Studios for keeping the Bike builder torch alive on the Discovery Planet

  10. 10 CW Apr 24th, 2014 at 5:53 pm

    I hope this is like the tattoo shows which focus on quality over everything else in the competition.

  11. 11 Lon Nordbye Apr 24th, 2014 at 9:15 pm

    Could the new BIKERLIVE show propel a new group of custom bike builders to celebrity status like the famed Biker Build-Off series did over a decade ago? I don’t agree with the statement that those shops participating in the new BIKERLIVE shows are “unknowns” but would be interested in knowing exactly how television audiences get to vote for the winners. I echo the sediments of thanks to Pilgrim Studios and Discovery for keeping the custom bike torch lit for national television audiences. Maybe there will be even more shows on custom bikes and their builders in addition to BIKERLIVE coming soon. Let the games begin 🙂 See you in Sturgis…..

  12. 12 Andy Apr 24th, 2014 at 9:32 pm

    Lon Nordbye. I guess you don’t know the list of the shops. So, how can you say they are not “unknown”? Ask Cyril.

  13. 13 Greeko Apr 24th, 2014 at 9:35 pm

    I bet they picked backyard builders, not necessarily professionals. It would explain why Cyril says “unknown”

  14. 14 pat h Apr 24th, 2014 at 10:33 pm

    I don’t have cable but it sounds a little better than watching grass grow, or dancing with the stars who can cook or have talent and can survive being a apprentice all the while not turning into a zombie

  15. 15 calif phil Apr 25th, 2014 at 7:57 am

    The industry can use an infusion of new viewers and maybe it will generate some traffic to the brick and mortar bike shops.

  16. 16 Jusmecuz Apr 25th, 2014 at 9:01 am

    It’d be cool if the show featured builders like Jeremy Cupp or Larry Pierce from Garage Co. Ya know, real cats doin there thing.. guess we’ll see

  17. 17 Tom D Apr 25th, 2014 at 9:25 am

    RIP Larry Pierce
    Larry passed away a couple weeks ago from a ATV accident.

  18. 18 AFT Apr 25th, 2014 at 11:19 am

    Not all are “unknown”. There are some very talented builders that you will all recognize.

  19. 19 grmp54 Apr 26th, 2014 at 9:38 am

    Nooooooooooooo

  20. 20 Jusmecuz Apr 26th, 2014 at 1:01 pm

    Tom D I had no idea. I hadn’t heard anything from anybody about Larry or an accident. Prob been about a month or so since we been by his shop. Damn that is awful to hear. He’ll be missed by many. Lots a Respect for that guy and what he did.

    Cyril should do a post or something to honor Larry Pierce & Garage Co.

  21. 21 porkys chopper co Apr 27th, 2014 at 9:49 pm

    I’m one of the builders from the new series and I think you all will be happy with what you get. The show starts airing may 12 at 10 pm. Look for us on episode 3 it will be a good one me and my crew from porkys chopper co. Have put all our tricks in one back to hand the other guys asses to them. The voting will be done during the show via text or Twitter porkyschopperco@ #bikerlive

    Thanks for watching we hope to see you all in the winners circle

  22. 22 Sara Brown Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:15 am

    There are so many underground builders ……real builders , real dudes, talented guys building and crafting serious bikes……hopefully we get to see builders not cosmetic powdercoaters……

  23. 23 Handmade Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:32 am

    “No big names. They are “unknown” by most outside the industry”

    If you read the contract that Pilgrim Studios tried to have people sign you will realize why we don’t have any participation.
    No one with legit talent and a business would go through all of these hoops and expenses based on an agreement that uses the builders to finance the Production Companies success.
    I hope that everyone sees right through this media stunt using the motorcycle industry as a tool for television.

  24. 24 REV.JIM Apr 28th, 2014 at 8:59 am

    Regardless of contracts, “known or unknown” rideable ,attitudes or all the other negative comments, the lifestyle and talents can always use exposure. For builders that have not done a tv. show, it’s an education for sure! for the viewers, enjoy !

  25. 25 porkys chopper co Apr 28th, 2014 at 9:00 am

    @handmade. I heard that the first contact was crazy. But the one I signed definitely was not the same.

  26. 26 porkys chopper co Apr 28th, 2014 at 9:04 am

    @handmade do you have a site or fb I would love to check out your work.there are a lot of talented people in the hotrod and motorcycle industry. But than again there a lot of hacks as well. I think it will be an interesting show.

  27. 27 Sasha Apr 28th, 2014 at 9:10 am

    This is great news. Please, though, dear builders on this show, keep the Hollywood attitude out of it. Stay grounded. Love thy rider family. Be humble and kind. Since these shows aired long ago it seems that amazing camaraderie and family sentiment among riders has been compromised. Remember who has helped you along the way to have such a wonderful opportunity. Embrace the truth and be true. In the words of precious Johnny Chop… “Stay Gold” : )

  28. 28 Hannah Harris Apr 28th, 2014 at 9:56 am

    Matt Harris (40cal) is an awesome builder who will be on the first episode on may 12. He would be considered a backyard builder, he has a full time job and does custom bikes on the side. I think his bikes are amazing!!! (I’m his wife so I might be a little one sided) please check him out and see what you think! He is on instagram @rodzanchops, and on facebook 40cal. Watch #BikerLive on may 12th and vote 40cal via twitter!!!

  29. 29 Mazz Apr 28th, 2014 at 10:58 am

    I just hope it gets shown on the Canadian Discovery Channel!!

  30. 30 Brandon Apr 28th, 2014 at 11:08 am

    These young and backyard builders are naïve and exploited. They do everything at their own expense while Pilgrim and Discovery make money out of their talent. The producer and the network don’t care one second about bike building. And builders are ready to do/say anything Pilgrim tells them to do/say to increase viewership because they just dream to be seen on tv and to become famous. They will never get rich. The only bike builders I admire are those who were contacted and refused to be pimped by Pilgrim/Discovery. Those who denied to be part of the show should comment here. Anyone ready to publish the contract for readers to appreciate?

  31. 31 Charles Van Decker Apr 28th, 2014 at 11:14 am

    To be paid $0.00 to build bikes? Giving part of your tee-shirt profits to Pilgrim/Discovery? A great future for bike building? And you thank Discovery for helping the industry? Amazing.

  32. 32 Krude Apr 28th, 2014 at 11:32 am

    The reality of this new show is how little Pilgrim and Discovery will lose if it fails, and how big will be the money for them if it’s a hit…with non bikers.

  33. 33 porkys chopper co Apr 28th, 2014 at 11:36 am

    Don’t believe what you hear. I got paid a fair amount and they get no percentage of my business period.

  34. 34 Don Patrick Apr 28th, 2014 at 11:42 am

    How much is a fair amount?

  35. 35 Spritz DeCoochy Apr 28th, 2014 at 12:55 pm

    As a builder who took a pass on participating, I can tell you some of the details without any fear of retribution. I think it is important to shine a little light in the dark closet of television production, & I am qualified to speak on it as I have participated in the bike tv programing in the past. The benifits monetarily are minimal, Pilgrim is providing 20 K for the builds & the builder owns the bike. this minimizes pilgrim/discovery liability & compensates builder for their appearance fee & set rental. I have built many bikes, 20 k is not much to work with especialy if you factor in the 6 weeks of your time that will be dedicated to their project. They pretty much own you for the next 18 months in the “holding agreement” while they see if the show is gonna be a hit. You get exposure, but that only helps you if you know how to leverage that exposure. In otherwords you are on your own after they have had their way with you. Everyone of us wants to be the next “big” thing.It’s the “brass ring” monkeys, go grab it! Lets face it, the competition based programing has been played out, but Hollywood will flog the dead horse to squeeze out every last penny, plus they don’t have to exercise their minds coming up with something new. To that , I say “no risk, no reward” at least it’s not another fat redneck eating mayonaise. The reason they have chosen reletive unknowns, is becuase they are green to the experience. They don’t know when they are being taken advantage of. Easier to control & manipulate. I am satisfied to get paid by some the the builders who are participating to do the work that they are subbing out. For the record, there are some talented builders participating & I wish them all sucess in their endeavors!

  36. 36 Don Patrick Apr 28th, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    Spritz. Excellent info. Thanks.

  37. 37 Paul Bones legacy Apr 28th, 2014 at 2:45 pm

    We were contacted and refused. I know other builders who were contacted, some also refused, due to money restrictions or whatever. its the standard of send us a pic of your staff, what difference what they look like? Is there any characters in your staff? Who don’t you get along with? ( other Builders). Basically looking for drama. and asked do you know anybody else? So really their not doing all their homework of who’s up and coming and really know the scene. But they do know there is an up and coming variety of talented builders out there. as far as unknown builders or big names. what classifies this? Household names? I guess the Arlen Ness, Jesse James, etc. If your living under a rock and only know OCC and some of the others by watching TV I guess they would be unknown. personally I know one builder who is participating and others who were asked. A lot of these guys were invited builders to big bike shows here and internationally and win at the big shows. These guys are also featured in many magazines. So for being unknown this doesn’t make sense. There is some talented guys out there and I wish them the best of luck and success in their results for the show.

  38. 38 AFT Apr 28th, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    Thanks for the call Spritz. OK – I’ll tell the story. We did 2 interviews – the first had technical problems on their end. I made some demands in the process which they didn’t like.
    1) They asked who we didn’t like or who we could talk shit on. Said we wouldn’t do that. Not our style. Not good for our sponsors. Our work speaks for it self. Sometimes a builder is a blow hard to put attention on himself & cover flaws in his work.
    2) I wanted in the contract (if we got picked) that anyone related to the show wasn’t to encourage rude hurtful comments towards the AFT Girls & other builders should be respectful. Trash talking in fun is OK – not crude – mean spirited talk for ratings. Say what you want about me or my work – fine.
    3)They asked me to explain why I was the best builder. My answer – I’m not the best – far from it. History decides that answer – not the individual.
    4)We have 8 girls that come in in their spare time (they have real jobs) to help build each bike. They each have their specialties (2 are certified TIG welders trough our sponsor Miller). They said we could only have 2 girls. We didn’t like that. This is a team. If they all could participate for a few days each it would work for them for time off from their real jobs. It would make our episode more interesting too – but against their rule. We told them we would figure something out.
    5) This was a red flag- something Spritz & I talked about a few weeks ago. The newest AFT Girl has had a ton of tv experience including 3 successful shows, a Progressive Ins. commercial, Super Moto Championship & is very well known in off road & sport bike racing sides of our industry. They said she couldn’t participate because they wanted “unknown people”. Isn’t the idea to have a good show with interesting people? Spritz & I think her knowledge of the tv world meant we wouldn’t be taken advantage of. I could be wrong.
    6)We thought 2 advantages we had were our 15 corporate sponsors & the 4 AMD Championship’s. We told them we would have the biggest numbers in age & gender demographics also.. TV lives & dies by add sails & that depends on number of eyeballs.

    We’re happy for those that were chosen & hope they can make the most of it. Our feeling ( we made this clear in the interview) is that we as an industry need to quit re-hashing what’s already been done. That’s why these shows don’t get another season. I asked them to name one reality show that didn’t portray women as conceited, narcissistic, bitches. They couldn’t name one. I don’t want my brand & name to look foolish. I think it’s best for us not to be involved but I’ll watch & support my friends that are!

  39. 39 Paul Bones legacy Apr 28th, 2014 at 3:06 pm

    AFT well put.

  40. 40 Howard Apr 28th, 2014 at 4:30 pm

    Giving a chance to builders who are not household names is good. Creating fake drama and creating bad vibes between builders for tv ratings purpose is wrong. I will not buy anything from builders who badmouth competitors on the show. But I will probably don’t watch, anyway. These shows are BS and if you like them and believe it’s reality, you have a very low IQ.

  41. 41 Blackmax Apr 28th, 2014 at 6:35 pm

    I’ve got an Idea
    Everyone just cool out & let’s watch the show
    Then decide if it’s worth it or not ???
    Me, I think it’s pretty cool to use people / shops not that well known in the industry
    I’ll be watching ….

  42. 42 BikerBob Apr 28th, 2014 at 7:03 pm

    The old Biker Build-Off series was great. You got to know the builders, some very famous, like Arlen and Rick Fairless, and some less famous. They let them fool around a little, and they trash-talked or mailed each other pranks for the show and it was all obviously in good fun. All those builders had to spend their own money to create the bikes and get to the shows where the public voted on them. The builders that were prepared to benefit from the exposure, guys that already had shops and catalogs and clothing with their names on it sold a lot more of that stuff. The smaller guys practically went broke trying to build for that show. Either way, we all LOVED watching that show and should be excited about seeing a new version. Known or unknown builders are fine with me, I just love watching them do what they do, with a little narration to keep me informed. I hope the show takes off, and maybe in a later season they’ll bring in a few of the more famous builders as well. I say, BRING IT!

  43. 43 lcfab Apr 29th, 2014 at 4:58 am

    I honestly hope that they wound up going with at least a few who are truly in this game for the long haul, and not a bunch of hacks that look good on tv, sell alot of t-shirts, and then go on to something else. Lots of us have worked our asses off for many years, wanting nothing more than to be able to go back and do it again tomorrow……it would just suck to see more phonies get shot to the top in five weeks, and those who live and breathe this thing fade away………prolly just looking at it too deeply, but honestly they picked builders based on how they looked on TV and where they were located geographically over who they were and what kind of work they do………..not to downplay anyone who did make it congrats to you all, may it be a blessing, and please folks remember you are now what the rest of the world sees us as!

  44. 44 BKC Apr 29th, 2014 at 10:45 pm

    This is for all the REAL BIKE BUILDERS in the world! If you do like I do and work your a$$ off with blood sweat and tears with a lots of sacrifice from friend and family you can be one of the best builders in the world!!! I’ve tried to get on biker build offs for past 10 years with no luck, so it’s either being in right place at right time or you know someone and it’s rigged! But either way with no luck still not on tv! I can tell you this all the drama, bullsh-! , is in no part of building the baddest motorcycle in the world!!! It take heart , soul, pride, and having a lot off patients!!! In all reality these shows are worth watching for last 5 minutes, long enough to maybe see some cool stuff without all the bull crap that wastes an hour off tv! If these people really wanted to make a show it would really be about building the bike in detail , like how things are really done!!! Welding frame , machine engine part, making hand made parts from scratch! No cnc crap, water jet lazy! Actually doing airbrushing and painting, I think people would watch a show like that by the millions!!! That’s real bike building!!! I will go up against any person any shop in the world with my trash can and my broke pockets and still build a better bike!!! Just because it’s done with skill and heart with a few good guys that love to build bikes to enjoy and ride a real motorcycle! If anyone want to do a real build off and make our own reality bike show to show people how it really works just call me at 713 818 7714 anytime anywhere!!!

  45. 45 BKC Apr 29th, 2014 at 11:15 pm

    If someone want to have a reality show, if you get 3 to 6 biker builders together not to be the baddest builder in the world but to build the baddest bike for a child’s charity to build bikes like they did in the old days and go to junk yards, other bike shops, friend garages , or find anything they can to use to build a bike. Then get the kids involved get there ideas put that into the bike! Besides didn’t all this start from when we were kids wanting to build cool stuff??? Once the bikes are built then get public to vote and make bids on the bikes and donate all the money to some cancer, or burned, or just any sick kids and then that way whoever builds the baddest bike in the world gets to tell the kids that the builders not the best but the kids are the best!!!! It all starts with the kiddos,! If there not here then we’re not here, they watch and then they become us!!!! I give it to tv and the shows but they all do it for wrong reasons!!! I’m a builder and it’s not all drama here so I know tv is wrong, that’s why my kids don’t watch these shows cause I want them to know it’s not all drama, cussing , throwing things across the room, pay attention to what your showing our younger generation!!!! Doing it for the kiddos will get more ratings than drama!!!!

  46. 46 Mr Producer Dude Apr 30th, 2014 at 1:56 pm

    Just letting you folks know…NO ONE ONE is really tweeting anything, The season was all pre recorded in advance, how do I know????

    I worked on the damn show, 100% all bullshit. No I’m not a disgruntled worker, just hate the fact people are getting lied to.

  47. 47 Shifter Apr 30th, 2014 at 4:39 pm

    Mr Producer Dude. We know the show is taped in advance. It doesn’t mean people can’t vote as the show is on air. Or do you mean that people are asked to tweet their preferred bike but it doesn’t matter because Discovery decides the winner, whatever the tweets? Please, explain. We all want to know and understand. Or is it possible you are not working for the show? Just a rejected builder by the production? Give a proof directly to Cyril with confidentiality if you don’t want your name mentioned.

  48. 48 Trike Lady Apr 30th, 2014 at 6:14 pm

    I like BKCs idea about the parts from a junk yard, where I work there are plenty of used parts and non-running bikes.

  49. 49 BKC Apr 30th, 2014 at 7:59 pm

    If there are any real builders out there??? And if you can build a bike from nothing and would really like to show people how it is really done and really works in the real world . Get with me and we can find sponsors and people willing to put a quality show on the air , especially if it’s for a good cause and to raise good money for the show and the foundations started by the show for the winning bikes that would be auctioned or raffled off at a big bike rally or national event like lonestar rally or Sturgis or Daytona bike week? I’m sure someone like MTV or CMT would pick the show up! If you pay close attention all the shows on discovery channel about bikes, bikers, or BIKE BUILDING, BUILDERS !!! IS A BUNCH OF BULLSH!÷ THE REASON THE BIKER ECONOMY IS SO SCREWED UP IS CAUSE SHOWS LIKE THIS IS NONSENCE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC THINKS IT REALLY WORKS LIKE THEY PORTRAY IT, WHEN A REAL BUILDER KNOWS SOMETIMES IT TAKES LONGER THAN 30 DAYS TO BUILDERS A BIKE BUT THE SHOW FILMS OVER A 6 TO 8 WEEK PERIOD???? GO FIGURE OUT THAT BULL!! 713 818 7714

  50. 50 william May 2nd, 2014 at 2:55 pm

    BKC- You sound bitter. Did you try out and weren’t’ picked? with the sound of all your posts- it’s no suprise you haven’t been on TV yet- even after 10 years of tryin.

    This particular show was filmed in 5 weeks with $15,000 for each shop and built by real bike builders. Guys that either build in their pole barn or small town shops. The contract was standard stuff and no one is geting exploited Discovery shelling out $270k on bike builds says they would like a successful show. Previous builders were not paid. Filmwise they focused on the building. They fishd for drama here and there, but didn’t find much. You know they are trying to make a TV show. Reality is not real where the drama plays in and shame on anyone that doesn’t realize that. How each show will be edited for the final airing will be interestin. No one being filmed can control the editing. Do I think the winner is actually chosen from votes? NO. I figure it’s already planned in advance. I’m not counting on the voting part to be legit But it was a cool experience. The people I know don’t want to be on TV. It was fun to get a name out there, n no one took themselves to seriously (aka drama)

  51. 51 Jonny M May 2nd, 2014 at 6:18 pm

    We have a builder in our city that can build a bike that is made to be ridden not trailer-ed from place to place. He has been building bikes for thirty years! Some of his early bikes are still being ridden buy there original owners. The shop is MAD MANS cycle in Worcester Ma.

  52. 52 BKC May 8th, 2014 at 10:55 pm

    Nope not bitter!! It just baffles me how tv can make things seem so easy when it’s so far from the truth! I wish nothing but best wishes to the builders that have made it to all the build offs in the present and the past! I’m a busy person and build really cool daily riders that can be presented as a one off fully custom bike and generally do and generally do draw a crowd. I like explaining the how’s and whys of the builds and the most gratifying aspects are the clients reactions and the general public about the bikes we build!!!

  53. 53 Cindy May 15th, 2014 at 9:52 am

    Can anyone tell me the names of the songs and artists that were played during that first show.
    Thank you for your assistance.

  54. 54 flyer May 27th, 2014 at 1:46 am

    Hasn’t discovery and amer had en of bike showed, that market is dead, has been since before the recession, ask anyone that had one of them, there worth about .10-15 cents on the doll if you want to sell it…nobody but a very small percentage of people are into it any more…stop beating a dead horse

  55. 55 Kevin May 27th, 2014 at 8:43 am

    It’s a crap show. An hours worth of very little about the actual building of the bikes. They started at having 5 weeks to build the bikes and the next scene they were at 20 days left and then 3 days left and then the final day. What about all that time in between?? Just a bunch of shop drama…..

  56. 56 wildbill Jun 2nd, 2014 at 9:30 pm

    Where’s the welders

  57. 57 wildbill Jun 2nd, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    Your running buffers mounting tanks who built the frames who shaped the tanks and seats and fenders show me a real build , punks

  58. 58 wildbill Jun 2nd, 2014 at 9:38 pm

    Hey producer dude were not dumb fucks already figured that one out Bro, I’m willing to build you a cycle, let me know.

  59. 59 wildbill Jun 2nd, 2014 at 9:44 pm

    He couldnt kick start that shit r u serious

  60. 60 wildbill Jun 2nd, 2014 at 9:50 pm

    Porkys is the real deal they got my vote

  61. 61 porkys chopper co Jun 19th, 2014 at 11:10 pm

    Thanks for your support wildbill

  62. 62 Carl Jul 12th, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    The new show seems a little silly. Grown men shouldn’t act like that. More about the bikes, less about what they think. If I want to see drama, I’ll watch the kardashian girls.
    I won’t be tuning in again.

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Cyril Huze