fbpx

AIMExpo Championship of the Americas Crowns Four Class Winners and People’s Choice Recipient

A total of 40 entries from 32 builders were spread across four classes of competition at the annual Championship of the Americas, with Jordan Dickinson, Bryan Fuller, Adam Karns, and Jesse Spade each earning first-place honors for their respective builds.

Amidst all the buzz and excitement surrounding the wide array of new products and introductions at the Fourth Annual American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) was North America’s finest collection of custom bikes from the continent’s most talented builders. A total of 40 entries from 32 builders were spread across four classes of competition at the annual Championship of the Americas, with Jordan Dickinson, Bryan Fuller, Adam Karns, and Jesse Spade each earning first-place honors for their respective builds.
(Freestyle First Place)
(Freestyle First Place)
Dickinson’s trip to Orlando ended up being highly successful, as the Minnesota native not only grabbed a pair of wins, but also earned the coveted automatic qualifier for the 2018 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in Germany. Dickinson’s Harley-Davidson inspired “Knucklehead” build out of his Union Speed & Style shop in Minneapolis took home top honors in the Freestyle Class, for which the World Championship qualifier is awarded. Additionally, Dickinson took first place in the Retro Mod class with his 1951 Harley-Davidson Panhead known as “Frost Buzzard.”
(First Place - Street Custom)
(First Place – Street Custom)

“I’m pretty ecstatic right now. I’m just trying to let it all set in,” exclaimed Dickinson upon earning his pair of first-place trophies. “[The Knucklehead] took between nine months to a year to complete and is full of hand-made parts. The only part of the bike that is genuine Harley-Davidson is the front end. We wanted to build a concept from the 30’s and 40’s as if Harley was making a race bike back in the day.

“I’m very excited about [the opportunity to compete at the AMD World Championship]. I’ve been following that show for quite a few years and the bikes that come out of there are at such an incredible level, craftsmanship wise,” added Dickinson, who made the 26-hour drive from Minneapolis to Orlando with his brother Josh. “All these bikes [at AIMExpo] are from all over the country and the builders’ heart and soul has been put into them, so it’s pretty mind blowing to win amongst this group. It’s exciting to be here and means a lot to earn the chance to compete [overseas].”

(First Place - Retro Custom)
(First Place – Retro Custom)

In the Street Custom class Brian Karns, of Delmar, Maryland’s Karns Kustoms, took the win with his 1974 Harley-Davidson XLCH known as “Slickster,” while first place in the Performance Custom class went to Atlanta native Jesse Spade, of Jesse Spade Designs, and his 1971 Triumph Tiger known as “Once Free.” Earning arguably the most distinguished People’s Choice award was Bryan Fuller of Atlanta’s Fuller Moto, whose 1977 Honda CB 550 with samurai-inspired engraving that gave it the name “Shogun” was the most popular build amongst AIMExpo attendees.

With a best-of-the-best showcase of North America’s most exceptional craftsmanship from the continent’s most talented builders, Championship of the Americas has become the preeminent custom bike show in the western hemisphere. It’s distinction as an automatic qualifier for the AMD World Championship is an indicator of the event’s prestige, and the exceptional level of competition from its entries.
(First Place - Performance Custom)
(First Place – Performance Custom)

“This is the custom bike show in North America and its home is right here at AIMExpo, North America’s premier powersports trade show. This year we welcomed our most exceptional group of entries yet, which is an indicator of how the event’s presence continues to grow. If you’re a builder, this is the stage for you and your build to receive its highest praise,” said Bob Kay, AIMExpo Custom Culture Director. “As the Freestyle Class winner for 2016, Jordan Dickinson will receive direct, expense-paid access to the AMD World Championship at Intermot 2018 from Cologne, Germany. Jordan represents the passion, desire, and creativity in today’s custom builder, and will surely make North America proud on the global stage.”

(First Place - People's Choice)
(First Place – People’s Choice)
For more information: AIMExpoUSA.com

You May Also Like

Free Dirt Bike, ATV, Side-by-Side Training in California

Off-Highway Vehicle Safety Week is March 23-31.

ATV, dirt bike, side-by-side training, off-road trails

Spring is here, and for many it’s time to head back to the trails. To ensure you get the most fun out of the new riding season, the ATV Safety Institute (ASI), Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) have teamed up with California State Parks to offer free training for ATVs, dirt bikes and side-by-sides. 

Alterra Mountain Co. Adds Taiga Snowmobiles to Its Fleets

The fleets cover 15 ski mountain destinations.

Taiga Nomad snowmobile at an Alterra Mountain Co. ski resort
Boundless Rider Expands Footprint to Illinois

Coverage is available for direct purchase or through agents.

Boundless Rider logo
Royal Enfield’s BTR Flat Track Program Kicks Off 2024 at Daytona Short Track

The BTR season opener brought thrilling competition over two days of racing.

Build. Train. Race., BTR, Daytona Short Track, 2024
Dave McMahon Named Interim Executive Director of the NPDA    

The newest member of the team has been moved into the top spot.

Dave McMahon

Other Posts

Maximize Every Sale With F&I and PG&A

This recorded AIMExpo education track discusses how the bike is just the start of the sale.

MPN F&I panel, AIMExpo 2024
MIC, MSF, SVIA, ROHVA Appoint Interim Leadership

Scott Schloegel has been named acting president and CEO.

MIC, MSF, SVIA, ROHVA logos
Sumitomo Rubber North America Hires New Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Regional Sales Manager

Jeff Botsford began his career in the motorcycle industry in 1991.

Jeff Botsford
Wilwood Engineering Promotes Hagy to UTV Market Specialist

Hagy will be tasked with expanding the UTV product lineup for Wilwood.

Hagy