Gold Coast H-D wins 2019 Aus/NZ BotK
Gold Coast Harley-Davidson has won the Australian and New Zealand leg of this year’s Battle of the Kings custom motorcycle build-off competition and is hoping to make the grand finale at EICMA in Milan this November, where the Global Custom King will be crowned.
The local leg of Battle of the Kings (BotK) attracted 26 Harley-Davidson dealerships to build a custom Harley to one of three themes – Dirt, Race or Chop. Each build was subject to a strict set of rules, including use of Harley-Davidson Genuine Parts and Accessories, and spending no more than half the bike’s retail price on the build.
Riot Ride
For their BotK entry, Gold Coast Harley-Davidson drew inspiration from the famous Hollister Riot of 1947, when an AMA-sanctioned motorcycle rally in the small California town of Hollister attracted more than 4,000 riders, with a minority engaging in fighting, property damage and street racing. Sensationalised press reports of drunken bikies causing mayhem (“riot” was a major exaggeration) led to the AMA allegedly applying the now-famous “1 %” tag to the troublemakers.
A fully-faired Sportster racer and Knucklehead-inspired Street Bob were among Gold Coast H-D’s early ideas, but when the Hollister theme was decided on, a 2019 Softail Slim was chosen as the base. Gold Coast H-D dealer principal Steve Schilling felt this model already possessed some of the lines and styling they had envisioned for the final product.
The ‘16’ race plate has no direct connection to Hollister, but was inspired by three-time Springfield Mile champion, Jimmy Chan.
The major change on this build is the replacement of the Softail Slim’s tele fork front end with a 20-inch Springer fork from Bendigo (VIC)-based specialists, Meatballs. Complementary top clamp and handlebars came from the same company, with the Springer pre-load adjuster from JP Cycles.
A PBI chain drive conversion adds to the retro look, as do the fat 5.00x16 Firestone Deluxe bias-ply tyres, Panhead-inspired muffler and Twin Cam Breakout headlight, while the Dump It lowering kit delivers the low-slung stance.
Parts from Rollies Speed Shop, Magnum Shielding, Kuryakyn and Performance Machine were also fitted, while the Milwaukee-Eight v-twin was treated to a Maximus Tuner flash tune.
Custom-made features included the headers and heatshields for the 2-into-1 exhaust and front wheel spacers. Speed Demon Cycles assisted with specialty fabrication work, while the paint was done by Queensland Motorcycle Paint and Panel.
Genuine H-D Parts include the leather solo saddle, chrome coil cover, derby and timing cover, grips and a steering head bearing kit.
Gold Coast Win
From the 26 entries, the five ANZ finalists were decided by online public voting, with these finalists then going before a judging panel made up of industry experts and Harley-Davidson ambassadors.
Judged on criteria including ‘character,’ ‘styling’ and ‘x-factor’, the Gold Coast H-D creation won for its innovative approach, unique styling elements and attention to detail.
“To take out the ANZ Battle of the Kings Crown is a credit to the team involved from Gold Coast Harley-Davidson, as well as those who assisted with the build, photos and video,” said Schilling.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to represent ANZ. I have seen the U.S.A. finalists and to have ‘Hollister Riot’ in the same category is a credit to our team.”
Finalists behind Gold Coast H-D included Sunshine Coast H-D, Rolling Thunder NZ and last year’s ANZ winner, Adelaide H-D Bike Works.
International Battle
Hollister Riot is now on a shortlist with 15 other national finalists. Online public voting will reduce this to four, and they will go to EICMA to face off against the USA BotK winner. A judging panel at EICMA will choose the Global Custom King for 2019.
Online voting is now open at: https://customkings.harley-davidson.com/en_AU/ so vote for Gold Coast H-D and help get them and Hollister Riot to EICMA this November.
