Harley-Davidson launches new custom build competition
‘Custom Kings,’ Harley-Davidson’s custom build competition for 2025, is the most extensive and inclusive ever. Open to Harley-Davidson owners throughout Australia and New Zealand, ‘Custom King’ is also open to any customised bike from Harley-Davidson’s 122-year history.
This open timeframe means anything from the oldest single to the newest Milwaukee-Eight v-twin and everything in between is eligible, as long as it’s customised. And while the usual Dynas, Sportsters, V-Rods, Tourers and Softails are sure to be well represented, Custom Kings will allow Aussie and Kiwi owners of rarer customised Harleys, like the ServiCar trike, MT500, Model S, Rapido, SS 350 and XLCR to take part, too. Who knows, Custom Kings may even flush out a customised Topper scooter!
“Last year, we saw a thrilling competition with unmatched craftmanship from our winner John Cage,” said Nigel Keogh, Managing Director of Harley-Davidson ANZ. “This year, we hope to see even more grit from our entrants with an expansion of the criteria for all eligible H-D owners.
“Custom Kings aims to showcase the creativity and breadth of our H-D riding community, and reward innovation and design amongst motorcycle enthusiasts.”
Judging for Custom Kings will be split into multiple categories, based on generations of Harley-Davidson powertrains – Milwaukee Eight, Twin Cam, Evolution and Vintage (anything pre-Evolution). Of these four categories, a winner in each will be decided by public vote.
The four category winners will then face off in the finale, where an esteemed judging panel from the motorcycle industry will choose the overall winner. The panel is made up of:
- Yaniv Evan – Owner, Powerplant Motorcycles (West Hollywood, LA)
- Dan Lesnock – Technical Lead, Harley-Davidson ANZ
- Mick Withers – Owner/Editor, Heavy Duty magazine
- Miles ‘Pugs’ Rangeley – Editor, Live To Ride magazine
Category winners will receive lifetime bragging rights, while the overall winner of Custom Kings will score a trip for two to this year’s Mooneyes Hot Rod Show in Yokohama, Japan.
Along with VIP entry to one of the world’s best custom car and bike shows, the prize includes return flights to Japan for the winner and a guest, airport transfers, four nights’ accommodation and AU$500 spending money.
Enter your customised Harley-Davidson in Custom Kings via the Bike Torques website. You will need to provide details of your motorcycle, plus a good quality photo (the site has tips on how to best present your bike).
Entries close at 6:00PM (AEST) on Sunday, 15 February, 2025. For all terms and conditions, click HERE.
