SEMA Battle of the Builders Adds Motorcycle Competition Class
The new Bike Builder Shootout expands SEMA's long-running builder competition ahead of the 2026 SEMA Show in Las Vegas…
For more than a decade, SEMA Battle of the Builders has recognized the industry’s most talented vehicle builders, providing a platform to showcase the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation behind some of the most innovative custom builds in the world. For 2026, the competition will expand its reach to include motorcycles, giving custom bike builders a dedicated opportunity to compete and earn recognition on the industry’s biggest stage, SEMA officials stated in a press release.
“Motorcycles have always been a vital part of the customization community, and we’re excited to officially bring these builders into the SEMA Battle of the Builders spotlight,” said SEMA vice president of Marketing RJ de Vera. “The Bike Builder Shootout creates a new platform for motorcycle builders to showcase their craftsmanship, creativity and passion while competing alongside some of the most talented custom bike builders in the industry.”
The New SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout
The new dedicated Motorcycle category will recognize standout custom bikes from builders across the country. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of motorcycle industry experts based on craftsmanship, design innovation and overall execution. The inaugural judging panel will include Zach Ness of Arlen Ness Motorcycles, Jeff Holt of V-Twin Visionary, and Pat Patterson of Led Sled Customs—three respected leaders in the custom motorcycle community with decades of combined experience building, designing and promoting motorcycle culture, the release noted.
Motorcycle judges will review submissions before selecting the Top 10 finalists. Those finalists will then help determine the Top 3 category winners and select the overall Bike Builder Shootout champion, creating a competition judged by the builders and industry experts who understand the craft firsthand.
“The motorcycle community has always been built on creativity, craftsmanship and a passion for creating something unique,” said judge chairman Bob Kay. “The Bike Builder Shootout gives builders a dedicated platform to showcase the time, skill and innovation behind their machines while being recognized alongside some of the most talented builders in the industry. We’re excited to be part of a program that celebrates the people pushing motorcycle customization forward.”
SEMA Continues to Expand Powersports Footprint
The new Motorcycle category joins the four existing automotive competition classes: Hot Rod & Hot Rod Truck; 4 Wheel Drive & Off-Road; Sport Compact, Import Performance, Luxury & Exotic; and BF Goodrich Young Guns. Automotive finalists will continue to compete in their own competition and will have a separate Battle of the Builders overall winner.
SEMA says the expansion into motorcycles reflects its continued commitment to growing opportunities across the specialty equipment industry and expanding the powersports presence at the SEMA Show. As SEMA continues to develop its powersports footprint, the Bike Builder Shootout highlights the innovation, craftsmanship and creativity driving the future of customization.
Entries for the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers are now open, and the competition will take place during the SEMA Show, Nov. 3-6, 2026, in Las Vegas. For more information or to enter the competition, visit semabotb.com.
