Weathering the Storm: 5 Custom Motorcycles from the Builder's Best Show at BMW Motorrad Days

The Barber Vintage Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, remains a pivotal event for motorcycle enthusiasts, attracting tens of thousands annually. In 2026, the festival expanded its appeal by incorporating the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America (MOA) Builder’s Best Show into BMW Motorrad Days for the first time. This integration brought a curated selection of expertly customized BMW motorcycles, blending vintage airheads with modern classics, to a broader audience.

Despite the festival’s strong start under clear skies, an unexpected tropical storm disrupted proceedings. Safety concerns prompted evacuation of tent campers and delayed Saturday's activities. By midday, the rain subsided, allowing the festival to regain momentum. This resilience highlighted the dedication within the custom motorcycle community, with the Builder’s Best Show emerging as a key attraction that weekend.

Among the featured motorcycles was Texas builder Tyson Carver’s 1989 BMW R100GS. Carver’s build drew inspiration from the iconic 1985 Paris-Dakar race bike, evident in its weathered paintwork adorned with vintage sponsorship decals reminiscent of the original. However, this was no mere tribute; Carver engineered the GS for rigorous off-road use, equipping it with upgraded suspension components including WP forks from a 2004 KTM 450 and an Öhlins rear shock. The bike's braking was modernized with Brembo components on the front, while the rear retained its original drum brake, blending authenticity with performance. This functional restoration earned recognition from BMW Motorrad executives as their favorite entry.

In contrast, Zack Witkowsky of Black Wolf Touring and Custom LLC presented a minimalist bobber fashioned from a 1977 BMW R100/7. Witkowsky’s design stripped the bike to essentials, replacing the factory subframe with a sleek custom one-piece tube that supports a solo seat and discreet taillight. The build’s standout feature lies in the artistic approach to typically mundane elements like fender struts, which Witkowsky rendered as visual highlights. The subdued color scheme of matte black and bronze powder coat further accentuated its industrial aesthetic.

Florida’s Andre Baracat showcased a BMW R100S brat-style motorcycle that gained wide appeal, finishing as the runner-up in the People’s Choice award. Baracat’s approach emphasized rideability and understated style, featuring a custom rear subframe with classic tuck-and-roll seating and Öhlins shocks. The front suspension incorporated inverted forks from a BMW S1000, enhancing handling dynamics. The bike’s paint scheme combined a red frame with muted grey bodywork and a subtle tri-color stripe, nodding to BMW Motorsport heritage.

New York’s Anthony Logalbo contributed a café racer-themed BMW R100 RT, transported to Alabama by fellow builders Nick Rovello and Marek Kruszynski. This build reflected traditional café racer ethos with a focus on aggressive rider positioning using Renthal clip-on handlebars and custom rear sets, paired with modern suspension and Brembo brakes. Its deep navy tank with black detailing and a custom stainless steel exhaust underlined the bike’s blend of vintage inspiration and contemporary upgrades.

Completing the top five was Scott Thibeault’s transformative work on a 1972 BMW /5. Thibeault undertook a comprehensive rebuild in just twelve weeks, reinforcing the frame, upgrading suspension with parts from a 2018 Suzuki GSX-R1000, and extensively refreshing the engine with a Siebenrock 1,000cc top-end kit and lightweight internal components. The transmission was re-geared for performance balance, while stopping power was ensured by Brembo four-piston calipers on oversized rotors. The bike’s aesthetic drew from BMW’s 1954 RS Rennsport, featuring raw aluminum and brushed stainless steel bodywork, crafted by Evan Wilcox.

The event also recognized other notable achievements: Nick Rovello’s BMW K1100 received the Champions Pick award, and Parker Zamarelli secured the People’s Choice trophy for a consecutive year. These accolades underscore the ongoing innovation and passion within the BMW custom motorcycle community.

Looking ahead, the Builder’s Best Show will return to the MOA National Rally in Great Falls, Montana, inviting builders to present their creations and enthusiasts to experience this high caliber of craftsmanship firsthand. Details for participation will be available through official channels, promising another gathering of exceptional custom motorcycles celebrating BMW’s enduring legacy.