The Born-Free show was once little more than a bunch of choppers out on the lawn, but that was 15 years ago. Southern California’s Born-Free Show has grown into one of the biggest and best custom motorcycle shows in America.
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Top builders work tirelessly to unveil their finest work, and the most well-known brands in motorcycling hustle to bring out their latest and greatest. It’s a whole lot of see and be seen, with everything from long bikes to muscle bikes to full-on classic restorations for all to enjoy.
Silverado Canyon, the venue for the annual event, is a short ride inland from Orange County, near Irvine Lake in a large, flat grassy area with a small water feature in the middle. It never fails to be hotter than the devil’s header pipes during the weekend of Born-Free, and this year was no different – ladies in short shorts and dudes with their bellies out as far as the eye could see. There were plenty of trees, huge fans, and even water misters near the food vendors and ATMs, but there was just no escaping the heat.
Ride in through the gates (if you were lucky enough to score a Grass Pass), and the San Diego Customs’ FXR show is off to your left, bringing out an absolutely insane class of West-Coast-styled dual-shocked bikes. Picture panel paint, tall suspension, T-sport fairings, and you’re halfway there.
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The majority of the grounds were filled with vendor booths selling everything from wheels and full suspension kits to hat pins and stickers. The usual suspects like Brian Klock and Satya Kraus were hanging out in their booths and talking to potential customers, selling their share of parts no doubt.
Live bands took the stage throughout the day, while pro skaters like legend Steve Caballero took to the massive halfpipe for live demonstrations. The crowd drank whatever they could get their hands on to stay hydrated and cool.
Becky Goeble hosted Axel’s Corner, a Harley-Davidson-sponsored area that celebrated female builders and their wonderful creations. Nicole Keisel had her wicked stroker Shovelhead on display. Saki of Jay’s Motorcycle brought out a killer flame-painted Sporty chopper, and the whole area was just buzzing with good vibes. It’s awesome to see such an emphasis on female builders in the main part of the show.
In front of the main stage is where you’ll find the Invited Builder corral with some of the most prolific custom builders in the world. Aaron Boss was there with “La Chancla,” his supercharged Milwaukee-Eight-powered 4-wheeled land-speed racer. Fury Oketani brought his dual‑carbed Shovelhead with insane carbon bodywork.
In the end, Gary Royal of Beware Choppers took home the Invited Builder Award with his far-out 1945 Knucklehead chopper, winning $5,000 and a ticket to the Mooneyes Yokohama Hot Rod Show.
Born-Free raffled off three bikes this year: one wild FXR, a Shovelhead chopper, and a Coney Island Special ol’ Shovelhead full dresser. They drew the raffle for the FXR on Saturday and the others on Sunday evening. As usual, crowds started to clear out as soon as the masses realized they weren’t the lucky ticketholders.
Every year it seems the builders push themselves farther, achieving new feats and raising the bar. This year was no different. From paint to fabrication to general creativity, the bikes were absolutely incredible.
There’s a reason Born-Free has gotten bigger year after year, and if you haven’t taken the pilgrimage to check it out yourself, maybe Born-Free 16 is your year.
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