The inaugural SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout presented by Mothers has named Steven Iacona its first champion. Iacona, owner of Iacona Custom Cycles in Brooklyn, N.Y., won with a custom Harley-Davidson Knucklehead.
"It's amazing. I've never been to the SEMA Show before, but it's always been something I've wanted to experience," Iacona said. "To be next to these great builders on stage, it's just incredible. It's a great thing for the motorcycle industry, and it's great to bring new life into the industry."
The motorcycle competition is a 2026 expansion of
and gives custom motorcycle builders a dedicated platform at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Judges evaluated entries on craftsmanship, design innovation, and overall execution. The panel included Zach Ness of Arlen Ness Motorcycles, Jeff Holt of V-Twin Visionary, and Pat Patterson of Led Sled Customs.
Iacona said he started with a 1945 Knucklehead engine and looked for a customer who would let him build what he had in mind. "I built a bike similar to what I had heard the stock Knucklehead was and just enhanced it. I didn't want to disrespect the Knucklehead, and this is what I came up with. The customer is going to ride it and enjoy it, and that's all that matters."
Bike Builder Shootout finalists
Winner: Steven Iacona, Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
Second place: Robert Zeolla, Indian In-Line 4
Third place: James Crosby, Harley-Davidson Pan Head
"The Bike Builder Shootout reflects SEMA's support for every segment of the customization industry and creating new opportunities for builders to showcase their work," said RJ de Vera, Vice President of Marketing for SEMA. "The creativity and craftsmanship displayed throughout this competition exceeded our expectations. We're excited to build on this momentum and further expand the powersports presence at the SEMA Show in the years ahead."
Traction News earlier covered the Bike Builder Shootout Top 10
and Top 3
More information is available from the SEMA Show Battle of the Builders
page and SEMA.
