SIP@Custombike 2011

It was a truly extraordinary event which was staged at the trade fair center Bad Salzuflen from 2-4 December 2011. An estimated crowd of 20-30k visitors (including Average Joes as well as Schwarzenegger-like guys in full club combat gear) met there last weekend for the Custombike, a trade fair which is exclusively devoted to the fans of the two-wheel cult and the corresponding unique lifestyle.
Converted choppers, streetfighters, cruisers, bobbers and many more styles representing the Custom culture were numerously present. The Custombike witnessed its most successful year in terms of numbers of visitors this year. The exhibitors were quick to realize that and squeezed the last inch out of the available exhibition space.
Every corner of the fair was crammed with stuff that would make the eyes of dedicated two-wheel fans water. Virtually everybody was there, from tiny custom workshops to renowned companies such as Paaschburg & Wunderlich, Harley Davidson dealers and famous exhibitors such as Hardcore Cycles (by Marcus Walz). Of course, “Pfeili” was there too. Though he didn’t have a stand of his own this time, he surely wasn’t idle.

By the way, it’s not only artists like Marcus Pfeil which are active in the chopper and scooter scene at the same time. No – other exhibitors and visitors revealed that they have a Vespa or Lambretta in their garage as well. Marcus handpainted one of the two bikes participating in the “Biker Build-Off” live. The “Biker Build-Off” is a challenge between two custom workshops from different countries. This year it was a contest between Germany and Switzerland. The mission was building a chopper live on the stage of the trade fair’s main hall within two days. The audience could then vote for the winner. 

A special attraction was Pit Lengner and his legendary gravity slope show – the “Wall of Death”. The smell of motorsport – castor oil and methanol… If you haven’t seen it, you surely missed out on something. Pit is riding the gravity slope in a bowl with walls about three meters high with a home-made 2-stroke pocket bike, a kart and a speedway bike. He has been doing that for more than 30 years, without any insurance or helmet. We have brought you a video of one of the last shows in Germany.

For those who are more into clothes and tattoos than bikes, there was also plenty to see. There were many stands offering everything from leather jackets to underwear, of course always related to the respective subculture. And if this was still not enough for you, you could go and get an ink souvenir under your skin at the stand of “King Kerosin”.

All in all, we have seen a lot and met very interesting exhibitors. The Custombike is an event you shouldn’t miss next year.
 
As usual, you can find all other pictures on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sipscootershop/sets/72157628289148665/