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Coming to what I call The Dutch Main Event is always fun and exciting as both the Big Twin Expo and Zodiac Dealer Show are the perfect example of the custom bike lifestyle, and last month’s show was no exception. A double-action event with a great audience, it serves as a showcase for sometimes amounts to years’ worth of work for the benefit of custom bike building in the Benelux States (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg) plus the neighboring German states. Dutch custom bike magazine Big Twin has organized the former “Motorsale” for almost two decades, 2010 marking the 19th anniversary of the show. In 2009 the show expanded into a bigger format, and it was even better this year. Spectacular custom built beauties from all over Europe, along with down-to-earth ridable Dutch and Benelux Old and New School iron, Cafè Racers, antique tributes, and real antique rarities. And it’s not always Harley-Davidson that make it to the top. Here you can see them all. The Big Twin Show is always full of surprises.

With one exception, the Best of Show bike, all the bikes rolled onto the stage under their own power. The winner, a radical Yamaha XS 650 chopper creation from England, gave up only after a hot five hour struggle to ride the bike on stage: He had the beast firing up several times but unfortunately not at the trophy ceremony. Sickboy Customs created the unique XS 650 which is street-legal in the UK and scored high with another New School type bobber. This won him a 3.750€ Voucher for Zodiac Parts and the 5.000€ ticket to the World Championship of Custom Bike Building at Sturgis 2011, of which the Big Twin Expo is the Dutch affiliate event.

Netherlands-based custom parts distributor Zodiac also held their annual Dealer Show with 30 exhibitors and new items at the same location, opening the doors to the public in the afternoon and allowing the public to interact with representatives and specialists from all over the world. Zodiac sponsored the bike show as a well as the new, fresh (and with a rousing response from audience and participants) Master Technician 2010 Contest for which no less than 18 competitors applied. Organizers were Innovam Tweewieler Accademy, Barselaar Auto & Motortechniek, Zodiac, and support by Big Twin Magazine. Competitors had to pass four station challenges, such as changing the pistons on a twin cam, changing a bagger pulley cover, setting up a complete electrical circuit, and adjusting the ignition timing on a Sportster. They had 30 minutes to perform each task.

Of course the traditional swapmeet floor, vendors, distributors, Dutch customizers and the biker party with live music and strip shows made up for a very short weekend. This year, visitors interest was way up, compared to the previous two decining years. Althought the weather was not enviable, many visitors arrived on two wheels. I’d say Big Twin Expo is back on track.