SEMA BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS BIKE BUILDER SHOOTOUT CROWNS INAUGURAL CHAMPION
-- Steven Iacona and his custom Harley-Davidson Knucklehead earn top honors in first-ever motorcycle builder competition at the SEMA Show --
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 6, 2026) – The inaugural SEMA Battle of the Builders: Bike Builder Shootout presented by Mothers has crowned Steven Iacona as its first-ever champion, recognizing his exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation in custom motorcycle building. Iacona earned the honor with a custom Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, which rose to the top of a competitive field of builders from across the country.
"It's amazing. I've never been to the SEMA Show before, but it's always been something I've wanted to experience," said Iacona, owner of Iacona Custom Cycles in Brooklyn, N.Y. "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 competition was evaluated by a panel of respected motorcycle industry experts, including Zach Ness of Arlen Ness Motorcycles, Jeff Holt of V-Twin Visionary, and Pat Patterson of Led Sled Customs. Judges reviewed entries based on craftsmanship, design innovation, and overall execution before selecting finalists and naming Iacona the overall champion.
“I began with a 1945 Knucklehead engine that we had, and I just needed to find the right customer that would let me do what I wanted with it,” said Iacona. “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.”
The addition of the motorcycle category reflects SEMA's ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities across the specialty-equipment industry and strengthening the powersports presence at the SEMA Show. The new competition recognizes the builders who continue to push innovation, craftsmanship, and creativity forward within motorcycle customization.
"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."
The Bike Builder Shootout was introduced in 2026 as an expansion of the renowned SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, creating a dedicated platform for motorcycle builders to showcase their work on the industry's biggest stage. The new category celebrates the artistry, engineering, and passion driving motorcycle customization while bringing motorcycle builders into one of the aftermarket industry's most prestigious builder competitions.
For more information about SEMA Battle of the Builders, visit www.semabotb.com.
Bike Builder Shootout Finalists
• Winner: Steven Iacona — Harley-Davidson Knucklehead
• 2nd Place: Robert Zeolla — Indian In-Line 4
• 3rd Place: James Crosby — Harley-Davidson Pan Head
About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The SEMA Show is a trade show produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a nonprofit trade association founded in 1963. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has served as the leading venue bringing together manufacturers and buyers within the automotive specialty equipment industry. Products featured at the SEMA Show include those that enhance the styling, functionality, comfort, convenience and safety of cars, trucks, side-by-sides, and two-wheel vehicles. Additional details are available at www.semashow.com or www.sema.org, 909/396-0289.
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