Metz vs. Link (sp?) was without a doubt, the worst episode of build-off ever. It's also the first episode I couldn't watch all the way through. I did a lot of fast forwarding, and eventually just gave up on it.
The two builders were complete nerds and did almost nothing to the structure of the bike. Metz at least made a few mods that he explained helped him in his sport, but other than that, everything was simply custom paint, powder, etc. To call that a build-off was a farse.
There was almost no fabrication whatsoever. Link's team did a custom gas tank to recess it into the frame, and a few covers, that was about it. In the end, they still basically looked like every motorcross bike I've ever seen, but with custom paint.
Of course that's exactly why dirt bikes shouldn't be on this show. The show became successful because people wanted to see something different and entertaining, as well as visually appealing. Modifying a dirt bike creates a risk to the riders life, and thus is extremely limited. Boring.
Also, this show wasn't even on the schedule here on Discovery's web page, so where did it come from? Does this mean we won't see the female build or was it pushed back?
And that stupid intro with Hugh was absolutely stupid. Quit trying to be cool, Hugh. You are not.
You are not a chopper king. You couldn't build a chopper if you had the whole team of build-off builders pointing out to you what to do. So quit calling yourself something you're not. I doubt you ever owned a bike before the build-off team gave you one.
You're an old man I don't want to see on t.v. You're not entertaining in the least.
The best thing you did with your life was produce these shows that give builders a chance to showcase their talent, and promote the industry.
I don't care what anyone says about OCC, or labels, or all the other negative stuff I hear about these shows, the fact that they bring more publicity, provide more variety, provide more suppliers in general is a good thing.
For that Hugh, I applaud you. For that, I think you've done a good thing. But quit the b*llsh*t and quit trying to be something you're not.
WOW MATHIUS21, YOU SURE ARE JEALOUS! HUGH IS THE PRODUCER, SO I GUESS HE CAN DO WHATEVER HE WANTS. IF YOU DON'T LIKE HIM OR THE SHOW, THEN MAYBEE YOU SHOULD JUST TURN IT OFF. AND THE MX BIKE DROP OFF INTRO? THAT WAS FREAKIN GREAT! I LAUGHED OUTLOUD FOR 5MINS! KEEP UP THE MX SHOWS AND ANY OTHER THING DIFFERENT! -BIGDOG500
Evidently you didn't read or understand a thing I said. I said I _like_ the show. It's good for the industries (yes, plural. Bike builders, painters, chromers, seat builders, etc.). I've kept every episode saved on my DVR cable box (except Metz vs. Link).
But Hugh's antics are not entertaining t.v. and I tire of him trying to act like something he is not.
Am I jealous? I wouldn't say I was jealous. Sure like most people I wish I could afford a better life. But if I had his money, that wouldn't be enough for me to parade myself in front of a camera and start claiming things I have no part of.
You think being the producer lets him do whatever he wants? You're wrong. Without viewers he has no power at all, and he loses money.
And no, I don't think the show is in danger of losing it's audience as it is now. But I guarantee you. Listen carefully. _If_ he continues to parade himself in front of the camera and put out bad episodes like that bmx bicycle build farse I watched the other night, he _will_ lose his audience.
Because that episode deviated from everything that makes the show a success. And that's not to mention the nonsense that went on during the Exile vs. Lane episode, where Russ refused the trophy and they editted it out.
Do you even read motorcycle publications? I'm not the only one outraged by Hugh's rediculous claim. The "real" builder's who do this stuff for a living think it's just as rediculous. Pickup a Street Chopper magazine and read a "busted knuckles" column once in a while.
If they want to try different, they should try a metric build, or a bagger, or put the girl builder episode that was supposed to air on.
They might as well have just brought on Mike Lavalle (sp?) and had him airbrush real flames on the bikes.
At least they would have had better ratings, because that's all those people really did, was paint their bikes and make a few mods anyone can do in their backyard.
Not to mention their personalities were not entertaining at all. This is television. It's the entertainment industry.
And turn your caps lock off. Don't you know that's considered yelling? What do you have to yell about?
That was the worst. I joined just so I could complain about this episode. I used to race motocross professionally, but the moment I saw what the episode was about I was tempted just to erase it from TiVo. I watched it in hopes that it would get better, but it never did. Not to forget the builders, their dialog was a great indication of their mentality. Stick to choppers. Isn't this the reason focus groups are created?
I really do like the BBO series and have watched it since it started. Some of the bikes I like and some I don't, but I love to see what different builders are doing out there. I personaly think that this season has gotten off to a bad start. Russ is forced to ride with a broken foot and Billy rides with a leaking gas tank and not allowed to make the proper repairs. I understand the new rules say you must carry with you anything you need to fix it on the ride. Thats fine, but to put peoples lives on the line like that? What about the other drivers that were on the road that day? Then in the second show the guy breaks a exhaust pipe bracket and is allowed to go to a repair shop to fix it. WHAT ABOUT THE RULES! I guess the loose pipe is more dangerous than gasoline leaking all over the rider. The dirt bikes did nothing for me. If Mr. King wants to do a whole new show on off-road machines thats fine. Just keep BBO true to what makes it great, showcasing some of the finest custom street bikes out there. If you need to shake things-up,how about bringing in more of the lesser known builders and their shops. I love to see what the different builders are doing and not just the same ones over and over. This is just how I as one fan feels. Still love the show, just hope this season gets better as it goes. Thanks.
Thanks for pointing out the caps issue to Bigdog. In the past, I've posted several times to people who commonly use that style and most don't have a clue that it's poor computer etiquette. I've never wanted to act like the site police, because it's just extremely tiring to hold that position, so if you'd like to take it on, I'd glady welcome your help. Another common practice is people who join here on any given day, then proceed to post the same message consecutively (I've seen as many as six times total) in different discussion threads within a 20 minute period,... usually promoting their own shop, or a relative, friend, etc. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, I think that's very discourteous to most other members here.
Concerning the points you've made, I'll leave the discussion up to someone that watched the show,... I didn't due to the content. Excluding a couple examples of unecessary name calling, I admire your style in that you're direct and up front about what you have to say. I attempt to be the same way, maybe just a little more diplomatic, but invariably someone reads my post that lacks good English comprehension, then jumps to conclusions and distorts the meaning to serve their side of an argument. Anyone with good common sense should at least ask someone to clarify their comments prior to making assumptions. I hope you have tons of energy to defend your viewpoints, because if you're looking for educated discussions and meaningful rebuttles of differing opinions, it doesn't happen here very often.
The same can be said for almost any message board on the internet these days. There are a few places where people get along and have open minds, but for the most part, people aren't willing to accept that arguing isn't always a bad thing, if it's done in a sensible debate. Also, there are too many people these days who, if you don't agree with them or their points, become offended at what you have to say, especially if you have reason to tell them straight out that they are wrong.
I simply say what I have to say, I re-read it a few times to make sure I haven't said anything blatantly offensive, or used any language that might offend, and I leave it at that. There's too many people on the internet these days to please everyone, and no matter what anyone's intentions, they sometimes miss the mark.
It's simply too hard to express yourself fully with mere words, and people just don't seem to have patience and open-mindedness these days.
My buddies and I can debate things all day long, and we might not agree, and we might think we have a better way, but I can't think of us ever having a fight.
But I'm getting off subject.
It just seems to me that Hugh has had so much success with his shows, that he's just willing to go off and do anything these days, without thinking about what made the show a success in the first place.
Thousands of people admired Indian Larry, and thousands more when they finally saw him on t.v. building bikes, some people for the first time. Even if you don't care for his style, you can't help but admire someone who's got such passion for what he's doing, and has been doing it as long as he has. To see him die, and during the making of the show, and then to allow an underaged kid in the first show of this season just stand up on the bike and start doing tricks, that isn't something you want to promote. The last thing we need to see is teenagers doing unprotected stunts.
He needs to go back to focusing on what made the shows a success, and that was the different personalities, the variety of styles available, and the love of the industry. No more of this made for t.v. drama nonsense. If he wants to do that, he needs to start producing for WWE or something.
To me this latest build that I have such a problem with, was a failure before it ever hit t.v. Maybe Hugh didn't know that the personalities of Metz and Link would be such a turnoff to the viewers, but he should have foreseen that there is only so much you can do to a dirtbike, and also, that it goes way beyond to scope of what the show is originally about.
To claim (in my opinion without basis, but I've said that already) that he is the "Chopper King" and then create a show that doesn't have choppers in it, is an oxymoron.
You can open any motorcycle publication and find a ton of different stories about different shops, and stories behind bikes, and you can find lots of builders that have been in several magazines, and won many awards. It's not hard to find candidates for this show.
One of the best builds, in my opinion, was the Detroit Brother's offering, and they had a little shop they had thrown together, without the latest tools, and their dad doing the paint. That, to me, is just awesome. Their bike looked great, and they had to do things like use a swap meet tank, a pipe bender to bend tubing, and use parts from bmx bikes.
To me that's what the show is about. Building unique creations. Not about how much money or drama there is in every build. One of the best things about Billy Lane, and undoubtably why he is so popular, is none of his bikes look the same.
The reason Exile lost 5 times (Billy did win the popular vote on the last show, even though it was editted out, and he was disqualified for his tank) is because they build nearly the same bike every time. A stripped down, black bike.
Here's something really sad to add. According to the build-off schedule, and I've mentioned this before, we were supposed to see Gypsy Charro vs. Kim Suter. (http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/bike/episode/episode.html)
For whatever reason, they aired this bmx farce instead, but the results of the Charro vs. Suter build have already been posted on the net, along with the bikes they built, on the Accurate Engineering website.
So if the show ever does air, the ending has already been spoiled, at least for me.
I went through the logon/password process just so I could get posted for this episode. I have every BBO episode burned to DVD and love what the show has done for motorcycles and riding. The season has not started off well; but then again, the last season did not either. This Motocross episode was uncalled for. It reminded me of the "Tarrence and Philip Show" episode of "South Park"... if any one knows what I am talking about. I can not believe we waited this long for the new season and had to put up with that. Keep with what works and get some more new shops competeing against eachother. Those are the guys that will kill for the face time, not those two squirels that made "custom bikes" by putting crappy paint jobs on some "dirt bikes".
Don't y'all get your chaps in a wad over this show.
As someone who was involved in its production (and other BBOs) I'd like to point a few things out:
1. These were choppers in the real sense, in that they were stock machines that were then modified. This is what "chopper" means. To pick an obvious example, OCC has never made a chopper - they make custom bikes. 2. These guys rode the snot out of their "choppers." When Linkogle rode in a desert sandstorm, it was hardcore, man . . . the helicopter was supposed to fly that day but they said NO WAY.
Most custom bikes are made to barhop and pose on. There are obvious exceptions, like Larry and Kendall. But give the MXers points for FLYING on their bikes and CRASHING, for chrissake.
3. Civilization is not coming to a halt because BBO featured dirtbikes. There's plenty of traditional custom building coming your way, including Gypsy Charros, and how about Hotch and Goldhammer?
Free your mind. There's so much more to motorcycling (and building) than V-Twins. The way I see it, Hugh risked doing something different . . . and maybe that's why he's the CK.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: kim g,
Ok, first off, let me apologize about the 'CAPS' thing. I did'nt realize I was yelling. That is however, the only thing I will apologize for. I stand by my opinion that the show was a good show. I understand why you true blue chopper guys out there don't like it, because it steers too far from what your used to, but it is diversity, and many veiwers are looking for that. I've read numerous comments about how they are tired of seeing the same old thing, over and over. You don't think there is an audience for those type of bikes? Off road motorcylces are more popular than ever, and yes, they are motorcyles, not 'bycicle motorcross' as you put it several times. I loved to watch Indian Larry too, don't get me wrong, he was the essesnce of true custom bike building, and it was terrible to see him go, however, don't you understand that the mx guys, mike metzger in particular is the 'Indian Larry' of his generation and his genre? I will grant you the phrases that emit from his piehole are not Harvard material, but who has been on this series? This series has promoted antics and party mantras from the beggining, so I don't see why so many can't stand this mx show. I think the cruiser bikers just can't stand to see something different, or a different generation of motorcycle enthusiasts which they don't understand. And to say they just 'do a few tricks?' Common, you have to realize that it is a sport, that takes tremendous commitment and personal sacrafice. The fact that Metzger makes it look easy is a testament to his skill that he has crafted over the last 25years. How many street bikers were riding at age 5 and at age 30 have won as many events and titles that he has? Give the guy a break, he is a living legend in his field. I don't think I want to see him built up to the status that Indian Larry was, because Larry deserved it, but you guys are just so narrow minded it seems. I enjoyed the MX show, and I know there are others out there who did. I like them all, some are better than others, for example, the Russ Mitchel shows are always entertaining if nothing else, while shows like the Eddie Trotta ones leave much to be desired. I do all my own work on my bikes, from maintenance to full rebuilds, so I can appreciate and respect the leval of skill and work that go into a custom cruiser, but you have to realize, they could not change up these MX bikes too much from thier original design due to the fact that they are performing extreme actions with them. A cruiser you can do just about anything to as long as it runs down the road straight and true. Don't hate on the MX bikes just becuase they're different than your used to. -Piece out. -BigDog500
Man, where have you two been for the last year or two? I commend both of you on your candor and attitudes. Sorry if I seem somewhat "blown away", I'm simply surprised that you can have a difference in opinion and discuss it in a civil manner,... nice change from some of my experiences here. By all means keep it up, I'm enjoying reading input from others for a change.
Bigdog500, I really think you're missing the major issues people had with the show. First off, you're right, a lot of the guys on the show probably aren't all that entertaining. But who do you think is responsible for that? The editor. No one enjoyed listening to Metz and Link just spew sixth grade insults at each other. It was just stupid.
They could have cut down the commentary on the cutting room floor, and that would have made a major difference in presentation to begin with.
Then there was all the added drama nonsense that Hugh King continues to add in his quest to turn Biker Build-Off into the WWE. The intro where the "chopper king" tells them to build not-choppers.
The two different shots of Metz driving his bike into his living room. Wow, let me try that. It would be great to see how many things in my house I could break, or if I could hurt myself or damage the bike. But it's ok, because people never emulate what they see on t.v. Not ever. (That's heavy sarcasm in case anyone missed that)
And the number one issue I think that everyone had with the show is that the amount of modifications made to either bike were basically non-existant compared to any other build on the program.
This show is about making something extremely cool in metal, and then polishing it off in the paint booth.
These two builders tried to do it backwards. They did very little fabrication, and tried to flash up their bikes with paint.
It's the equivalent of teenagers these days sticking a bodykit, rims, and custom paint on a Ford Focus and thinking they have a race car.
When I said Metz did a few "tricks" I wasn't referring to his motocross show. I was referring to his extending his foot pegs, shaving his seat, and the other little "tricks" he's learned to do in modding his bike.
Yeah, they're great if you're a dirt bike guy. But the show is about building bikes. Not about doing tricks on them. If you want to see tricks, go watch the X-Games.
Well, i can appreciate your reply, and i agree with the points that the trash talk was a bit excessive, but the fact still remains that dirt bikes are motorcycles and i see nothing wrong with featuring them on biker build off. yes, there should have, could have, been more hands on mods. they could have done thier own engine work, porting, polishing, stroked it, ect, and i think i see what your saying, most people want to see a scratch build or total ground up rebuild, but the fact remains that they really could'nt alter the frames, or swingarms, or suspension in any way due to the stunts required. Maybee this should be an offshoot show, an off road build off or something? i think there is an audience for it. if it is done right. i think i get you now though, your saying 'less talk, more build?' i would agree, but remember, there has always been trash talk and antics on BBO from day one. -BigDog500.
Mathius21, to your orginal post, you are correctamuuundo! I'm looking forward to when I can post some positive comments because of the fact there was real building taking place and it was so cool I couldn't wait to talk to someone else that had seen it! AAAHHHHHHH hopefully next week! Til then, poop on MX,yuk!
Hugh can do what ever the hell he wants as far as I'm concerned. The show is pure genius.Though I will say that was the first episode I turned off.I would prefer if biker build off stuck to bikers. I like the machines and more than that the colorful characters.
see, this is what i'm talking about, we finally begin to come to an agreement on common ground amongst cruisers and mx, and other forms of motorcycle sports, and then, someone as narrow minded and pee brained as soreazz comes along and ruins it. mathius21 and i have been having an interesting, albiet heated at times, debate, and then you have to come on here and say 'poop on mx'? thats really intelligent. you no different than the juvinille antics of metz and link that everyone has been complaining about. grow up. -BigDog500
"i think i see what your saying, most people want to see a scratch build or total ground up rebuild, but the fact remains that they really could'nt alter the frames, or swingarms, or suspension in any way due to the stunts required."
That is my whole point in a nutshell. Hugh should have foreseen that you can't really modify these bikes, and therefore they are automatically less than everything that has been built on biker-build off before this.
Your suggestion about an offroad show might be a good one. I'm not really into offroad bikes (although I'll probably buy/build one to ride on my own) at least insofar as watching them, but if there's a demand for it, why not?
