A little while ago, we covered Indian Motorcycles’ “biggest yet” Riders Fest (2023 IRF) – a stunning effort celebrating Indian bikes that saw more than 3000 attendees milling about from 39 different nationalities.
A huge part of the IRF was Indian’s 2023 Budweis Indian Custom Motorcycle Show – a dedicated space for the insane talent of custom bike builders across Europe proper.
Naturally, we were hankering a front-row peek at what everybody came up with, so Indian’s recent press release delivered in spades… per usual.
A view of the trophies won at 2023’s Budweis Custom Motorcycle Show. Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.Apparently, this is the “only custom show to be 100 percent dedicated to Indian Motorcycles,” and it allowed fee-free, ride-in applicants, with but a single stipulation to be eligible:
“If it runs, you’re in!”
The Director of Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle, Ola Stenegärd (Ola ended up not being able to make it, so Gary Gray – VP of Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle – stepped in). Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.6 classes and 32 bikes dressed the stage, scrutinized by industry biggies like Madness Photography owner/founder Onno Wieringa and the Director of Industrial Design for Indian Motorcycle, Ola Stenegärd (Ola ended up not being able to make it, so the Show got a recorded message while Gary Gray – VP of Racing, Technology and Service for Indian Motorcycle – stepped in).
All in all, a fantastically fun time, saturated with eyegasms like the following:
Best in Show
2023 Budweis Indian Custom Motorcycle Show’s Best in Show! Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.“The most outstanding build, combining the best elements from all six classes that stands out as the most exceptional and innovative creation at the Indian Riders Fest 2023.”
First
- (#03) Bike Farm Melle, Germany
Indian Scout
Indian Scout Winner – (#22) Thomas Grewe, Germany. Media sourced from Indian’s press release.“All Scout 1133 cc / liquid-cooled engine-based stock/modified/radical custom bikes.”
First
- (#22) Thomas Grewe, Germany
Second
- (#02) Motomax Indian Metz, France
Third
- (#06) Ondřej Hrůza, Czech Republic
Indian Chief / Non-Fairing
Indian Chief / Non-Fairing Winner – (#01) Motomax Indian Metz, France. Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.“All 111/116 Thunderstroke engine-based stock/modified/radical customs bikes without a fairing.”
First
- (#01) Motomax Indian Metz, France
Second
- (#24) Sebastian Neumann, Germany
Third
- (#13) Lena Nygards, Corzo Choppers Sweden
Indian Bagger
Indian Bagger Winner – (#17) Diregus Ludovic, France. Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.“All Bagger-Style, Touring Bikes with 111/116 Thunderstroke engine or PowerPlus liquid-cooled engine-based stock/modified/radical custom bikes.”
First
- (#17) Diregus Ludovic, France
Second
- (#21) Tino Gutkowski, Germany
Third
- (#20) Petr Kábele, Czech Republic
Indian Vintage
Indian Vintage Winner – (#25) Sebastian Neumann, Germany. Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.“All customized/modified vintage Indian Motorcycle based on an original model built until 1953, symbolizing the proud heritage of Indian Motorcycle.”
First
- (#25) Sebastian Neumann, Germany
Second
- (#18) Hans van Heesch, The Netherlands
Third
- (#31) Henri van Woerkum, The Netherlands
Indian FTR / Sportsbike
Indian FTR / Sportsbike Winner – (#26) Sebastian Neumann, Germany. Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.“All custom bikes with an original Indian Motorcycle engine produced after 2013.”
First
- (#26) Sebastian Neumann, Germany
Second
- (#28) Niklas Duracic, Germany
Third
- (#29) Sebastian Neumann, Germany
Indian Best Killer Look
Indian Best Killer Look Winner & Best in Show Winner – (#03) Bike Farm Melle, Germany. Media sourced from Indian Motorcycles.“The best paint job, surface enhancement like engravings, 3D metal artworks, hydrofoil. Push it further than just a custom airbrush.”
First
- (#03) Bike Farm Melle, Germany
Second
- (#08) Andy Gemballa, Germany
Third
- (#04) Ralf Haselhoff, Germany
All in all, what do you think of the results from 2023’s Budweis Indian Custom Motorcycle Show?