Custom Chrome Europe went MOTOR BIKE EXPO Verona 2024

January 19th - 21st, 2024, Verona/Italy
Italy's top custom fair opens the European season!

Excitement in the custom scene in Europe runs high every January: It's MOTOR BIKE EXPO time – and the 16th edition at Verona Fiere again opened as a showcase for the Italian and European custombike and motorcycle scene. A definite date for the Custom Chrome Europe team, which rolled into Verona in force and with a high-class Ultima "Shovelhead" motor in the package, ready to be given away for the "King of Custom" competition on Saturday. MOTOR BIKE EXPO 2024 did not disappoint in terms of creativity and high-class custom-built motorcycles from builders in Italy and all over Europe, many of which are long-time clients of Custom Chrome Europe – or suppliers of CCE's extensive program, soon to be updated with a brand-new catalogue. 

How high that enthusiasm in customizing in Italy still is, can be seen by the many leaflets and the massive calendar of events which follows MOTOR BIKE EXPO all through the Italian season. The season "opener" in Verona itself features quite a number of contests, special awards and trophies which are given away all through the event, so – as it has become almost inevitable – almost every participant can go home with an award. The character of the three main "custom halls" has remained through the years, but the bike shows have spread out from the shrinking display of Low Ride magazine in hall 1 to the neighboring "Clubstyle" presentation of Punta Bagna and a new "Chopper" bike show area in hall 2, set up by "Eternal City" bike show in Italy's capital Rome. Add Hall 4, now home of official Harley-Davidson, BMW, Royal Enfield and Triumph you have at least two of the three days to walk & talk your way through all of the 100,000 square meters of exhibition space, 700+ exhibitors and the usual variety of exhibits and shopping opportunities that make MBE such a great visit for everybody. 

The Custom Chrome Europe team had quite a number of helpers and partners present at the booth or in the halls, namely Highsider Indicators and Ivan Vukoja of CPR Custom Bikes, who presented his Budapest-premiere bike as well as his latest Bagger creation at the Custom Chrome Europe booth. Many CCE partners, BSL for example, passed by to meet the present CCE staff, spearheaded by Purchasing Manager Guenther Mueller. Last year´s special guest – Ice House Customs John Huber of Castione / Switzerland/Tessin origin – creating American lifestyle for Switzerland was present nearby in Hall 2. His Clubstyle Twin Cam won him "Best Naked" in the Clubstyle contest 2024. And who was looking for long-time CCE partner Fred Kodlin could just step around the corner to meet the Borken-based master builder and his team. 

Friday's event then was occupied by numerous bike premieres, including Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde's new Race-Bagger – in presence of CCE staff member, as Custom Chrome Europe is exclusive distributor for the brand in Italy. Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde sound-tested its exhaust systems all weekend outside Hall 1. 

Saturday starts head-on into the competition circuit, as the "King of Custom", formerly "King of Verona" has to be crowned and no less than 27 (!) "magazine" and "special awards" are waiting to be given away at noon. All happens on MBE's "Main Stage" in hall 2 – and both ceremonies take considerable time. While magazine and special awards are handed out to the builders or owners. The "top ten"– as selected by MBE staff – are first lined up on the limited room in front of the main stage, then presented one by one on stage while the "all-US" jury featuring Michael Lichter, Bobby Seeger, Jeff Holt and Cary Brobeck have time to ask the builders for details of their bikes. As in previous years, it certainly was next to impossible to pick a Top 10 selection from the incredible number of new bikes exhibited. The judges did a great job and did crown Geneva/Switzerland based Stephane Grand of "T4" with the prestigious award – and the "Ultima Shovelhead" motor handed over by Custom Chrome Europe marketing manager Axel Scherer.

Many CCE partners, international and Italian customizers presented outstanding new bikes, of which we have selected just a few examples. The 2024 season has started – and here we go again!