From Risky Vision to Record-Breaking Reality
Klock Werks took a bold risk by building a performance bagger for Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off—a choice that redefined custom motorcycle expectations. Their journey from competition victory to breaking land speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats led to the invention of the iconic Flare® Windshield, proving that passion and innovation can reshape an entire industry.
In the early 2000s, Klock Werks entered the national spotlight through the Discovery Channel's Biker Build-Off series, a defining moment in the custom motorcycle world– and shaped the company’s story and brand.
The Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off put builders head-to-head in a competition, bringing together some of the best custom motorcycle creators and pushing their creativity to the limit under tight deadlines. At the time, it was the first chance for builds to come to life on such a public stage. Today, the custom motorcycle scene is filled with endless possibilities, but back in the early 2000s, Biker Build-Off provided a rare opportunity for trailblazing ideas and original builds to be born and showcased in a new way.
When Brian Klock and the team received the call to compete, they knew they couldn’t take the usual route of building a flashy chopper like many others. Instead, they decided to take a risk that would redefine the custom motorcycle scene: building a performance bagger. At the time, baggers weren’t considered competitive or “cool” in custom competitions, but Brian believed in the potential of blending performance with function in a way no one had ever done before.
With only 10 days to complete their builds, Brian Klock and Jason Hart faced-off in one of the most extreme Biker Build-Offs to-date. Brian pulled out all the stops to create the world’s fastest bagger, while Jason built a fierce Indy chopper. It was a showdown that tested their creativity, craftsmanship, engineering skills, and grit. After days of intense building, the teams gathered at the famed Laconia Motorcycle Rally in New Hampshire for the final reveal and judging. In a moment filled with anticipation, Klock Werks emerged victorious, earning both fan and judge approval through a mix of exceptional design, engineering, and rideability.
Winning the Biker Build-Off was a monumental achievement, but Brian and the team didn’t want success to end there. They saw even greater potential for their custom bagger and set their sights on the Bonneville Salt Flats, where motorcycle racing legends are made.
Taking the custom bagger to Bonneville was a bold decision, driven by a passion for performance and a desire to push boundaries. The team worked tirelessly to prepare the bike for the grueling speed trials. Laura Klock took the controls, determined to see just how fast the bagger could go.
For the first year of racing, the bike ran with a stock windshield. Though the bagger had plenty of power, Laura and the team could feel it hitting an aerodynamic wall at high speeds. The salt racing bug had bitten, and Brian knew they had to fix the airflow problem if they wanted to push the bike further.
Initially, they considered making an enclosed fairing like many racers, creating a streamlined “rocket” look. But while driving down the highway, Brian and the kids began playing with airflow by sticking their hands out the truck window, feeling how the air moved around different shapes. Suddenly, inspiration struck—what if a windshield could have a simple “flip” at the top to deflect air up and over the rider.
This idea sparked the creation of the Flare® Windshield. With relentless testing and fine-tuning, the Klock Werks team developed a design that not only solved the aerodynamic wall but also transformed how wind interacts with the bike, providing greater stability and control at high speeds.
Success came quickly. The bagger shattered expectations, setting multiple land speed records and earning the title “World’s Fastest Bagger” (WFB).
The exposure from Biker Build-Off propelled Klock Werks to a new level of recognition. The success of the show inspired us to develop more groundbreaking parts, including the now-iconic Flare® Windshield, which has since revolutionized air management in the motorcycle industry.
Even years after the show aired, its influence remains significant. It laid the foundation for Klock Werks’ culture of innovation, emphasizing that function-focused design can still be visually stunning. We continue to embody that same passion today, crafting parts that make a real difference for riders.
Reflecting on our time on Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off is more than just reliving a proud moment—it’s recognizing a pivotal chapter in Klock Werks’ journey that continues to inspire everything we create. The story of that iconic build lives on, fueled by passion, driving us to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in motorcycle customization.
