A Defining Moment in Custom Motorcycle History
In the early 2000s, the custom motorcycle world was dominated by long-rake choppers and highly stylized builds that often prioritized appearance over rideability. When Brian Klock and the Klock Werks team were invited to compete on Biker Build-Off, they recognized an opportunity to take a different approach.
Rather than follow the prevailing trend, they focused on a concept that was largely overlooked at the time: the performance bagger.
Baggers were typically viewed as practical touring machines, not platforms for high-performance design. Brian saw the potential to change that. His goal was to build a motorcycle that delivered on all fronts: style, performance, and real-world function.
The 10-Day Showdown at Laconia
The Biker Build-Off format was as demanding as it was visible. Teams were given just 10 days to design and build a complete custom motorcycle from the ground up. Brian Klock and Jason Hart faced-off in one of the most extreme Biker Build-Offs to-date. took on the challenge, ultimately unveiling their bike at the Laconia Motorcycle Rally in New Hampshire for the final reveal and judging.
While their competitor built a more traditional chopper, the Klock Werks team stayed committed to their roots and performance-driven vision. The result was a bagger engineered not just to stand out visually, but to perform on the road.
When the public cast their votes, Klock Werks took the win. 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. More importantly, the build signaled a shift in how riders, and the industry, viewed baggers.
From the Stage to the Salt Flats
Winning the build-off established the concept. Proving it required a harsher environment.
The team took their performance bagger to the Bonneville Salt Flats, a proving ground known for pushing machines to their limits. The goal was simple: understand what the bike could truly do at speed.
Piloted by Laura Klock, the bike, later known as the “World’s Fastest Bagger,” quickly revealed a critical issue. 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.
To move forward, the team needed to rethink how air interacted with the motorcycle.
The Invention of the Flare® Windshield
The breakthrough came from a simple observation. While driving, Brian and his children experimented with airflow by moving their hands through the air outside a vehicle window. Small changes in shape and angle produced noticeable differences in how the wind moved. That concept translated directly to the windshield design.
By adding “hips” to the outer edges, the windshield could redirect air outward and create downforce on the front of the bike. By incorporating a “flip” at the top, airflow could be guided up and over the rider, reducing turbulence and helmet buffeting.
When tested again at Bonneville, the difference was immediate. The redesigned windshield improved stability and allowed the team to push further, ultimately contributing to multiple land speed records. What began as a workaround became a defining innovation.
Engineering That Carries Forward
Today, the Flare® Windshield remains a cornerstone of Klock Werks’ product lineup. Each windshield is manufactured using durable materials like polycarbonate, chosen for its strength and clarity under demanding conditions.
Development continues in Mitchell, South Dakota, where products are designed specifically for platforms like Harley-Davidson Road Glide, Harley-Davidson Street Glide, and Indian Challenger. The focus remains consistent: create model-specific solutions that enhance both performance and rider experience.
This same approach extends across product categories, from air management to mounting systems, with each design rooted in real-world testing.
A Lasting Impact on the Industry
The 2006 Biker Build-Off marked more than a win—it marked a shift in direction.
By proving that a bagger could perform at a high level, Klock Werks helped redefine expectations for touring motorcycles. The lessons learned from that build, and the testing that followed at Bonneville, continue to influence how products are designed today.
For riders, the impact is straightforward. Improved stability. Reduced fatigue. A better experience at speed.
What started as a competition build became something much bigger: a new standard for how a motorcycle should feel on the road.
People Also Ask (FAQ)
What year did Klock Werks win the Biker Build-Off?
Klock Werks won the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off in 2006. The build introduced a performance-focused bagger concept that helped shift industry perception and led to the development of the Flare® Windshield.
How does the Flare® Windshield create downforce?
The Flare® uses outward “hips” along the sides to redirect airflow and create downward pressure on the front of the motorcycle. This improves stability, especially at highway speeds.
Who rode the World’s Fastest Bagger?
Laura Klock piloted the World’s Fastest Bagger during testing at the Bonneville Salt Flats, contributing to multiple land speed records.
What is the Flare® Windshield made from?
Flare® Windshields are made from high-quality materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic, selected for durability, clarity, color, and performance in demanding riding conditions.
Does Klock Werks still build custom motorcycles?
Yes. In addition to manufacturing aftermarket parts, Klock Werks continues to build custom motorcycles and collaborate on limited-edition projects with major manufacturers.
