THE BUDGET BIKER BUILD-OFF '26

BUDGET BIKER BUILD-OFF 2026 – OFFICIAL RULES

CATEGORIES

1. Budget Build

2. Built From Scratch

All bikes must start, steer, stop, and move under their own power.

Lights are only needed if the bike’s meant for road use.

Paperwork or MOTs aren’t required, but builds should be put together safely and show decent engineering.

Build Log

• Keep a proper build log — photos, receipts, and short clips if you can.

• At least one update a month.

• Miss more than three updates or can’t prove the build’s yours = disqualified.

• If you join late, show clear proof of earlier progress.

Ownership & Sourcing

• No sponsorships, freebies, or mates’ rates — everything must be paid for.

• You can reuse parts you already own, but price them fairly based on real used listings.

• Organisers can question valuations or reject anything that doesn’t add up.

Budgets

• Oils, fluids, filters, welding consumables, gaskets, fasteners, tyres, brake pads, chains, bulbs, plugs, cables, and bearings don’t count toward your spend.

• Small overspends (up to £50) can slide if it’s genuine and minor.

Safety

• Bikes need to be safe for display and, if ridden, checked for basic function by event staff.

• If something’s sketchy, it might be displayed static only.

Entrant Access

• Each accepted entry includes two full-access weekend passes to KKBO 2026 (builder + one guest).

• Extra passes available at normal rates.

Deadline

• All bikes must be finished and display-ready by the competition deadline

Budget Build

• Spend up to £1,000 on the donor bike.

• Provide proof of cost (receipt, message trail, or screenshot).

• To stop undervaluing, a £2,000 market-value cap applies, based on three live listings (eBay, Marketplace, AutoTrader).

• Spend up to £500 on modifications (excluding the listed exceptions).

• Frame and engine must stay matched as bought — no full swaps.

• Goal: take something affordable and turn it into a head-turner.

Built From Scratch (£1,000 max total spend)

• Build a full bike using mainly recycled, salvaged, or hand-made parts.

• £1,000 total cap for everything — frame, engine, wheels, paint, and materials.

• At least 80% of the build (by cost or part count) should be reused or fabricated.

• Keep a breakdown showing what came from where.

• Goal: build a working bike from the ground up using skill and imagination, not cash.

JUDGING & VOTING

Two prizes will be awarded:

PUBLIC CHOICE - DECIDED ENTIRELY BY CROWD VOTE

JUDGES CHOICE - CHOSEN BY THREE INDEPENDANT JUDGES FROM WITHIN THE CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE INDUSRTY

• Judges will look at:

• Creativity

• Craftsmanship

• Execution

• Overall impact

• Ties or disputes decided by the judges and event organisers.

• Judges’ decisions are final. .

DISQUALIFICATION

• Missing or incomplete build log.

• Proven sponsorships, freebies, or dodgy cost claims.

• Unsafe bikes that can’t be displayed.

• Behaviour that breaks fair play or event conduct.