The One Moto Show started off as a small exhibit of highly creative and stunning custom motorcycles in a rustic building located on a back street in North Portland, Oregon. At that time, only a few motorcycle enthusiasts were familiar with this display of ingeniously customized two-wheelers. Fast-forward to fifteen years later and the same motorcycle display has evolved into the best West Coast motorcycle show.
Zidell Yards, Portland, Oregon on the South Waterfront
Now, the One Moto Show has expanded into a spectacularly versatile spectacle that has been organized every year, for the last four years, in one of South Portland’s most magnificent locations - Zidell Yards Barge Building.
This old building perfectly matches the spirit and background of The One Moto Show because it started off in an old edifice. Moreover, the organizers deliberately perpetuate the gritty and greasy appearance of the building because it imparts a unique character to the displayed motorcycles and the overall experience. This year, hundreds of custom-made two-wheelers of different categories were tastefully presented.
The show was a success as thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts attended the exhibition, admiring the motorcycle art and drawing inspiration for their dream custom motorcycle. Motorcycles from almost all popular motorcycle manufacturing companies, including Harley Davidson , Honda , BMW , Triumph , Indian , and Kawasaki , Royal Enfield, MV Agusta, were put on display. Moreover, vintage motorcycles, custom choppers, vintage cars, stunt shows by Seattle Cossacks, boutique coffee, and upbeat music also added to the surreal environment.
The famous Pacific Northwest motorcycle festival unraveled in all its glory in the massive unsheltered open warehouse year. In 2024, Thor Drake and his team made an appearance at the show in collaboration with the Flat Track Friday team from Milwaukee.
Together, they have organized a string of races at a different venue conjointly with The One Moto Show. Just like in the past years, this event was also extremely appealing to the spectators as it filled their weekend with endless options of entertainment, eccentrically modified and decorated two-wheelers of every type, stunning art, lively music, spine-chilling motorcycle maneuvers, and all things in between.
According to the attendees of the event, The One Moto Show has created a unique platform that celebrates and promotes the global motorcycle culture. Whether you are a fan of all-American build, prefer German motorcycle technology, or like the distinct styling of Japanese motorcycles, at The One Moto Show, you will find all and more under one umbrella.
In this grand celebration of the biker culture and custom motorcycles, smaller exhibits were also displayed, such as the annual 21 Helmets Show. Similar to previous years, the 21 Helmet Show had its fixed placement in the event’s weekend schedule. This year’s Helmet Show was based on a creative and colorful welding helmet theme.
In addition, a Direct Current Show was organized featuring the hyped electric motorcycles. Different riders provided demonstrations aboard Ryvid, Triumph, and Indian motorcycles. Vendors were arranged so attendees could take a piece of the event with them in the form of colorful flash tattoos, which were available in a wide range of designs, themes, and styles.
Happy with the overwhelming response this year’s The One Moto Show received, the organizers shared their thoughts about the event:
“In 2010, we hosted the very first The One Motorcycle Show in an old abandoned warehouse. Since then, each year, we have crafted an event to celebrate the weird, rare, and unconventional bikes that we all love in a way that everyone can enjoy. We started with no idea how we’d pull this off, let alone what might happen afterward. It is hard to believe how this has all come together!”
The amount of love and success The One Motorcycle Show has amassed as an official motorcycle event in just four years is astounding. This year, a three-day format was adopted for the show to allow more riders to experience this amazing event. In addition to promoting motorcycle art and encouraging riders to experiment and embrace their unique style in terms of customization, The One Motorcycle Show has also had a positive impact on local businesses in the Pacific Northwest. From Leathermen to Icon Motorsports and Danner Boots, these brands have gained more recognition in the last few years, thanks to this show.
Honda Z50s - Ride Slow and Die Whenever Trophy Winner
In an attempt to uphold the tradition of the Best West Coast Motorcycle Show, Drake presented trophies to the proud winners of The One Show.
These custom-made ax-shaped trophies were justly awarded to the most deserving custom motorcycles. Mike Fitzpatrick and his team bagged the Ride Slow and Die Whenever award for his vintage Honda Z50s.
On the other hand, the This is a Bad Idea trophy was awarded to Al Hackel’s custom bike. He had built this motorcycle from the ground up, using a cast-off cylinder from a helicopter motor to power the bike. While accepting the award, Al-Hackel told Thor Drake, “I originally wanted a Knucklehead (engine), but they were too expensive.”
Here is what’s reported by the most well-reputed magazines and reviewers/critics:
“A beacon of motorcycle culture attracting people from all walks of two-wheeled life.”
“Weird and Wonderful… we left struck with the custom-bike bug.”
“Portland’s unique ‘One Moto’ is everyone’s motorcycle show”
“Hands down the best show on any planet”
“My favorite show.”
“Cooler than ever!”
Inspired by the 1981 Sportster model, Koh Sakaguchi’s custom-made motorcycle was displayed at the front of the venue.
Koh Sakaguchi also displayed another rare motorcycle conjointly with Suicide Customs Inc. The exhibit was named Harman Bike and was brought specially from Japan for the show.
Keith Young’s Honda CB550, called the Holy Bike, attracted the most number of spectators during the show.
Morto Olson unraveled another beauty this year, a custom-made motorcycle inspired by a 1949 Intrepid.
Winston Yeh of Rough Crafts restyled the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 and the result was the awe-inspiring Midas Royale.
Being a sponsor of the show, Royal Enfield also flexed its stunning array of custom motorcycles in its designated space. Based on the brand’s 650 platform, the spectacular ‘Kamala,’ which was created by Cristian Sosa, received the most love from the spectators.
Any motorcycle show is incomplete without a classic Harley Davidson model. This year’s The One Motorcycle Show displayed the most-loved Harley Dyna 2003 model in a rare custom guise.
2024 The One Motorcycle Show Sponsors
For the year 2024, there is a long list of The One Motorcycle Show Sponsors.
- Progressive
- Harley Davidson
- Indian
- Gas-Gas
- Royal Enfield
- J&P Cycles
- Flat Out Friday
- Travel Portland
- Coast®
- Lincoln Design
- Ryvid
- Cayman Jack
- Leatherman and others
For more information about the 2024 The One Moto Show, be sure to visit the show’s official website at The1Moto.com. Also, follow the show on different social media platforms, including The1Moto and TheOneMotorcycleShow.
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