When the promoters of Portland’s The One Motorcycle Show announced an additional event in Las Vegas, I was excited—until I saw the dates. The show was scheduled for the Friday and Saturday before the Chopper Fest in Ventura, California. Instead of choosing between the two, I decided to attend The One Motorcycle Show, then drive five hours from Vegas to Ventura on Sunday to catch the Chopper Fest.
Naturally, attending both shows in the same weekend meant I’d end up comparing them. Both events tout their custom bikes, music, art, venues, and culture, so that’s how the battle lines were drawn.
THE BIKES The Chopper Fest had ten times more bikes on display than The One Show. Still, quantity doesn’t automatically win this category. The Fest’s large turnout sticks to the show’s chopper niche and appeals mostly to die-hard chopper fans. This strategy has worked well for them; in their 21st year, the place was packed. I assume it was close to a record crowd.
The One Motorcycle Show, though smaller in bike count, was more diverse and inclusive. There were flat trackers next to choppers next to cafe bikes next to bikes that couldn’t be categorized. The bikes on display appealed to a broader cross section of motorcycle fans. The promoter even provides small white display stages for the bikes entered. Overall, the One Motorcycle Show offers a better presentation and is way more interesting.
MOTO 1 (no pun intended): THE ONE MOTORCYCLE SHOW
THE MUSIC Let’s be real: no one goes to motorcycle shows for the live music. And even fewer attend to hear a DJ. At the Chopper Fest, the music, live or DJ’ed, is easy to miss. Blues by long-gray-hair-ponytailed musicians and rock by long-black-haired musicians was largely unnoticed by attendees. You never had trouble finding a seat in either of the two small bleachers behind the empty dance floor. The DJ was, at best, background noise. The Fest gets a $20 entry from thousands of fans and has a ton of sponsors. They could invest in name entertainers (like The One Show did by flying in a band from Canada).
The One Motorcycle Show had similar background noise from the DJs (except for the high point of an energized and spontaneous conga line that broke out on Friday night). The One had a much better (and I’ll bet, more expensive) live lineup including the blast-your-face-off music of the Vicious Cycles who came down from Canada. The Vicious Cycles played their hearts out for about 25 hardcore fans and one intoxicated couple who danced to unheard tunes. But, again, the majority of attendees didn’t seem to notice. Finally, the guys with all the video cameras constantly filming the bands, the crowd and each other were annoying.
MOTO 2: BOTH RIDERS DNF’ED
THE ART Chopper Fest had the numbers advantage, with at least twice as many artists as The One Show. However, both shows offered a wide range of artistic styles, and if you’re into moto art, you could find something to appreciate at either event.
MOTO 3: TIE
THE VENUE The Western in Las Vegas, a former 70’s hotel and casino, hosts The One Motorcycle Show. While the cozy atmosphere (without the usual casino distractions) gives it a unique vibe, the venue’s small size limits the number of bikes that can be displayed. I didn’t measure square footage so maybe The Western is bigger than it feels. The cavernous hallways between rooms and low ceilings made the venue feel tight. The place is certainly no Zidell Yards (where the Portland show takes place).
The vast Ventura Fairgrounds for the Chopper Fest had no such limitations. There were more bikes in the parking lot than at The One Show. The fairground’s Main Street lined with palm trees allowed for bikes, brew, food and hundreds of vendors. The outdoor stage was also better suited for live music (if anyone actually paid attention). I couldn’t help but wish the Vicious Cycles had played here—the venue would have been perfect for their energetic garage rock. Maybe next year? Finally, the ocean is walking distance from the parking lot. That’s hard to beat. If it had rained, this show would have suffered a moto defeat.
MOTO 4: THE CHOPPER FEST
THE CULTURE Chopper Fest has a sordid history—there’s been a gun threat that shut the event and a stabbing last year. While it’s a minority of attendees, there’s a darker vibe at the show that you don’t feel at The One Show. I wouldn’t want to bump into or look the wrong way at the wrong guy at Chopper Fest. On one hand, waiting 45 minutes to pass security made you feel somewhat safer this year. On the other hand, it creeped out spectators because so much security was needed.
In contrast, there was no wait to go through security at The One Motorcycle Show. The show is all about welcoming all types of motorcycles and all types of riders. A lot of different people came together for The One Show with one common denominator: the love of custom motorcycles. I wouldn’t hesitate to invite my wife or kids to The One Motorcycle Show. I would not do the same for the Chopper Fest.
MOTO 5: THE ONE MOTORCYCLE SHOW
THE OVERALL RESULTS With two wins, a tie, and one DNF, The One Motorcycle Show edges out The Chopper Fest for the overall victory. Keep in mind, this was the first year for The One Show in Las Vegas. If their well-established Portland event went head-to-head with The Chopper Fest, the outcome would have been a run-away win for The One. If you missed the Vegas event, you have another chance this year—Portland’s One Motorcycle Show runs from May 2nd to 4th.
Line ’em Up: The line to get into the Chopper Fest took about 45 minutes out of your viewing enjoyment.
Inside The Gates: Once you make it through security and enter the Ventura Fairgrounds, you are treated to hundreds of amazing choppers. Yes, the wait was worth it. The Chopper Fest is a great collection of mostly Harley-Davidson’s.
Vegas Style: Stepping into the One show had the feeling of sneaking into a casino’s High-Rollers-only private section. It felt special. The bike presentation is epic.
Automatic Classic: Ed Newbauer imported this ’86 Husqvarna 430 AE from Europe and tricked it out. The AE stands for Automatic Enduro. Husky never fully realized the promise of their automatic. Once the company was sold to an Italian firm, the Auto was shelved.
A Very Sweet Year: Cars or motorcycles made in 1969 are cooler than the years before and after. This wonderful Harley-Davidson proves my point.
The Wright Stuff: Andrew Wright’s work always catches my eye. He is a graphic designer and illustrator specializing in the music, horror, tattoo, apparel and motorcycle industries. Check out his website by clicking here.
Worth The Effort: Canada’s Vicious Cycles don’t play the lower 48 that often so I took advantage of their One Show appearance. Hope they are on the bill for The One Show in Portland. And maybe the Chopper Fest in 2026?
Side Show: The Chopper Fest’s stage and outdoor setting should attract more people to the music. There is tough competition from all the cool choppers and the event’s daytime hours just may not work for any band.
Start Wearing Purple: A builder once told me that he found a layer of purple paint on every ’70s chopper frame he sanded down. I believe him.
Put It Out There: This chopper required an extra platform for its front wheel. The One Show treats every bike entry with respect.
Missed Opportunity: I love this build and it was from a local Vegas shop, Main Street Moto. Visited on Saturday morning and they were closed! Recovering from One’s Friday night? Pressed my nose against their windows disappointed the doors were locked. Next time in Vegas.
Clean Machine:Freeman Choppers in Chico, California, built this beautiful Pan Head.
New That Looks Old: Artist, The Betty Hunter, creates new signs that look like they come from another era. I want to see what he could do with a Jimmy Mac On Two Wheels logo. It would look good in any man cave (or Betty cave).
Bright Artwork: You’ve seen Modern Artifacts here before. They traveled down from Scappoose, Oregon, to enjoy the Vegas weather and sell some art. They ship freight free in the States. Check them out by clicking here.
Straight Outta Huntington Beach: Every chopper on the Cycle Zombies website appeals to my idea of what a chopper is. Their specialty is getting old iron back to running condition with an attitude.
Pure Magic: Mike Rabideau is Majik Mikes Designs and is one of those multi-talented guys who can create garage-built motorcycles or cool art like that work on the wall that used a street sign for its canvas.
Rising Sun: It is refreshing to see a non-Harley-Davidson-powered chopper at the Chopper Fest and this Honda deserves your attention. Built low, lean and mean.
Beginner’s Luck?: The builder’s name is “Bob” who says this 1992 EVO Big Twin is his first build! If this is his first, I can’t wait to see his second or third build. Bob has a bright future.
Back to life: William Gibbs somehow took this forgotten ’69 Triumph Bonneville out of a pasture and got the bike back on the street. Talk about patina! This is the real deal. William calls it Patience. Thanks to The One Motorcycle Show there is a place for bikes like this to be appreciated.
The Minstrel Cycle: I didn’t hear it running but I’ll bet it has lots of bass.
Three’s a Crowd: Don’t know if I would feel confident as a passenger in this rig.
Family Vacation: Another take on building a trike. Reminds me of my dad’s Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.
Dressed and Protected:Brummell tailors sharp-fitting clothing that is packed with protection for riders. Perfect for the next Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride, riding to work or picking up a date. Very classy.
Vested interest: The folks at Brummell shouldn’t bother with a booth at The Chopper Fest. This crowd still adheres to the aesthetics of Marlon Brando in “The Wild Ones.”
Vegas Jackpot: The bike I’d ride home from Nevada if I could pry it out of Kevin Snow’s hands is his amazing full custom Two Arm Bandit (that’s my name for it). Sure, I’d have to stop 30 times for fuel, but it would be worth it.
Pick from the Fest: If I could take one home from the Chopper Fest it would be this 1965 FLH Panhead owned by Peter McGoldrick. But I need to add a buddy seat.
Stuck on you: If you are passing Evel Pizza in Vegas, look for the “It only hurts for a little while” sticker placed on the door by the Reverend Norman Fuzzybutt.
Big Wheel: Brad Gregory fabricated this super interesting Harley chopper or “bobber” may be a better description. I have no idea how the bike handles the curves but I’m pretty sure it would be a kick down a drag strip.
Writer’s Cramp: Dang, this was a bad idea to combine two shows. This is going on too long. Anybody still reading this? If so, I had to run a close up of Brad’s tank detail.
One For The Road: Cristian Sosa and Sosa Metalworks have created their own category of custom motorcycles. Their work is so unique that there is nothing to compare it to. Their jaw-dropping creations are created in Vegas. This was their home show.
Pocket Rocket: This interesting build caught my attention and then I went down a rabbit hole researching its builder. That would be Shirley Petchprapa and her IssaraLabs. No way I can do justice to their work here so go check out the website. Amazing.
BAD IDEA WITH SLIGHTLY BETTER EXECUTION This idea of comparing The One Motorcycle Show and The Chopper Fest seemed like such a good idea at the time, but I’m exhausted and still have tons of bikes and art that need to be shown. I should have posted two stories, one about each show. But it is too late now. This monster is alive and it’s my monster so I’m not going to kill it. I will drop in some more random photos if you want to take a look.
For Sale: This little Ducati is on the block and owner, Jack Huisinga, is looking to get in the $14,000 neighborhood. If Jimmy Mac On Two Wheels made millions, this bike would be sold already. If interested, call Jack at (206) 713-9388. Tell him Jimmy Mac sent ya.
