The Brooklyn Invitational Custom Bike Show Grows Up

As one of the top custom motorcycle shows on the East Coast, the Brooklyn Invitational is renowned for its eclectic mix of exquisitely crafted bikes. But it’s also known for being quite the scene, and the hipsters and tastemakers that swarm the streets in the trendy enclave of Williamsburg each September have sometimes been guilty (unwittingly or otherwise) of detracting from the breathtaking industrial art on display inside.

Not this time. 2018 was the tenth anniversary of the Invitational, and rather than celebrate with a raucous blowout, organizers John Copeland, Keino Sasaki, and Jessica Lee Wertz smartly chose to tone down the revelry and redirect the focus back on the bikes. Using space at the Root Gallery previously reserved for metal bands, cash bars, and general debauchery, they instead showcased ... even more motorcycles.

Which was great. The new layout effectively doubled the amount of bikes in the show, and as a result the crowd’s makeup was less scenester, and more aficionado – real bikers and builders more interested in artistry and craftsmanship than finding the perfect hashtag.

This year’s Brooklyn Invitational was definitely mellower, but for true motorcycle enthusiasts, far more refined, focused – and rewarding – than it’s been in years. Check out some of our favorites.