Jesse James to Battle the Teutels

Jesse James to Battle Teutuls in Biker Build-Off

Bryan Harley

Cruiser Editor|Articles|Articles RSS|Blog|Blog Posts|Blog RSSOur resident road warrior has earned his stripes covering the rally circuit, from riding the Black Hills of Sturgis to cruising Main Street in Daytona Beach. Whether it’s chopped, bobbed, or bored, metric to ‘Merican, he rides ‘em all.

Friday, October 28, 2011

An American Chopper Battle Royale is in the works. The Discovery Channel has announced custom bike builder Jesse James, founder of West Coast Choppers, is pitting his skills against the celebrated Teutul clan of American Chopper fame. Both Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Jr. are creating custom motorcycles in a “Biker Build-Off” against James. The contest will be broadcast as a two-night special on American Chopperwith the first episode introducing the three motorcycles to the viewing public. After the show, people will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The results will be broadcast live the following night from the Las Vegas strip, the first live event in the show’s history. The show is set to air on Dec. 5-6 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on the Discovery Channel. 

James owes his boom in popularity in part to the Discovery Channel. In 2000, he was the star of Discovery’s documentary, Motorcycle Mania.Success of the show compelled the Discovery Channel to offer James a lead role in Monster Garage, which aired 80 episodes over five seasons. James and the Discovery Channel parted ways in 2006, and his life since then has been well publicized. It included another TV stint with the showJesse James is a Dead Man on Spike TV and was followed by his failed marriage to Sandra Bullock and ultimately the closing of his shop, West Coast Choppers. James has since relocated to Austin, Texas, where he’s part owner of Austin Speed Shop. The upcoming build-off on American Chopper marks his return to the spotlight as a custom bike builder. 

Who's going to build the best custom motorcycle - Jesse James, Paul Teutul Jr. or Senior and OCC? Find out on the Discovery Channnel's American Chopper Dec. 5-6.

The Teutuls, on the other hand, have had their own share of drama. The conflict between Junior and Senior has been the focus of American Chopper and culminated in a house divided. Paul Jr. has since made a name for himself with his own company, Paul Jr. Designs, while Senior has been busy at the helm of Orange County Choppers. Each shop has a different approach to custom bike building, so it will be interesting to see what the trio creates. Allowing fans to vote for their favorite is a refreshing twist for the show. Given the volatile personalities involved, it should make for interesting viewing, so be sure to tune in to the Discovery Channel Dec. 5th and 6th to vote for your favorite custom motorcycle.