American Metal Customs has revealed that Josh Allison, co-founder and master builder of the company, has been selected by Harley-Davidson to join its prestigious 2024 builder program.
Allison joins a select group of only six motorcycle builders, including Mark Atkins, Randy Hayward, Zach Hindes, Oliver Jones, and Pat Patterson, for this year's program. Participants are given the opportunity to choose a brand-new 2024 Harley-Davidson motorcycle for customization, which they get to keep. The deadline for the builders to complete their fully customized versions of the motorcycles is set for June. The unveiling and showcasing of these custom bikes will take place at the annual Born Free Motorcycle Show at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado, California, on June 22-23.
Josh Allison will be customizing the 2024 Harley-Davidson Breakout 117 cruiser, featuring the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin muscle engine.
Expressing his excitement, Allison shares, "Growing up, I spent countless hours alongside my dad in the garage, building and riding Harleys. Being selected by Harley-Davidson, alongside just five other esteemed builders, is a tremendous honor for me. I'm eager to infuse my personal touch into this new bike."
Allison's reputation precedes him, known nationally for his superb metal fabrication and award-winning custom builds. Apart from being a master builder and fabricator, he co-founded American Metal Customs and has garnered numerous hot rod awards and magazine covers. His work has been featured on various Discovery Channel TV shows, including Orange County Choppers, Wrench Against the Machine, and American Chopper.
His custom builds are characterized by intricate handcrafted details, blending classic and modern elements for a unique aesthetic. Allison emphasizes that his builds are not just for display but are meant to be ridden, embodying the concept of "ridable art." Among his recent creations are two vintage Harley-Davidson Knucklehead motors, namely, The Disciple and The Zidan, both of which will also be exhibited at the Born Free motorcycle show.
After their debut at Born Free, the custom motorcycles will embark on a tour with Harley-Davidson to various bike shows and rallies across the country until March 2025, before being returned to the respective builders. These shows include the Harley-Davidson Homecoming in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota, Virginia City Round Up in Virginia City, Nevada, Congregation Show in Charlotte, North Carolina, Born Free Texas in Yellow Rose Canyon, Texas, Paradise Road Show in Palm Springs, California, Chopper Fest in Ventura, California, Flat Out Friday / Mama Tried in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Daytona Bike Week in Daytona, Florida.