“Battle of the Kings” offers tomorrow’s mechanics exposure to creativity, customization prowess and technical precision. Since 2015, more than 500 custom bikes have been built through the “Battle of the Kings” competition.

Harley-Davidson reached out to Kersting’s Cycle Center to compete in the “Battle Of The Kings,” offering three different motorcycle categories to build in: race, chopper, or dirt. Kersting’s team chose to customize a 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy and named it “‘Ol Heavy”. Service department technicians began exchanging ideas, discussing and deciding what unique custom elements to incorporate with the build.

Sales manager Jason Kersting reflected, “Once we decided on the bike and category, we reached out to our local high school automotive class students and the SCILL Center. We asked for any students interested in potentially working alongside our team for this exciting, competitive build.”

“Ol’Heavy” was transported to the SCILL Center to give students the opportunity to see, touch and sit on the bike. Kersting’s service manager Ryan Combs and technicians Jeff Bisaillon and Orval Bradley explained the details of the international contest and discussed the cooperative build process. The SCILL Center chose Jonathan Woods, a senior at North Judson-San Pierre High School to work side-by-side with the Kersting’s team.

The custom motorcycle will be unveiled April 15. The public is invited to view the build in progress at Kersting’s Cycle Center during regular business hours (Tuesday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - all times are EST). Area residents can show their support and cast their vote for their favorite builds starting April 15 by visiting H-D.com/BattleOfTheKing. A panel of judges will select the ultimate "Battle of the Kings" winner from the finalists. All “Battle of the Kings” custom bike builds can be followed on social media via #BattleOfTheKings.

Background Info for Jason Kersting and Ryan Combs:

Kersting’s Cycle Center opened in 1962 - seven years prior to Jason Kersting’s birth, so you could say he literally grew up at the dealership. Jason swept floors and washed motorcycles in his younger years and started working full-time in 1988. Now serving as sales manger, Jason has sold over 4,000 motorcycles, and has had a hand in customizing over half of those bikes.

Ryan Combs is relatively new to the motorcycle world. His background is primarily in automobile customization. Ryan has served as Kersting’s service manager since January 2018, building his motorcycle knowledge base and gaining customization experience.

Kersting’s Cycle Center offers Ride Safe Indiana’s “Learn 2 Ride” program, where aspiring riders get to know the motorcycle and learn basic rider safety skills. New riders gain confidence on the practice range, learning braking, turning, and skilled maneuvers. Kersting’s Cycle Center is committed to building the next generation of motorcycle riders through education and customization.

Kersting’s Cycle Center and Museum is a full-line Harley-Davidson and Yamaha facility offering motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATV’s, motorclothes, accessories, parts and service located four miles south of North Judson, Indiana on SR 39.