50th Custom Bike Show Norrtälje: The Oldest Custom Motorcycle Event in Europe

Text & Photos by Polina Krasnova | @bikers_insider

On June 1st, 2024, Societetsparken in Norrtälje was abuzz with the roar of engines and the excitement of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe. The 50th Custom Bike Show drew an impressive 9,000 visitors, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history. This annual gathering has become a cultural phenomenon for fans of custom motorcycles and motorcycle culture in general.

The first show in 1971 featured just 46 motorcycles. In 2024, the event showcased over 4,000 bikes, with 200 entered into competitive classes including HD-Chopper, Chopper, Custom, Racer, Classic, and Modified Standard. Awards also included Best Paint, Twin Club Jury’s Choice, and People’s Choice.

Visitors came from across the Nordic and Baltic countries, Germany, Poland, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, and more — proof of the event’s wide international appeal. Finland stood out, taking five first-place prizes, while Sweden earned three.

The jury included big names like photographer Polina Krasnova, Norwegian bike builder Franz Francesco, Swedish builder Daniel Andersson, legendary rider Owe Brandt, and Per-Henric Pettersson from Twin Club MC. Together, they had the tough job of judging top-tier builds.

In the HD-Chopper class, competition was fierce with nearly 60 entries. Finnish builder Rezi Oulu took first, followed by Ismo Keski-Korpi — the same two also placed first and second in the Jury’s Choice category. Eric Boström from Sweden claimed third. In the Chopper class, Håkan Lindberg from Huddinge won with his Triumph and took home Best Paint. The Classic class featured nearly 40 bikes; Mats Olofsson won first prize with his 1925 Brough Superior, followed by Hans Candeborn and his 1948 Indian.

In the Racer and Modified Standard categories, Finnish builders led again. Jukka “Jiiha” Haapala from Turku won Racer with his “Mumbai Ripper,” and Petteri Heinonen took Modified Standard with a build from Jämsänkoski.

The People’s Choice award went to Peter Forsberg of Brooklyn Choppers (Gävle) for his vibrant, hippie-inspired build. Forsberg is no stranger to the CBS podium — his unique designs often wow the crowd.

The event wasn’t just about bikes. Attendees enjoyed live music from Black Paisley and Sky High, food vendors, and a thrilling drag racing demonstration by Rikard Gustafsson of Falkenberg.

Twin Club MC: A Legacy of Passion and Craftsmanship

The event’s organizer, Twin Club MC, is one of Sweden’s oldest motorcycle clubs, founded in 1969 in Norrtälje. Their first clubhouse, “Twin Torp,” was a small, abandoned pub in the south of town. In 1977, they moved to a larger house in Färsna, which members renovated themselves. Their garage was in a temporary location until they acquired a building from Systembolaget, dismantled it in Luleå, and rebuilt it in Norrtälje. By 1987, the garage was complete. Later, they constructed a new clubhouse above it, completed in 1994.

Today, Twin Club MC has about 50 members, male and female, with bikes ranging from Harleys to Indians, Triumphs, and Nortons. Their passion for motorcycles is reflected in their activities — riding, wrenching, social gatherings, and organizing one of Europe’s premier bike shows.

The Storied History of the Custom Bike Show

The first Custom Bike Show took place in 1971, aiming to shift public perception of bikers. It hosted 46 motorcycles and featured a hidden party spot to avoid police interference. Over the years, the show grew rapidly. By 1975, it found a permanent home in Societetsparken, and the attendance crossed 1,000.

From 1977–1979, it drew over 7,000 visitors, but complaints from locals and a generational shift in the club led to a temporary pause after 1980. In 1983, the show returned as “Twin Meet,” and by 1984, the Custom Bike Show name was revived.

Between 1987 and 1995, the show balanced the exhibition in Societetsparken with camping at Lunda. In 2006, it nearly got canceled due to police permit issues. The 2020 and 2021 editions went digital due to COVID, but the event has continued to thrive.

In 2008, a record 15,000 visitors attended. Over time, new competition classes were introduced, and the facilities were improved to accommodate the growing crowd.

The 50th anniversary of the Custom Bike Show in 2024 was not just a celebration of motorcycles — it was a tribute to five decades of craftsmanship, creativity, and community. From humble beginnings to a world-renowned event, this show stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the custom motorcycle scene.

Here’s to 50 more years of riding, building, and keeping the custom culture alive.