A 21-year-old St. George motorcycle builder is gaining national attention after becoming the youngest finalist in a prestigious custom bike competition.
Ryder Leavitt, a St. George native, has earned a spot in the final six of the Biltwell People’s Champ motorcycle building contest. The competition draws builders from across the country who design and fabricate custom motorcycles for a chance to win prize money and showcase their work at the renowned Born-Free Motorcycle Show in California.
Leavitt is widely recognized as the youngest builder ever to reach the finals.
How a St. George Barber Sparked a Passion for Custom Motorcycles
Leavitt credits an unexpected influence for introducing him to the world of custom motorcycles: his longtime barber.
After years of being involved in car culture, it was conversations inside a local barbershop that pushed him toward building choppers. Surrounded by motorcycle enthusiasts who encouraged his talent, Leavitt decided to take on his first build.
He previously developed his skills restoring and modifying cars as a teenager. By age 16, he was already working on hot rods using money he earned himself. While his parents supported his interests, much of his mechanical knowledge came from hands-on learning and time spent around experienced builders.
A Hobby That Turned Into National Recognition
Despite his growing reputation as a skilled St. George motorcycle builder, Leavitt keeps fabrication as a passion project rather than a profession. He works full-time in the metal roofing supply industry and prefers to keep motorcycle building as a creative outlet.
According to Leavitt, turning fabrication into a full-time job once reduced the enjoyment he felt. By keeping it as a hobby, he maintains the excitement and artistic freedom that fuels his work.
Inside the Custom Chopper Build
Leavitt’s competition motorcycle is a fully custom-built chopper, with much of the fabrication completed by hand.
He started with portions of an older motorcycle frame, reshaped and rebuilt it to create a new design. From there, he fabricated most of the bike’s metal components himself using raw sheet metal and tubing.
The engine powering the build is a 1969 Harley-Davidson motor, sourced through swap meets and specialty sellers. Nearly every structural and cosmetic element outside the engine was crafted from scratch.
Fabrication, which involves cutting, shaping, and welding metal into functional components, is at the core of the project. Leavitt completed the majority of that work independently.
Heading to the Born-Free Motorcycle Show
As one of the final six competitors in the Biltwell People’s Champ contest, Leavitt will present his finished motorcycle at the Born-Free Motorcycle Show in Silverado, California. The annual event attracts builders and motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country.
The exposure gives the St. George motorcycle builder a national platform to showcase his craftsmanship and creativity.
While the bike does not yet have an official name, Leavitt’s priority remains perfecting its design and performance before the final reveal.
St. George Talent on a National Stage
Leavitt’s journey highlights the growing presence of Southern Utah creators in national competitions. From learning in local shops to building a custom chopper recognized across the country, his story reflects both persistence and passion.
For now, he says the goal is simple: build something he is proud of and continue pushing his skills further.
