Biker Build-Off - TV-PG

Tricked out motorcycles make math cool.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: Discovery Channel Genre: Reality TV
Available on: DVD

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this well-produced reality show encourages an interest in engineering, math, design, and creativity. That said, some episodes include multiple shots of the main characters smoking cigarettes while looking cool. Frequent cursing and occasional drinking also appear. Some risk-taking -- like jumping over people with a minibike -- appears in some episodes.

Families can discuss combining passions with work. How do parents bring their hobbies to their jobs? Kids, what are you interested in that you could turn into lucrative work? Do you know any people doing work you're interested in? What skills do you need to build in order to do the kind of work you aspire to? Do you ever get career ideas from watching people on TV?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

BIKER BUILD-OFF combines the excitement of a competition with the educational experience of a documentary. In each episode, two expert motorcycle builders have 10 days to build custom bikes that will face off against each other in a competition judged by fans.

Each builder approaches his task differently. Some work alone, while others use a team to create their custom bike. But each must employ skills in math, engineering, design, and creative vision to be able to compete.

If teens ever ask why they have to do their math homework, a quick tour of the bike workshop will provide the answers. Tattooed tough guys with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths pull out the tape measure and mechanical pencil to jot down measurements of a bike frame in order to build a gas tank in proportion to the bike's size. Precision and perfection sometimes come after multiple attempts -- a good lesson in not giving up when something is difficult.

This is a fabulous show to teach students how to turn their passions and studies into work they'll enjoy. In one episode, expert bike builder Matt Hotch goofs around with his bike shop employees. They race wheelchairs through narrow passages in the shop and attempt minor stunts on mini-bikes in an aggressive (but lighthearted) display of fun. While parents may want to discourage teens from attempting some of the tricks seen on the show, they might also point out how work and fun can be combined.

Ultimately the contestants ride through rough terrain together on their creations. The spirit of the competition is friendly and respectful, with occasional good-natured chop-busting. Occasionally contestants even ask each other for assistance during the competition, which is typically promptly given, showing that cooperation and competition can go together.

So why a "pause"? There's a fair amount of rough language (the truly bad stuff is bleeped), and in at least one episode, there are repeated shots of a bike-builder blowing cigarette smoke into the camera while striking cool poses. Too bad, because otherwise Biker Build-Off is an excellent tool for encouraging kids to work hard while having fun.

Fans might also enjoy American Chopper and Trick It Out.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence Episodes occasionally include risky stunts (jumping over people on a bike, etc.).
Language Frequent "ass," but harsher words are bleeped.
Message
	Social Behavior Teaches the values of hard work, following your dreams and passions, caring about what you do, creativity, and good sportsmanship. White and Asian men are the primary characters. Women are almost entirely absent from the show.
	Commercialism Brands related to motorcycles are mentioned and sometimes displayed, especially Harley Davidson. Local craftsmen and artists are also mentioned. Most bikers have their own shops and their own brands, which obviously get publicity from the show.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Frequent smoking. Certain camera shots of bikers smoking cigarettes to be cool. Some alcohol in the background.