Tools for this page
Print

Biker Build-Off

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Tricked-out motorcycles make math cool.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    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.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Episodes occasionally include risky stunts (jumping over people on a bike, etc.).
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Frequent "ass," but harsher words are bleeped.
  • Consumerism:

    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.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Frequent smoking. Certain camera shots of bikers smoking cigarettes to be cool. Some alcohol in the background.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Biker Build-Off was written by Sierra Filucci

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 Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about 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?
Did this review help you decide?

Will your kids tune in?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Biker Build-Off

What’s the Story?

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 the 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.

Is It Any Good?

This is a fabulous show to teach students how to turn their passions and studies into work they'll enjoy. The spirit of the competition is friendly and respectful, with occasional good-natured chop-busting. Occasionally contestants even ask each other for assistance, 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.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Biker Build-Off?

or

to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

    More Great Stuff For Your Kids

    • Most Popular This Week

      foursquare

      foursquare

      Is this social network too risky for your child?

    • Tech Tip

      What parents need to know.YouTube and Your Kid

      What parents need to know.

    • Book of the Week

      Beautiful Creatures

      Beautiful Creatures

      Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

    • Issue Spotlight

      The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

      The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

      Our video game experts weigh in.

    • Game of the Week

      Simplz: Zoo

      Simplz: Zoo

      Family-friendly puzzler mixes in a bit of zoo simulation.

    Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
    • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
    • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
    • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
    A screen name protects your privacy
    To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
    A screen name protects your privacy

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    (optional)
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

    Set-up your account
    This will never be displayed to others.
    Your email will never be displayed to others.
    Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

    Tell us your children's ages
    You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
    Why we ask for this
    We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    is
    until
    Add another child

    Choose a screen name
    It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
    A screen name protects your privacy
    Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
    I'm already a Common Sense member.
    Kids under 13 must use a screen name