At this year’s Bike Week, Longwood’s Big Tony Starita showcased his chops in building the best custom choppers. His motorcycle won first place in the Extreme Custom Chopper in the 2017 Bike Week’s Boardwalk show.
This prize is the result of Starita’s hard work and best quality craftsmanship in creating custom choppers.
Starita’s passion for motorcycles and muscle cars began at a very early age while he was building model cars and riding BMX bikes as an adolescent. He knew then his style and elevated standards for extreme quality stood out from the crowd. Starita was raised in Chicago in a large Italian family environment, where several of his uncles owned race, drag, and muscle cars. The appetite for industry proved to run in the family.
In 2004, Starita built his first custom motorcycle from the ground up. He took that bike to his first big motorcycle show and won first place. This is where and when “Big Tony’s” name recognition began.
“Every day, I’m proud to watch Tony fulfill his lifelong dream and become recognized for the quality work he performs,” says Barbara Starita, his wife. “To be named the best at the world-renowned Daytona Bike Week is just spectacular for him and for our business.”
This is not the first time that Starita’s talents have been recognized. His motorcycles have won many competitions, including placing in the top ten at the World Championship of Bike Building, contending against 200 top-notch global bike builders. He also received the highest of honors for his custom work by winning first place in dozens of other competitions.
Of course, Bike Week is a pinnacle event, attracting more than 500,000 attendees during this energetic, 10-day event. This event features numerous contests, various types of food, shopping, music and a plethora of activities to keep you busy and entertained. Plus, Daytona is said to be one of the most motorcycle-friendly allies anywhere.
Starita is proud to be a federally licensed motorcycle manufacturer. Big Tony’s Chopp Shop has seven of his signature models listed in the North American Dealers Association Guide (NADA).
Starita has been referred to by many as “The walking encyclopedia of all custom bikes.” Check out more of his custom choppers at Check out more of Tony's custom creations on his website.