Best Of
Top 5 custom motorcycle builders in Britain
We've scouted high and low for the best custom motorcycle builders in the UK, so you can get exactly what you want.
Words by: Phil West
Published on 19 December 2016 | 0 min read
Want to stand out from the crowd in the best way possible? We've scouted high and low for the best custom motorcycle builders in the UK, so you can get exactly what you want.
Shaw Speed & Custom, Brighton
One of the most successful and celebrated motorcycle custom shops in Europe, if not the world, Shaw Speed & Custom is the customising arm of the Shaw Harley-Davidson dealership just outside Brighton.
Focusing, unsurprisingly, on customised, brand new Harleys, Shaw is hugely prolific and creative. Over the years he has collected multiple awards worldwide, including first place in the world championship of bike building in Sturgis – still the first dealer ever to do so. A whole range of custom styles are possible, all based around current Harleys – from scramblers and café racers, to flat trackers and choppers. Shaw Harley-Davidson Holmes Hill Nr Lewes East Sussex BN8 6JA Telephone: 01825 872003
Focusing, unsurprisingly, on customised, brand new Harleys, Shaw is hugely prolific and creative. Over the years he has collected multiple awards worldwide, including first place in the world championship of bike building in Sturgis – still the first dealer ever to do so. A whole range of custom styles are possible, all based around current Harleys – from scramblers and café racers, to flat trackers and choppers. Shaw Harley-Davidson Holmes Hill Nr Lewes East Sussex BN8 6JA Telephone: 01825 872003
Kevil’s Speed Shop, Devon
Based in Paignton and founded by customiser Kevin Hill, Kevil’s has developed a reputation as one of the UK’s leading bespoke custom builders, primarily using BMW boxers as a base (although he does others, too).
He’s renowned for his pared-back, bobber style, street scramblers, café racers, street trackers and more. Celebrity patrons include the likes of actor Matt Bardock (from Casualty). Kevil's Speed Shop 69 Torquay Road Paignton Devon TQ3 2SE Telephone: 07862 122131
He’s renowned for his pared-back, bobber style, street scramblers, café racers, street trackers and more. Celebrity patrons include the likes of actor Matt Bardock (from Casualty). Kevil's Speed Shop 69 Torquay Road Paignton Devon TQ3 2SE Telephone: 07862 122131
Down & Out Café Racers, South Yorkshire
Based on the outskirts of Sheffield, Down & Out is considered one of the best café racer bike building shops in Europe, specialising in creating machines primarily based on modern Hinckley Triumph Bonnevilles (plus some BMWs).
Founded by Shaun Walker, D&O not only build bespoke custom machines from scratch – including some for the Triumph factory itself – they also produce a range of custom accessories and parts, and can modify or customise bikes. Down & Out Café Racers Unit 1, Stanley Road Barnsley South Yorkshire S70 3PG Telephone: 07879 332 447
Founded by Shaun Walker, D&O not only build bespoke custom machines from scratch – including some for the Triumph factory itself – they also produce a range of custom accessories and parts, and can modify or customise bikes. Down & Out Café Racers Unit 1, Stanley Road Barnsley South Yorkshire S70 3PG Telephone: 07879 332 447
The Baron’s Speed Shop, Croydon
Founded around a decade ago in Surrey and influenced by a clean ‘50s and ‘60s style, The Baron’s Speed Shop specialises in transforming old bikes (pre-Hinckley British bikes, primarily Meriden unit, and pre-unit twins), into striking American bobber style customs and choppers – although they do classic restorations, too.
The Baron was set up by Dick Smith. It’s produced bespoke builds for the likes of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, and the bikes are a regular fixture at The Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Baron's Speed Shop Unit 8, Addington Business Centre Vulcan Way New Addington Croydon CR0 9UG Telephone: 01689 638733
The Baron was set up by Dick Smith. It’s produced bespoke builds for the likes of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, and the bikes are a regular fixture at The Goodwood Festival of Speed. The Baron's Speed Shop Unit 8, Addington Business Centre Vulcan Way New Addington Croydon CR0 9UG Telephone: 01689 638733
Old Empire Motorcycles, Norfolk
Based near Diss, Norfolk, Old Empire Motorcycles (OEM) specialises in creating a handful of exclusive, one-off custom machines each year based on a variety of donor machines. However, more recently, it’s been focusing on Hinckley Triumphs – particularly the Bonneville variants – and older or retro Japanese machines such as Honda’s CB1100. In addition, it does a range of individual custom accessories and parts, such as handlebars grips and brass fuel caps.
Founded by Alec Sharp with partner Rafe Pugh, OEM’s driving themes are classic British automotive, aeronautic, and maritime history with a modern twist. Most recently they were commissioned by Triumph to build a street tracker version of its new T120 Bonneville. It was on display at the recent NEC Motorcycle Live show. Old Empire Motorcycles Unit 1 Hall Farm, Church Road Redgrave, Diss, Norfolk IP22 1RJ Telephone: 01379 898987
Founded by Alec Sharp with partner Rafe Pugh, OEM’s driving themes are classic British automotive, aeronautic, and maritime history with a modern twist. Most recently they were commissioned by Triumph to build a street tracker version of its new T120 Bonneville. It was on display at the recent NEC Motorcycle Live show. Old Empire Motorcycles Unit 1 Hall Farm, Church Road Redgrave, Diss, Norfolk IP22 1RJ Telephone: 01379 898987