Inside deBolex Motorcycles: Custom Builds, Metal Shaping & The Future of Bike Craftsmanship

In this episode, Robin Johnson is joined by Calum Price, founder of deBolex Engineering, one of the UK’s most respected custom motorcycle builders. Known for transforming Ducatis and Triumphs into fully bespoke machines, deBolex specialises in high-end custom bikes that combine modern engineering with traditional craftsmanship.Calum shares the full journey - from stripping his first Ford at 17, to building hand-shaped aluminium fairings, fabricating race-inspired carbon fibre bodywork, and creating the limited-run deBolex DB25 Ducati series. He also discusses deBolex’s current passion project: a Vincent-inspired custom build, blending 3D-printed metal parts with vintage techniques like brazing and English wheel metal shaping.This episode is packed with insights into:Custom motorcycle building in the UKHandcrafted motorcycles vs factory customsThe resurgence of metal shaping, TIG welding and brazingUsing CAD, 3D printing, and traditional fabrication togetherThe evolution of the café racer and brat bike sceneChallenges of small-batch motorcycle productionWorking with celebrity clients like Joe Wicks and the Prince of BruneiMotorbike rallies, adventure builds, and the future of custom bikesHow to get started in custom bike building without breaking the bankWhether you're a custom bike enthusiast, a builder, or just love hearing about craft and design, this episode is for you.Enjoying the show?Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world.Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love.Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.KEY MOMENTS: Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction & The Love of Craft01:05 – Meet Calum Price from deBolex Engineering02:23 – The Rise of the Custom Bike Scene03:29 – How deBolex Found Its Unique Design Identity05:42 – Inside the deBolex Ducati DB25 Project08:07 – Balancing One-Off Builds with Series Production08:56 – Why deBolex Does Everything In-House10:58 – Traditional Metal Shaping Meets Modern Tech13:34 – The Lost Art of Panel Beating & Fabrication16:42 – Keeping deBolex Small & Craft-Focused18:22 – Building Bikes for Celebrities & High-Profile Clients20:08 – Why Custom Motorbikes Take So Much Time & Skill23:14 – Personal Projects: The Vincent Family Legacy27:35 – 3D Printing Meets Traditional Frame Brazing30:29 – Why Making Mistakes Fuels Better Craftsmanship32:00 – Dream Projects & The Idea of a Ground-Up Bike Build36:01 – How the Custom Motorcycle Scene is Changing39:11 – The Rise of Adventure Bikes & 90s Race Replicas43:30 – The Pursuit of the Perfect (But Interesting) Bike46:31 – Vincent Motorcycles: The Ultimate All-Rounder47:49 – Will the Future Be Electric? The Debate49:04 – Advice for Aspiring Bike Builders: Start with Metalwork51:26 – Combining CAD, 3D Printing & Old School Techniques53:03 – Where to Find deBolex & How to Get a Bike Built