TOP California Custom Motorcycle Builders
A field guide to enduring craft, not passing trends
California has long been the beating heart of American custom motorcycle culture. From the coastal corridors of San Diego and Orange County, through the industrial backstreets of Los Angeles, and up into the Bay Area and Central Valley, the state blends craftsmanship, racing heritage, design, and engineering into a scene that has influenced builders worldwide.
This page is intentionally built to stay useful year after year. Instead of chasing the latest Instagram build or one-season trend, it focuses on established California builders with longevity, clear specialties, and proven processes. These are shops you can confidently research today or five years from now when you are ready to commission a meaningful custom.
What “Custom” Really Means in California
Custom motorcycles in California are not just about style. They sit at the intersection of:
Engineering and rideability
Craftsmanship and fabrication
Compliance and practicality
Longevity and serviceability
The builders below endure because they understand all four.
Southern California Builders
Moreland Choppers
Founded in 1978 and operating in Solana Beach since 1991, Moreland Choppers represents classic Southern California custom heritage. They offer true end-to-end capability including engine builds, machine work, fabrication, paint, powder coat, polishing, welding, and assembly under one roof.
Why they endure:
Their breadth and depth allow projects to scale naturally. Whether refining a stock platform or building from the ground up, riders can grow a bike over time without changing shops.
Website: https://morelandchoppers.com
SoCal Superbikes
Custom does not always mean choppers. SoCal Superbikes represents performance-driven customization through dyno tuning, ECU work, suspension geometry, and carefully selected visual upgrades on modern sportbikes.
Why they endure:
Performance fundamentals never go out of style. As motorcycles become more complex, builders who understand electronics, fueling, and chassis setup become more valuable, not less.
Website: https://socalsuperbikes.net
LKMOTOART
LKMOTOART focuses on visual identity through bespoke paint, airbrush work, and custom livery for motorcycles and helmets. Their work ships worldwide.
Why they endure:
Craftsmanship does not age. A timeless paint scheme outlasts bolt-on trends, keeping their work relevant across decades.
Website: https://www.lkmotoart.com
Saint Joshua
Saint Joshua specializes in vintage European platforms such as BMW airheads, Ducati, and Moto Guzzi. Their builds preserve classic character while improving reliability, braking, and usability.
Why they endure:
Vintage remasters have a permanent audience. Their approach balances nostalgia with practical riding needs.
Website: https://www.saintjoshuacustom.com
Roughchild Motorcycles
Roughchild is known for BMW airhead customs built with a frame-up, engineering-first methodology. Each bike is modernized for safety, handling, and reliability.
Why they endure:
Platform focus combined with rigorous process. Air-cooled BMWs have timeless appeal, and Roughchild builds them to be ridden, not just admired.
Website: https://roughchild.com
Thirteen & Company
A boutique builder producing cafe racers, brat-style customs, trackers, and choppers in small batches with close attention to detail.
Why they endure:
By limiting volume and emphasizing quality, they avoid trend fatigue and attract riders who value craftsmanship over hype.
Profile: https://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/custom-motorcycle-builder/thirteen-company/
Santa Clarita Choppers
Family-owned for nearly two decades, Santa Clarita Choppers builds Harley-centric customs while maintaining dependable service and parts sourcing.
Why they endure:
Community roots and repeat customers keep the shop relevant across changing styles.
Website: https://www.santaclaritachoppers.com
Roland Sands Design
Founded by racing champion Roland Sands, RSD blends racing heritage, custom builds, and a globally recognized parts ecosystem.
Why they endure:
Scalability. Riders can commission a full build or evolve a bike incrementally over time using RSD components.
Website: https://rolandsands.com
Bay Area and Central Valley Builders
Nickell’s Customs Inc.
With more than 25 years of experience, Nickell’s Customs provides paint, powder coating, restorations, and full custom builds with a practical Central Valley sensibility.
Why they endure:
They support both show-level work and gradual upgrades, allowing projects to progress at a rider’s pace.
Website: https://www.nickellscustoms1.com
U.S. Kustoms
Operating since 1999, U.S. Kustoms balances traditional custom builds with steady mechanical service, emphasizing fit, finish, and reliability.
Why they endure:
Consistency and longevity. Shops that combine builds with service tend to stay grounded and trusted.
Website: http://www.us-kustoms.com
Binford Custom Cycles
A V-twin specialist known for motor work, award-winning paint, audio systems, and their Meathook handlebar line.
Why they endure:
Multiple ways for riders to engage over time through performance, aesthetics, and branded components.
Website: https://binfords.com
Northern California and Beyond
Kick Start Garage
Led by Craig Marleau, Kick Start Garage produces ground-up customs, vintage restorations, and cafe components with a strong reputation for communication.
Why they endure:
Clear process and trust. Builders who communicate well tend to last.
Website: https://www.kickstart-garage.com
Tamarit Motorcycles
Based in Spain with a dedicated California presence, Tamarit specializes in Triumph customs using a structured build process from concept through delivery in the United States.
Why they endure:
Specialization combined with repeatable process. Triumph modern classics have lasting appeal, and Tamarit’s workflow supports consistency.
Website: https://tamaritmotorcycles.com
How to Choose the Right Builder
Start with platform and purpose
Harley, sportbike, or vintage European. The platform narrows the field quickly.Decide on depth
Frame-up builds offer cohesive results. Incremental builds allow evolution over seasons. Paint-focused work can redefine a bike without re-engineering it.Demand communication and process
Sketches, timelines, milestones, and updates matter as much as fabrication quality.Think about serviceability
A beautiful bike that cannot be serviced later becomes a liability. Builders who also maintain bikes reduce that risk.Future-proof with restraint
Quality fabrication, classic proportions, and cohesive finishes age far better than trend-driven parts.
Budgeting and Build Flow
Phase the project from safety to ergonomics to aesthetics
Expect lead times measured in months, not weeks
Document all work for insurance and resale
Insure customs with appropriate agreed-value coverage
Bottom Line
California’s custom motorcycle scene is built on craft that lasts. The builders listed here represent the state’s enduring strengths across Harley and V-twin mastery, vintage European re-engineering, Triumph modern classics, performance-driven customization, and museum-grade finishing.
Commissioning one of these shops is not just about owning a custom motorcycle. It is about building a machine and a relationship that will stand the test of time, both on the road and in the garage.