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 UK
• Handcrafted motorcycles vs factory customs
• The resurgence of metal shaping, TIG welding and brazing
• Using CAD, 3D printing, and traditional fabrication together
• The evolution of the café racer and brat bike scene
• Challenges of small-batch motorcycle production
• Working with celebrity clients like Joe Wicks and the Prince of Brunei
• Motorbike rallies, adventure builds, and the future of custom bikes
• How to get started in custom bike building without breaking the bank

Whether you're a custom bike enthusiast, a builder, or just love hearing about craft and design, this episode is for you.

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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.

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KEY MOMENTS:

Key Moments:

0:00 – Introduction & The Love of Craft

01:05 – Meet Calum Price from deBolex Engineering

02:23 – The Rise of the Custom Bike Scene

03:29 – How deBolex Found Its Unique Design Identity

05:42 – Inside the deBolex Ducati DB25 Project

08:07 – Balancing One-Off Builds with Series Production

08:56 – Why deBolex Does Everything In-House

10:58 – Traditional Metal Shaping Meets Modern Tech

13:34 – The Lost Art of Panel Beating & Fabrication

16:42 – Keeping deBolex Small & Craft-Focused

18:22 – Building Bikes for Celebrities & High-Profile Clients

20:08 – Why Custom Motorbikes Take So Much Time & Skill

23:14 – Personal Projects: The Vincent Family Legacy

27:35 – 3D Printing Meets Traditional Frame Brazing

30:29 – Why Making Mistakes Fuels Better Craftsmanship

32:00 – Dream Projects & The Idea of a Ground-Up Bike Build

36:01 – How the Custom Motorcycle Scene is Changing

39:11 – The Rise of Adventure Bikes & 90s Race Replicas

43:30 – The Pursuit of the Perfect (But Interesting) Bike

46:31 – Vincent Motorcycles: The Ultimate All-Rounder

47:49 – Will...