On the last weekend in March, the city of Austin, Texas played host both to the MotoGP Grand Prix of the Americas and the 2026 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show — one of the largest, most prestigious events of its kind. Revival Cycles, who founded and organize the show, have created an event that draws builders from across the country — and world — to show off their one-of-a-kind, hand-built machines.
“The Handbuilt show represents the cutting edge of custom motorcycle building, where attendees get a peek at the next cool thing… There’s so much to be inspired by that it can be a bit overwhelming.” – Roland Sands.
That said, there was fear the event wouldn’t happen this year, as the show’s long-running venue, the 100,000 square-foot Austin-American Statesman building on South Congress Avenue, has been newly leased to a long-term tenant. In what seems a coup for both spectators and organizers, however, the show moved to the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) — site of the MotoGP race itself!
Once again, we sent racer, photographer, and Texas native Kody Melton to capture the custom bikes on display. Kody returned with some 400 photos from the show! Without further ado, we present you with the first round of highlights, consisting of café racers and anything else in the general ballpark. What are your top picks? Let us know in the comments!
Handbuilt Show Highlights
• Ducati 450 Desmo: Union Motorcycle
• Harley “Hardon”: 2001 Sportster motor in 1961 Norton frame
• 1975 Ducati 860GT “Oilcat”: Ian Sutton (@icarusmotors)
“A pretty motor surrounded by strange parts, fabricated and scrounged up. All about texture.” Full feature coming soon!
• 1963 Greeves Silverstone: Tim / Alex
• 1971 “Honsaki”: Donny Whitehead
“This bike was modified in the early 1970s with a 1974 Kawasaki Z1 900 engine and a few other Kawasaki features. Completely rebuilt and restored to this condition in 2020.”
• 2009 Harley “Bodacious”: Robert Pandya
“Built to piss off purists, wankers, and HOA presidents. For sale!”
• Moto Martin KZ1000: Santiago Chopper
• “Norsaki” 1955 Norton Dominator: David Morales
“A 1955 Norton Dominator with a Featherbed frame mated to a 1974 Kawasaki Mach 2 400cc triple, with a custom body kit.”
• Honda Cafe Racer: Builder Unknown
• 1977 Honda CB750K “Clubsport V2.2”: Mile Zero Racers
“For sale! Contact [email protected]”
• 1978 Moto Guzzi 850 T3 “Minimalist”: Bill Doll aka The Guzzi Guru
“No chrome! Nickel, stainless, and polished aluminum.”
• Builder Unknown
Follow the Photographer
- Web: www.kodymelton.com
- Instagram: @kodymelton
Follow the Show
- Web: revivalcycles.com/handbuilt-motorcycle-show
- Instagram: @handbuiltshow
- Facebook: @thehandbuiltmotoshow
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Nice bikes . Images could be a little brighter .
Did they call the HARDON thus, because you are supposed to get one when you see it?
My best of show: Honda Cafe Racer: Builder Unknown