Roger Goldammer (born 1969) is a Canadian motorcycle builder whose boundary-pushing machines and engineering innovations have earned him a place among the elite in the custom-bike world.

Roger Goldammer hails from British Columbia, Canada, having grown up in Vancouver and later moving to the interior of B.C. during his teenage years. From an early age he gravitated toward mechanical work, riding dirt bikes and tinkering with his machines.

After high school, he pursued formal training. He studied machining and engine building at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and later attended the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. In parallel, he worked apprenticeship-style under a machinist named Bert (later a longtime collaborator).

These foundations in precision machining, fabrication, and engine work allowed Goldammer to not merely assemble motorcycles, but to design and build critical components himself - from frames to custom engine modifications.


Philosophy & Style

Goldammer is known for rejecting many of the prevailing trends in custom motorcycle design. Rather than extending, widening, or exaggerating proportions, he often emphasizes clean lines, balance, mechanical sophistication, and innovation.

He is also a strong believer in doing as much as possible in-house - not simply assembling parts from third parties, but fabricating, machining, designing, and refining. This approach gives his work a cohesiveness and quality control that many admire.

One recurring motif in Goldammer’s work is a deep respect for early motorcycle history (especially boardtrack racers and minimalist racing machines) merged with modern technology (supercharging, fuel injection, hidden suspension, etc.).

Goldammer has won the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building three times. He is also a multiple-time winner of Artistry in Iron in Las Vegas.

In recognition of his influence and craftsmanship, Goldammer was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024.

He also received provincial honors such as the British Columbia Creative Achievement Award.

Goldammer’s approach has influenced many builders who seek to blend form and function more thoughtfully, avoiding the excesses often seen in custom-bike culture.

Recent Projects & Ongoing Work

While Goldammer has sometimes stepped back from client projects to focus on his own creative builds and parts manufacturing, he continues to push forward with new ideas.

One recent project is 450 NAF (“Not A Framer”), which seeks to bring the tight geometry and handling feel of classic “framer” motocross bikes into the modern age using stock 450 MX powerplants. The idea is to let contemporary bikes retain their electronics, radiators, injection systems, and other modern features, while enjoying a more nimble, performance-oriented frame feel.

On social media, Goldammer remains active, showcasing works-in-progress, prototypes, and insights into his process.

Legacy & Significance

Roger Goldammer’s significance in the custom motorcycle world lies not just in his trophies, but in how he bridged craftsmanship, engineering, artistry, and speed in a way few builders do. His designs are often as mechanically inventive as they are visually compelling. His willingness to reimagine conventional engine architectures (e.g. turning V-twins into high-performance singles) has challenged peers and fans alike to rethink what a custom motorcycle can be.

Because he builds so much himself, every Goldammer creation is deeply personal — the result of countless hours of machining, trial and error, and problem-solving. That level of dedication, paired with a constant drive to innovate, is what gives his work its weight in the community.