The Dillinger Motorcycle Company
Tempe, AZ
Website: https://dillingermotorcycle.com/
Phone: (480) 255-5688
How long have you been in business?
Dillinger Motorcycle Company has been in business for four years. In that time, the shop has grown from a bold idea into a trusted name in the motorcycle community, built through hands-on experience, word-of-mouth reputation, and an unwavering commitment to quality work. Those four years represent more than time. They reflect earned trust, hard lessons, and a foundation built to last.
Who started the shop?
Dillinger Motorcycle Company was founded by Clayton and Bobby after more than three years of conversations, planning, and shared vision. What began as an idea discussed over time eventually reached a tipping point that required a real leap of faith.
For Clayton, that moment meant walking away from the security of a steady paycheck. After years of working for an owner, he made the decision to stop building someone else’s dream and start building his own. Leaving a full-time job wasn’t easy, but the pull toward ownership, independence, and creating something meaningful was stronger than the comfort of predictability.
Together, Clayton and Bobby turned those years of discussion into action, laying the foundation for what would become Dillinger Motorcycle Company, a shop built not just on motorcycles, but on risk, trust, and the belief that doing it your own way is always worth it.
What are the owner’s backgrounds with motorcycles?
Clayton’s path into motorcycles wasn’t a straight line, it was built on work ethic first. His professional background began in the restaurant industry, where he worked every position from the ground up. That experience shaped his discipline, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure. Those skills would later translate seamlessly into the motorcycle world.
In 2011, Clayton made a decisive pivot and enrolled at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), with a focus on Harley-Davidson. After graduating, he went on to work at EvilTwin Custom Cycles, where he honed his technical skills and deepened his understanding of custom builds and performance work.
Bobby’s background runs even deeper. He’s been around motorcycles his entire life, immersed in the culture, mechanics, and lifestyle from an early age. That lifelong exposure brings an instinctive understanding of bikes that can’t be taught.
Together, Clayton and Bobby combine formal training, real-world shop experience, and lifelong immersion in motorcycle culture, creating a foundation that defines how Dillinger Motorcycle Company operates today.
How long have they been riding?
Clayton learned to ride during his 18 months at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, where riding was an integral part of his training. Learning to ride alongside learning to build gave him a strong technical foundation from the very beginning.
Bobby, by contrast, was immersed in motorcycle culture from birth. With a father who owned many different bikes, motorcycles were always part of his world. Riding wasn’t something he picked up later in life, it was ingrained from the start.
What was their first motorcycle?
Clayton’s first motorcycle was a 2003 Buell Blast, a bike that marked the transition from learning to ride to lifestyle.
Bobby’s first bike was a 1995 Sportster 1200 Custom, a fitting start for someone raised around motorcycles, and a machine that reflects the roots of his long-standing connection to the culture.
What is the coolest build the shop is most proud of?
Ask that question at Dillinger Motorcycle Company and you’ll get two different answers because “cool” depends on what you value most in a build.
For Clayton, the standout is an FXR built entirely from the ground up. Every detail was intentional, from the foundation to the final touches. That build represents what he loves most about custom work: starting with a vision, solving problems along the way, and ending with a bike that’s truly one of a kind. It’s a reflection of craftsmanship, patience, and doing things the right way, not the fast way.
Bobby’s answer is his 2019 CVO Road King. While it started as a factory high-end platform, the bike represents power, refinement, and presence. For him, the appeal lies in taking something already premium and dialing it in to match real-world riding, performance, and personal style.
Together, those two builds tell the story of Dillinger Motorcycle Company—where ground-up customs and high-performance refinement coexist, and where “cool” isn’t one definition, but many.
What years and models does the shop specialize in?
Dillinger Motorcycle Company specializes in Harley-Davidson motorcycles ranging from 1936 to present day. That span reflects both a deep respect for vintage craftsmanship and a strong command of modern technology. From early-era classics to today’s high-performance models, the shop is equipped to work across generations—bridging old-school knowledge with modern precision.
What are your favorite BAKER products?
When it comes to BAKER products, transmissions stand out above everything else. The reliability, precision, and performance they deliver make them a go-to choice for builds where strength and longevity matter. For the team at Dillinger Motorcycle Company, a solid transmission isn’t just a component; it’s the backbone of how a bike rides, shifts, and holds up over time. BAKER transmissions consistently deliver the kind of performance they trust on their own bikes and in their customers’ builds.
Any cool news about your shop?
Dillinger Motorcycle Company has come a long way in a short amount of time. What started in a 500-square-foot space has grown into a facility of more than 5,000 square feet. This is a reflection of both demand and momentum. That growth mirrors the evolution of the shop itself: expanding capabilities, taking on bigger and more complex projects, and continuing to refine what Dillinger stands for.
There’s always something new happening behind the doors, and that forward motion is intentional. The shop isn’t interested in staying static or playing small. Dillinger Motorcycle Company is continuing to evolve, push boundaries, and establish itself as the next major name in the industry.
Do you host any events? If so, what is the biggest or most important event?
Events are a major part of the culture at Dillinger Motorcycle Company. The shop regularly hosts and participates in gatherings that bring riders together and strengthen the motorcycle community as a whole.
Some of the recurring in-house events include the Biker Rodeo, the family-friendly Saddlebags & Sweets during Halloween, Builder Showcase, Stuntwarz, and Bikertober Fest—each offering a different way for riders to connect, compete, and celebrate the lifestyle.
Dillinger is also deeply involved in larger community events such as Cave Creek Bike Week, and regularly partners with organizations like MotoSocial to support the broader riding culture.
While no single event defines the shop, the Biker Rodeo stands out as one of the most anticipated. This event brings together skill, competition, and camaraderie in a way that reflects what Dillinger is all about. At the core, every event serves the same purpose: creating a space where riders feel welcome, connected, and part of something bigger than the bike itself.
What does “American-made” mean to you and the shop?
To Dillinger Motorcycle Company, American-made means quality over quantity every time. It means parts that are built to last, craftsmanship that’s intentional, and standards that don’t get compromised to save a few dollars. Yes, it often costs more, but that price reflects durability, precision, and pride in the work.
For the shop, American-made isn’t about cutting corners or chasing volume. It’s about doing things right, supporting builders who stand behind their products, and delivering motorcycles that perform the way they should, long after they leave the shop. Paying more upfront is part of the commitment to reliability, safety, and long-term value.
