Welcome to Framecrafters!

Framecrafters is a performance motorcycle fabrication shop located in northwest Illinois. Originally a design and fabrication shop for chassis only, Framecrafters has methodically expanded their focus to the entire motorcycle. While still specializing in frame and associated parts fabrication, Framecrafters also offers their expertise of building, converting, and restoring motorcycles for their customers. Randy, Justin, and Karsten are life long motorcycle enthusiasts who ride and race. Street, trail, track, each type is viewed by Framecrafters as an important part of motorcycling that should be fun and exhilirating. From building a ground up racer to resuscitating your old street bike, Framecrafters is proud to offer their services to help realize your vision.

Featured Projects

Triumph 750 Triple S4RR

The machine that started it all for Framecrafters the 1970 Triumph 750 Trident. Inspired by Rob North and Colin Seeley, Randy Illg and said time partner Jim Carlson built frame #1 for his Triumph Triple road racer. Originally raced as a production bike from 1984-1988 it was then transformed into the "Red" Formula 750 machine in the winter of 88'-89'. Retired in 1993 having been raced to some regional titles the machine took a semi-permanent residency in a dusty corner of the shop. In 2005 Karsten Illg , Randy's 2nd son, took the initiative to bring it back to life. While making some revisions to the original frame design the machine slowly began its road to restoration. Eight slow years of rebuilding, refinishing, replacing parts and pieces the machine transformed. Not having been on a track in 20 years the FC #1 Triumph Triple (now blue) was successfully raced at the AHRMA Road America event in June 2013. Piloted by Karsten Illg in the Formula 750 class he managed a 2nd place.

Yamaha HL500 Motard

This Yamaha HL500 Motard was built by Rob Phillips of Husky Restorations. The basic chassis was modeled off the late 70's Yamaha HL500 motocross bike which was designed in Europe and raced on the World Motocross circuits to much success. After numerous discussions about the type of components to be used FC fabricated a revised version of the classic HL. Although similar in style the steering head angle was reduced and the rear section of the frame and swingarm was widened to accommodate wide 17" wheels and modern sticky tires. The suspension was shortened and the bike was completed with the highest quality components including a LCD rear view monitor. The bike has been featured in numerous articles and publications over the past year. For availability and turn-key specs visit www.huskyrestorations.com

Honda CB550-Black Mono

Originally beginning life as a 1974 Honda CB550K model it has undergone serious transformation over the past 2 years. A full 600cc custom engine by Godffreys Garage, centralized shock conversion coupled to an extensive list of handmade custom FC parts this build hardly reflects your typical Honda CB anymore. A conscious effort was made to retain some retro styling cues while removing the 70's era drab. Many of the stock components were deemed "under-performing" additionally we didnt want to recreate your typical "Cafe Racer". Prior to getting into this project we discussed many options with the Minnesota customer. After many variables and possibilities being looked at the conclusion was to reflect the owners gorgeous Porsche 911 Turbo. Featured Specifications; -Central Swingarm/shock conversion -37mm fork w\ GVE internals and 20mm axle conversion -FC billet adjustable Triple-clamps -Dual Brembo front brake w\300mm rotors and FC billet mounts -Custom front and rear SS brake lines -Alloy rims and SS spokes -Billet QC racing rear hub -Brembo rear brake kit w\ FC billet hanger and stay -FC billet adjustable rear sets -FC modded fuel tank w\ dual Pingles -Custom seat and Porsche leather upholstery -FC 4 into 4 racing exhaust w\ billet FC hangers -NHK Steering Damper and billet mount -520 chain\sprocket conversion -Full Dyna Ignition -Full electronics update including custom harness and Ballistic battery -Electronic gauge w\ speedo and tach -600cc motor -Brembo Hydro clutch conversion -Custom engine covers -Rebuilt carbs w\ custom finish, jetting and 1\4 turn throttle -Barnett cables and clutch pack -Polished and sealed billet parts -Porsche "Basalt Black" custom paint -Custom gold anodizing and zinc plating ------------------------------------- Photography courtesy of Rick Manning and Combined Design

What's New?

November: - Framecrafters finished a record number of frame repairs as we head into the busy frame building season. New frames now ordered can not be guaranteed for delivery before the beginning of the 2014 racing and riding season.
October: - Team FC finished the year with much success at the 9th annual Barber Vintage Festival. With over 61,000 spectators and fan in attendance, it was the biggest racing event of 2013. Rider Karsten Illg had a solid weekend managing 2 firsts, 1 second and 2 thirds over the events weekend of racing. At the end of the weekend Karsten and Team FC had won the AHRMA National Road Race Championship in Sound of Singles 2 for the second year in a row. In addition, Karsten finished in 8th place in Motard and 15th place in 250gp nationally. Look for the full 2013 story and results on our race page
September: - Team FC's rider Karsten Illg is currently leading in points with the AHRMA SOS2 National Road Race class. Currently the team is diligently preparing for the annual Barber Vintage Festival, October 10th-13th. Team FC will be racing the F450, BBE 250 Aermacchi, 450 Motard and the Triumph 750 Triple as we wrap up a great 2013 race season. If you are attending this fantastic event please stop by and say hello. We are always located in the 2nd tier road race paddock area.