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 to 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

Kawasaki S2RR H1R 500

Fc's S2RR-Seeley type frame can be used with the H1R or standard H1 engines. The H1 frames, whether a factory "R": frame, stock or even period modified had problems regardless of the rider and\or track conditions. The FC S2RR chassis kit solves all of the original handling issues while retaining a period correct style. FC also offers an exhaust system designed for your engine build and retains exceptional ground clearance. This bike was also fitted with one of our alloy fuel tanks. The pictures shown demonstrate 2 different builds. One on a R motor and the other on a standard motor both of which have been fitted with a dry-clutch.

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

What's New?

September: -Framecrafters backlog of work is continually growing as we head into our busy season. New frame orders not received by October 15th can not be guaranteed deliverable for the start of the 2014 race season. Keep an eye out for some great projects nearing completion including a special CB550 Cafe' build and a new Premier 500 race build amongst everything else.

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.
August: -Team FC heads to New Jersey Motorsports Park for the AHRMA National Road Race. A new track to learn proved challenging throughout the weekend. A change in weather prior to the race had the team scrambling for a quick tire change. The team pulled it together making 2 wins on the F450 over the weekend winning the AHRMA Midwest Regional Title in Sound of Singles 2. The BBE 250 Aermacchi was well prepared and piloted by Karsten Illg taking third place behind Jason Roberts and defending class champion Jack Parker.
June: - - Team FC competes in the AHRMA National Road Race at Road America. Two wins aboard the FC F450 provided a national points catch-up on the west coast competitors. The first outing with the FC Triumph 750 Triple in 20 years made for some great excitement. A 2nd place finish in Formula 750 piloted by Karsten Illg was well earned.

The second half of June saw Team FC head to Grattan for the annual Fathers Day road race event again with AHRMA. A flawless 2 win weekend aboard the F450 put Karsten Illg in the points lead for the Midwest Regional Title.