Clinton Wallace is a Motorcycle Garage Builder of the highest order. He’s received accolades on a national scale and has been featured on the cover of several magazines. With his talent, no one would second guess a journey into pro building, but Clinton would rather stay on the amateur side.
Growing up in Cleveland, Texas, Clinton always had a love for motorcycles, but it wasn’t until after high school that he really dove into this passion. In fact, his journey into customizing motorcycles began somewhat unexpectedly.
Despite a family background rich in mechanical aptitude (his father and grandfather were adept at fixing things) it took Clinton some time to find his mechanical groove. Working offshore, he spent seven days at a time on oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. During these stints, he learned a lot about mechanics, compressors, and pumps by working alongside the platform mechanics, even though it wasn’t part of his job description.
Clinton’s skills evolved from necessity and curiosity. Starting with basic welding in high school, he taught himself more advanced techniques, like MIG and TIG welding. A job at a machine tool company sparked his interest in machinist work and even led to Clinton purchasing a lathe to machine his own parts.
The influence of family runs deep in Clinton’s life. His father’s cautious stance on motorcycles stemmed from a family incident where Clinton’s uncle wrecked a bike, leading to its sale to protect the other children. Despite this, once Clinton and his siblings were grown, his father rekindled his own passion for motorcycles, inspiring Clinton to do the same. His journey began modestly with a Honda Shadow 650, which quickly felt inadequate but served as a stepping stone.
With his passion for motorcycles ignited, Clinton jumped into to the world of customization. His first serious build was a Road King, which he bought from his brother with the intention of flipping it for profit. This project marked the beginning of his deep dive into custom bike building.
Clinton’s approach to bike building is hands-on and deeply personal. He emphasizes learning by doing, often through trial and error. That first custom bike, “Hippie Chick,” was literally built under a carport, showcasing his resourcefulness and dedication. Each project has pushed his skill set further, from understanding bike geometry to mastering the intricacies of various welding techniques.
Professionally, Clinton works in the oil and gas industry, designing and building production facilities. This demanding job leaves limited time for his passion projects, yet he finds relaxation and fulfillment in working on his bikes. He highlights the importance of enjoying the process, noting that his bike building is a creative outlet free from the pressures of his day job.
Clinton’s journey is not solitary. He has been influenced by, and connected with, other renowned builders like Jeff Cochran. His relationship with Jeff has helped him grow. If he needs any questions answered or ideas validated, Clinton can rely on Jeff for help and mentorship.
Clinton has been invited to showcase his motorcycle builds at multiple bike shows alongside some of the most talented builders in the business. But even with the accolades that pour in over his work, Clinton remains humble. For him, building motorcycles is a passion project that he enjoys working to get better at in his spare time. He shows what is possible for talented and driven garage builders. They can compete with the best of them.