Chris Canterbury – BMW Motorcycle Builder, Designer & Fabricator
Meet Chris Canterbury
For more than three decades, Chris Canterbury has dedicated his career to BMW motorcycles, custom fabrication, and innovative motorcycle design.
As the founder of Boxer Metal, Chris has built a reputation for creating some of the most unique BMW motorcycles on the road. From award-winning custom builds and vintage restorations to sidecar rigs and adventure motorcycles, his work reflects a lifelong passion for engineering, craftsmanship, and riding.
What began as a fascination with BMW motorcycles evolved into a career that has spanned dealership service departments, parts manufacturing, custom fabrication, product development, and motorcycle design.
Today, Boxer Metal serves BMW enthusiasts throughout the United States and around the world.
A Lifetime Around BMW Motorcycles
Chris began working with BMW motorcycles during the 1980s while employed in BMW dealerships and independent BMW repair facilities.
Those early years provided a deep understanding of BMW engineering, service procedures, and the unique characteristics that make boxer-powered motorcycles different from anything else on the road.
During the 1990s, Chris became involved in importing and manufacturing BMW motorcycle components, helping riders improve and maintain their motorcycles while developing relationships throughout the BMW community.
As demand for custom motorcycles grew, Chris expanded his focus into design, fabrication, and complete motorcycle builds.
The Birth of Boxer Metal
Boxer Metal was founded on a simple philosophy:
Build motorcycles that are functional, reliable, and uniquely personal.
Rather than producing cookie-cutter customs, Boxer Metal approaches every project as a collaboration between builder and rider.
The result is a diverse collection of motorcycles that includes:
- BMW Airhead customs
- Sidecar motorcycles
- Adventure bikes
- Vintage restorations
- Slash 2 conversions
- Touring motorcycles
- One-off fabrication projects
Each motorcycle is built with careful attention to detail and a commitment to craftsmanship.
Design Meets Fabrication
Chris combines traditional fabrication skills with modern design tools.
Projects often begin with sketches and concepts before moving into CAD design, prototype development, machining, fabrication, and final assembly.
This process allows Boxer Metal to create solutions that are both functional and visually distinctive.
Areas of expertise include:
- Motorcycle design
- Metal fabrication
- Product development
- Sidecar engineering
- Custom suspension solutions
- BMW Airhead performance upgrades
- Electrical system improvements
- Prototype development
- Small-batch manufacturing
More Than Motorcycles
While BMW motorcycles remain at the heart of Boxer Metal, Chris has also spent years building custom vehicles, sidecars, adventure rigs, hot rods, and specialty projects.
His approach remains the same regardless of the vehicle:
Solve problems creatively, build with purpose, and never sacrifice function for appearance.
Explore the Work
The best way to understand Chris Canterbury's approach to motorcycle building is to explore the completed projects.
From custom Airheads and sidecar conversions to restorations and adventure motorcycles, every project tells a story and reflects decades of experience working with BMW motorcycles.
Visit the Boxer Metal Gallery to view completed builds and learn more about the people, motorcycles, and ideas behind the work.
Work With Boxer Metal
Whether you're interested in a complete custom motorcycle, a restoration project, technical consultation, or one of Boxer Metal's specialty products, we would be happy to discuss your project.
Every motorcycle starts with a conversation.
Let's build something exceptional.