Our Story
About Retrofit Cycle works
RetroFit started as a blog where Cal posted his father’s old photos of motorcycles and adventures from back in the day. Over time, the blog evolved into a place to capture the motorcycle projects that Cal was working on, with the knowledge he gained from his dad. Cal and Ben met through Cal’s dad, Joe, back in 2000 when Cal would come to the steel yard to help out on Saturdays. They found they shared a common interest in motorcycles, and started helping each other out with their projects. People started to come to them for help with their bikes, and side work was coming in. The Retrofit shop really came together after building two giveaway bikes for the Strange Days event. Since then, RetroFit has worked on everything from cafe racers, to 70's choppers. Whatever you can dream up, they can make happen.
The Team
Cal Piorkowski
Design, Fabrication, Repair, Electrical
Cal’s artistic sense and love for motorcycles was inherited from his father Joe Piorkowski. Cal began wrenching on lawnmower engines at the age of 8, and rebuilt his first motorcycle at the age of 14. He’s worked as a steel fabricator in New Jersey and Brooklyn, and also works as a 3D designer and animator. Cal’s owned numerous Harleys and Japanese motorcycles over the years. Style as well as function is what drives his craft. @retrofitcyclesworks
Ben Thollot
Fabrication, Repair
Ben began wrenching when he was little with his dad. He started welding at the age of 10, and has built numerous engines and hot rods. Ben started riding at the age of 19, and has owned a number of bikes over the years. He made the transition to vintage bikes when he started working with Joe. @bengottheinsta59fl
Joe Piorkowski 'Grumps'
Fabrication, In-House Chopper “Historian”
Riding and chopping for over 50 years. Joe’s first Harley was a 1946 Knuckle purchased for $150 in 1966. He has owned and chopped dozens of motorcycles over his lifetime. Joe has been a structural steel fabricator for most of his life. He’s got as many stories as he does miles under his belt. @joepanhead1313
Kate McCaw 'Miss Mundy'
“Boss Lady”
Kate believes that when riding a motorcycle, it brings a feeling of absolute freedom and that building one is the outlet of creative expression. After years of being Cal's significant other, Kate became enthralled with helping in the shop and couldn't just idly stand by. Kate works "behind the scenes" with shirt designs, photography, new website ideas and managing social media outlets. Kate also learned how to weld (thanks to Joe) and built her own chopper, called "The Snake Shaker". Which she enjoys riding the little gold bike and is putting many miles on it. Kate believes that women can do anything and encourages those to step outside of their comfort zone. @miss_mundy
Greg Calkins
Upholstery, Unofficial Mascot
Greg began riding and wrenching at a very young age. He participated in hare scrambles through the 1990s, and began doing auto upholstery at the age of 19 (Greg’s first motorcycle seat was actually for Cal’s first bike). The rest is history. If you are looking for custom yet affordable work, click the link below. @dnseats6779
The Shop
