They say once you experience German engineering, you never go back. And this is certainly true of BMW Motorrad’s legendary motorcycles. BMWs feature unique flat-twin boxer engines, unmistakable style, and renowned mechanics that must live up to Berlin-level performance standards.
Launched in 1923, BMW has long been lauded for its line of airhead engines (1969–1995). The well-known R nineT and R80 series of Beemers (among others) have become the basis for quite a few masterful builds covered on these pages.
There’s no denying the BMW R nineT’s hit status. It’s fun to ride, comes in six great flavors, and lends itself well to custom work. But here’s the thing: even though it’s unquestionably retro, it cuts a more modern, roadster-like silhouette than the classic boxers it pays homage too. While that doesn’t make it any…
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If you want to earn a living in the custom business, scale is everything. Reinventing the wheel with every build will be expensive, unless you have a rock solid client base or a wealthy collector on speed dial. Most savvy builders replicate the parts they use for one-off customs, but Johnny Nguyen of Upcycle Motor…
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We thought we were tired of seeing classic BMW boxers with skinny seats, but as it turns out, we were wrong. Bolt Motor Co. have just delivered an ultra-sharp bobber-cafe hybrid—and even though it treads familiar ground, it operates at a higher level than most bikes of this style. It’s the sort of quality we’ve…
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We’d love to peak behind the curtain at Bolt Motor Co. Shop boss Adrián Campos is also the sporting director for Campos Racing, and Bolt is based out of the race team’s Valencia workshop. So there’s no shortage of engineering prowess or high-end equipment on hand. Even though Campos Racing works with competitive and modern…
Read more »We’ve got two very different track bikes on offer this week: a modern BMW endurance racer, and a Ducati 999 from XTR…
Read more »In Europe, the Sultans of Sprint competition produces some of the wackiest drag bikes, year on year. It’s written in the rules:…
Read more »The 21st century ‘alt moto’ custom scene was built on a love for classic style. But lately we’ve seen a trend towards…
Read more »Every year since 1929, rare and classic vehicles have lined the lawns of Villa d’Este and Villa Erba on the banks of…
Read more »It’s no secret that BMW Motorrad has a big-bore cruiser in the works. And the teaser campaign has been inspired—with spectacular scratch-built…
Read more »Using a BMW R nineT Urban G/S as a base, this blacked-out and carbon-fiber clad scrambler mixes craftsmanship with a generous helping…
Read more »The Japanese custom scene continues to amaze us. Even though the internet shrinks the world, there are still gems in the East…
Read more »Traditional cafe racers are typically designed with restraint high on the agenda. But we’re just as enthused by customs that trade reservedness…
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