The ‘airhead’ flat twin boxers and R-series motorcycles are great choices for BMW cafe racer projects. More recently, we’ve seen the rise of modern-day specials based on the BMW R nineT, which was designed to be easily customized, with a bolt-on subframe and modular electrical system.
Here you’ll find traditional 60s-style cafe racers based on the BMW R75 and R100, plus neo-retro builds based on newer models including the K100 ‘flying brick’.
It’s a good starting point to find the parts, seats and performance upgrades that’ll take your own BMW to the next level—and get inspiration from other BMW cafe racer builders on the custom scene.
Custom motorcycles come in all shapes and sizes. But the more style variations a custom shop adds to their portfolio, the more they run the risk of watering down their work. This is not the case for Kaichiroh Kurosu, better known as Cherry’s Company. Kurosu-san not only does it all, but he does it at…
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BMW’s K-series is legendary, but its legend was not made on racetracks or crossing deserts. No, the large block-shaped engines, lovingly known as ‘Flying Bricks,’ are shrouded in lore developed through millions of touring miles. There are stories of Ks reaching hundreds of thousands of miles without a rebuild, or even running without oil. BMW…
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Dieter Rams said that good design “involves as little design as possible.” Colin Chapman said “simplify, then add lightness.” Both principles are at work in this ultra-crisp BMW R nineT café racer, brought to you by Deus Ex Machina Australia. It’s certainly not the first café racer that Deus’ head wrench, Jeremy Tagand, has built.…
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From the minute it hit the custom scene, the BMW K100 has been an underdog. With a brick-like motor, overly angled bodywork and a kinked subframe, it’s a far less appealing option than the more handsome R-series boxer. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a surprisingly popular choice. The key lies in how you…
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Turning motorcycle customization into a sustainable business is hard enough, but Marcus Walz has taken it to another level. His company, WalzWerk,…
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Old BMW airheads have always been easy targets for customization. The motors are simple and easy to work on, the bodywork is…
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It’s no longer uncommon to see old K-series BMWs go under the knife. But that doesn’t mean that every custom K is…
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Building one-of-one customs for a living would be most motorcyclists’ idea of heaven. However, like an author trying to write the sequel…
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We kick this weekend’s edition of Speed Read off with two very different BMW K100 customs. Then we bring you a Yamaha…
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It’s amazing how versatile the classic BMW boxer is is. Do you want a long, low and mean drag bike? A rough…
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BMW R nineT owners are spoiled for choice when it comes to personalization options. The bike has been out long enough that…
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In the mid 90s, the K1100 RS sat at the top of the BMW range. It was the sport tourer par excellence,…
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