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Not another Cafe Racer! BMW R100 Project

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Holdawayt
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 27 Jul 2015
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PostPosted: 19:35 - 07 Apr 2021    Post subject: Not another Cafe Racer! BMW R100 Project Reply with quote

I needed something to distract me after losing my Dad in a car accident back in 2018. Speed was a contributing factor in the accident (the speeding party hit and run my Dad's car) and at the time I was enjoying putting on my best Power Ranger leathers and darting through the Shropshire countryside on my Yamaha R6.

https://i.imgur.com/POesvtc.jpg

As fun as it was, after the accident I lost all desire to go fast on the roads, and sold the R6 shortly after. I had seen a few cafe racer builds on Instagram and fancied a project, plus the slow and steady "poser" approach seemed ideal to get me back on a bike but with far less temptation to kill myself. At 28 I was due a quarter-life crisis too.

With some cash burning a hole in my pocket I came across this 1983 BMW R100RT which was in remarkable condition. The old boy I bought it from had a wonderful collection of old British bikes and he had looked after the BMW as if it was a 1960's Norton.
I had no end goal in mind really, and I felt slightly guilty about chopping such a clean donor bike up so I decided to ride it for a bit first to figure out what I wanted to change and what was staying.

https://i.imgur.com/N7lbxnb.jpg

After a month of riding the bike, I wrote out a list of jobs I wanted to tackle and so the strip down began. The Brembo brakes lacked bite, I felt the bike was bulky and in my opinion it lacked character.
At this point I should probably point out that if you're a BMW purist or one of these people who hate modified bikes - click the "x" on the top of the screen and stop reading... I got a bit carried away.
All in all though I was happy with the bike and so I started removing the fairings so that I could get the bike through my house and into my workshop.

https://i.imgur.com/xXEZwkZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/y3uE72Z.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7ZzDh7X.jpg

It wasn't long before I decided to go a bit further with this bike than I had originally planned. I've never liked the BMW R series custom builds that still have their original forks. I think the boxer engine and the "masculine" lines of the tank call for something more beefy up front and the standard forks look a bit weedy.
Cue a spontaneous GSXR 750 K8 fork and brake set up purchase and a lot of research into getting them to fit.

https://i.imgur.com/lZRR1Nm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ngbUjP0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GpPomJe.jpg

You can see how much bigger the discs are here

https://i.imgur.com/xCzEHXA.jpg


Last edited by Holdawayt on 20:04 - 07 Apr 2021; edited 1 time in total
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Holdawayt
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 27 Jul 2015
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PostPosted: 19:44 - 07 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Next was the rear end.
I had tried to keep it simple and bought a subframe and cowl from the internet but after fitting it, I really wasn't happy with how it looked.

https://i.imgur.com/Z7jta3T.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/kx4Nh0A.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/fa9zmEi.jpg

I decided to cut and weld the original subframe instead, the Mrs got stuck in too Thumbs Up This soon led to me sculpting the "hump" of the cowl by hand in foam. This was to be fibreglassed and eventually painted.

https://i.imgur.com/vhPt5BX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/0tMAyRR.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/DnZxTeq.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/MWuDG32.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bYz4O8o.jpg

I got to this point and realised it still looked shit, I was losing patience and found out I was having a daughter in March 2021. So that was my deadline.

Here is subframe and seat combo number 3:

https://i.imgur.com/DaOnJFw.jpg
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Holdawayt
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Joined: 27 Jul 2015
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PostPosted: 19:49 - 07 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

I was never happy with the riding position of the R100. I decided rearsets was the way to go, so ordered some Flatracer jobbies and got them installed.

https://i.imgur.com/1pyJVmS.jpg

After this there wasn't really much left to do but strip it all down ready to get the frame powdercoated. While it was in bits I cleaned up the engine and gave it a lick of paint

https://i.imgur.com/NzWQIQF.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/9SEodzA.jpg

Here it is installed in the newly powdercoated frame

https://i.imgur.com/ND9MzKg.jpg

And an hour or so later

https://i.imgur.com/93xgNck.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/bdSFI0x.jpg
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Holdawayt
Trackday Trickster



Joined: 27 Jul 2015
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PostPosted: 20:00 - 07 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

The wheels were sent for a coat of gloss black

https://i.imgur.com/MO1aUNr.jpg

Then it was time to wire the bike up.
I'm sure a lot of you have come across the Motogadget M-unit Blue before so I won't go into too much detail. But this little box removes all of the fuses, relays and 90% of the wiring needed to run the bike. It also connects to your phone via bluetooth which means my phone is my ignition key. It comes with an alarm and tracker built in too. Top bit of kit!

https://i.imgur.com/vpE10gS.jpg

I'm skipping a lot here but I had the tank painted, fitted the clip on bars and installed my switches, new shocks, cables and throttle. At this point the bike was pretty much done.

https://i.imgur.com/omEunmx.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/IqZkmYz.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/u2S87nw.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/sRapM3V.jpg

The bike passed its MOT and I've now had 300 miles of shakedown riding with no issues other than my reg plate falling off. I'll update this as I go, but as I mentioned earlier in the thread, I now have a newborn and I've had to type this whole thing with her on my lap.

I have missed shit loads from this, the only thing left standard is the engine, running gear and wheels. If you have any questions about anything in particular please fire away and I'll try to go into more detail.

Thanks for reading so far,

Tom.
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arry
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Joined: 03 Jan 2009
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PostPosted: 20:05 - 07 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm trying desperately not to like it as I've been all over the eBay's miserablist bikes thread saying how I hate hipster builds.


But I can't find hate for that at all - like it far more than I thought I ever could. Top work Cool
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Holdawayt
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PostPosted: 20:08 - 07 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

arry wrote:
I'm trying desperately not to like it as I've been all over the eBay's miserablist bikes thread saying how I hate hipster builds.


But I can't find hate for that at all - like it far more than I thought I ever could. Top work Cool


Thanks haha! I have always been dead against them too if I'm honest. I don't like "look at me" types but I needed a project and I've ended up with a hipster bike.
I promise I'm not turning vegan, growing a top knot or drinking herbal tea any time soon.
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Holdawayt
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PostPosted: 20:22 - 07 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Oh and before anybody mentions it - there will be a front mudguard!!
It's been painted and I'm just waiting for my friend to run the mounting bits through his cnc machine. Then I'll weld it all up.

I understand that the level of fuckery that some bike builders have stooped to means that bikes like this now carry a stigma for being utter shite. And don't get me wrong, it's very niche indeed.
But I've tried to do everything properly on this one, had everything inspected along the way and I don't think I've gone too mad with the mods. Afterall, I intend to ride it and I can't imagine doing more than 20 miles on some of the abominations found on eBay.
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Weisse Schlange
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Joined: 09 Nov 2020
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PostPosted: 00:26 - 08 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice build, but I have to say it's a pity it wasn't a restoration. The standard bike would be my choice, but like I say , I enjoy a talented build as much as the next person.


On the subject of speed and you're being put off it. You should have though of it as bad driving that caused it, not speed.

Speed is fine if the situation is appropriate. It's a shame when folk give stuff up because other people are mindless scum.

Anyhoo, if you should decide to hard tail it with 12" overs, well ! ,,,
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Keithy
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PostPosted: 22:14 - 08 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

The Shropshire countryside is still here, get that bike out there Thumbs Up
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A100man
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PostPosted: 08:35 - 10 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Like 'arry I'm no fan of this type of conversion - often due to the slap-dash and uneducated conversions that are posted on 'ebay's most miserable..' However the quality of the work looks good as does the quality of the components used so fair play on that score.
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A100man
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PostPosted: 10:18 - 10 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Holdawayt wrote:
Oh and before anybody mentions it - there will be a front mudguard!!

Thumbs Up
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jeffyjeff
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PostPosted: 00:47 - 11 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Looks like an airhead RnineT pure with a fender eliminator kit. Like what you did with the front fairing removal and headlight conversion. The ass end looks a little out of balance with the front, but then it does so on the RnineT as well. Appears to be quality work and a fun ride. Congratulations on a nice build. Wink
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WD Forte
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PostPosted: 17:49 - 12 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

I liked it the way it was.
Now its just another fair weather cafe racer to me
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Bhud
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PostPosted: 18:06 - 12 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

I kind of preferred it when it had its own late 70s/early 80s style, and told a story of its own. It was interesting, and a real head-turner. I'm not sure why you didn't choose a Bandit or Diversion for this project, and instead made the unmodified BMW boxer tourers ones even more valuable by doing this to yours.
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Holdawayt
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Joined: 27 Jul 2015
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PostPosted: 18:12 - 12 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bhud wrote:
I kind of preferred it when it had its own late 70s/early 80s style, and told a story of its own. It was interesting, and a real head-turner. I'm not sure why you didn't choose a Bandit or Diversion for this project, and instead made the unmodified BMW boxer tourers ones even more valuable by doing this to yours.


Put simply, I think bandits and diversions are shite and definitely don't suit a cafe racer conversion. I've explained why I went about it and I've noted that it's not to everyone's taste. Thanks for sharing your opinion and finding the time to comment though.
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Bhud
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PostPosted: 18:19 - 12 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Holdawayt wrote:
Put simply, I think bandits and diversions are shite and definitely don't suit a cafe racer conversion. I've explained why I went about it and I've noted that it's not to everyone's taste. Thanks for sharing your opinion and finding the time to comment though.


A couple of years ago, someone suggested to me that I should go to the Calne Bike Meet. I went there on a Kawasaki GT550. You probably think that's shite, too. But time and money goes into worthwhile bikes that don't get instantly sold on Ebay as cafe racers - it's just that we don't make a song and dance about it. Anyway, on the way back, there were 2 guys riding together on R6s. In full racing leathers, because Bandits and Diversions and such are shite. I kept up with them easily, and one of them high-sided and crashed right in front of me. I stopped and helped out, and luckily he wasn't injured.

Good luck.
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Holdawayt
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Joined: 27 Jul 2015
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PostPosted: 18:26 - 12 Apr 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

Bhud wrote:
Holdawayt wrote:
Put simply, I think bandits and diversions are shite and definitely don't suit a cafe racer conversion. I've explained why I went about it and I've noted that it's not to everyone's taste. Thanks for sharing your opinion and finding the time to comment though.


A couple of years ago, someone suggested to me that I should go to the Calne Bike Meet. I went there on a Kawasaki GT550. You probably think that's shite, too. But time and money goes into worthwhile bikes that don't get instantly sold on Ebay as cafe racers - it's just that we don't make a song and dance about it. Anyway, on the way back, there were 2 guys riding together on R6s. In full racing leathers, because Bandits and Diversions and such are shite. I kept up with them easily, and one of them high-sided and crashed right in front of me. I stopped and helped out, and luckily he wasn't injured.

Good luck.


Interesting, if I wanted a daily commuter I'd jump at a bandit or divvy. But considering I wanted to build a BMW 2 valve boxer cafe racer, a Bandit or Divvy would be a poor place to start. Hope this makes sense.

Cheers,

Tom.
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photoman
Two Stroke Sniffer



Joined: 07 Aug 2021
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PostPosted: 08:37 - 08 Aug 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have seen many style changes to old BMW Boxers and none of them came up to looking like the original item. These old girls in good fettle are fetching silly, no make that stupid money, so you have just thrown away part of the grand children's inheritance.

A 1979 R100RT in red Metallic in about the same condition as yours recently fetched over £9000 in a motor auction. What you have now would not get anywhere near that.

I do like the treatment you have given to the engine and gearbox crank casing though, it will be much easier to keep clean but taking a grinder and a hacksaw to the frame and other cycle bits is an absolute travesty.

I am so disappointed I'm off to have another drink!
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yen_powell
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PostPosted: 11:16 - 08 Aug 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

photoman wrote:
I have seen many style changes to old BMW Boxers and none of them came up to looking like the original item. These old girls in good fettle are fetching silly, no make that stupid money, so you have just thrown away part of the grand children's inheritance.

A 1979 R100RT in red Metallic in about the same condition as yours recently fetched over £9000 in a motor auction. What you have now would not get anywhere near that.

I do like the treatment you have given to the engine and gearbox crank casing though, it will be much easier to keep clean but taking a grinder and a hacksaw to the frame and other cycle bits is an absolute travesty.

I am so disappointed I'm off to have another drink!
https://images.versys1000.com/Lynch.jpg
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A100man
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PostPosted: 11:27 - 08 Aug 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

yen_powell wrote:
https://images.versys1000.com/Lynch.jpg


Excellent.. Fast forward and today the seller will be a beardy plus man-bun and 'sleeve' tatoos.
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yen_powell
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PostPosted: 13:22 - 08 Aug 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

A100man wrote:
yen_powell wrote:
https://images.versys1000.com/Lynch.jpg


Excellent.. Fast forward and today the seller will be a beardy plus man-bun and 'sleeve' tatoos.
That was published in the mid 80s I reckon. Worth a google image search, 'Shobba motorcycle cartoons'.

My favourite is the one about BMW riders being unfriendly in world war 2.
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Holdawayt
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Joined: 27 Jul 2015
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PostPosted: 13:22 - 18 Oct 2021    Post subject: Reply with quote

photoman wrote:
I have seen many style changes to old BMW Boxers and none of them came up to looking like the original item. These old girls in good fettle are fetching silly, no make that stupid money, so you have just thrown away part of the grand children's inheritance.

A 1979 R100RT in red Metallic in about the same condition as yours recently fetched over £9000 in a motor auction. What you have now would not get anywhere near that.

I do like the treatment you have given to the engine and gearbox crank casing though, it will be much easier to keep clean but taking a grinder and a hacksaw to the frame and other cycle bits is an absolute travesty.

I am so disappointed I'm off to have another drink!


Thanks for the laughs! The original bike was far from perfect and you're quite right - it would fetch a handsome sum in todays market. I didn't build the bike with re-sale in mind though. I built it because I needed a distraction and I liked other bikes of a similar style.

I have a completely original, mint '77 GS750 tucked away in the garage that will eventually be sold for a hefty profit. I also have a few Hornets etc for the occasional ride out.
I'd urge you to check out the Walzwerk R100s and what they fetch (sit down first). The BMW will hopefully never be sold, if my kids want to get rid of it once they're grown up that's up to them.

The engine and gearbox paint is a breeze to keep clean, it just wipes down and I use a long stiff brush to get inbetween the cooling fins.
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