The Diamond Atelier Mark II has been the brand’s most successful series model. First developed in collaboration with Julian Weber, a designer at BMW Motorrad, it was built upon a BMW R80RT Monolever platform. The original Mark II was available with 2 engine variants of either 800 or 1000 cc and in a variety of different equipment specifications. The first series run of the cafe racer-styled MK II series was limited to 10 units. A few years later, they unveiled the MK II Evo, an updated version of the original motorcycle using an R100R donor and boasting a host of design and engineering improvements. Now, to welcome in a 3rd edition of the series is this unique project coined the MK Race.
The Diamond Atelier MK Race is a one-of-one track bike. Developed under the brands ‘function follows form’ ethos, the project began with an English customer, who had been a long-term admirer of the MK II series. When he approached Diamond Atelier with his track bike concept, the goal wasn’t to compete purely on performance. Instead, he wanted a motorcycle that’d steal the show through sheer style and presence before the racing had even begun.
“Building on the strong foundation of the Mark II, the MK Race inherits its spirit while pushing the concept further into track territory,” says Diamond Atelier. “This project redefined what a track bike could be. The MK Race blends the raw spirit of motorsport with the meticulous craftsmanship and rebellious elegance of our brand.”
Visually, the MK Race is a bold departure from your average track bike. Following in the footsteps of the MK II, Diamond Atelier has added a sleek half-fairing. This makes the MK Race the first motorcycle in their portfolio to feature a front fairing and it’s been styled to match the fuel tank’s proportions. The rest of the bodywork is standard, but certainly not ordinary, MK II equipment. The low-slung fuel tank sits atop a heavily modified chassis that establishes a level bone line. In the rear, a slight upward kick adds aesthetic aggression and there’s a wasp’s tail-esque rear cowl.
Completing the look is a custom paint scheme that embodies their client’s brief. Laid over a metallic titanium ash grey base coat is hand-painted signal red livery consisting of the bike’s name and a race-style shopping list of brands whose products feature on the build. An Alcantara seat with diamond-pattern stitching provides a comfortable perch for the rider and a spattering of carbon fiber components adds an aggressive edge while shedding some unwanted pounds.
Of course, the MK Race isn’t just about looks. Underneath its sleek exterior lies a highly modified engine tuned for the track. Starting with a 1070cc big bore kit, the MK Race is packing race pistons, cylinders, and Formula 1-grade coatings for steadfast durability and reduced friction. In addition, hidden beneath the engine casings are a balanced race crank and ported heads. The Mikuni carburetors hung off each cylinder wear velocity stack intakes and have been tuned in collaboration with carburetor specialist Stephen Topham to ensure the engine breathes freely. At the opposite end of the combustion cycle sits a custom-engineered Diamond Signature full titanium exhaust that weighs a mere 3.14kg and was developed with input from Formula 1 engineers.
Complementing the engine’s high-performance components is a Silent Hektik digital double ignition system that offers complete customization. Silent Hektik has also contributed an alternator to this project which keeps the bike’s ultra-light lithium battery topped up. Cooling has been optimized too with the fitment of a CNC-milled aircraft-grade aluminum oil cooler. In summary, Diamond Atelier states, “All moving parts are optimized to the limits of physical possibility, pushing the boundaries of engineering for this engine platform.”
Precision is key in every aspect of the MK Race, especially in its suspension and braking systems. Diamond Atelier have once again partnered with Wilbers to develop a custom rear shock specifically for this bike. It’s been paired with Wilbers superbike forks and both have been tuned to the rider’s specifications. Blacked-out Brembo GP4-RB superbike calipers with Probrake hydraulic lines provide top-tier stopping power. The bike’s unique wheel setup features a 2.5-inch front rim and a 4.00-inch rear with a track-appropriate Pirelli slick tire.
For the data-obsessed, the MK Race is equipped with a Starlane Corsaro II Pro GPS Laptimer, which tracks everything from lean angles to lap times. The system connects wirelessly and offers a comprehensive insight into the bike’s performance on any of over 1,000 race tracks stored in its memory. Topping off the race readiness of this build is a set of custom-made matching tire warmers to prep the bike for the starting grid.
From its custom-made carbon fiber components to the hand-laid paintwork, every detail of the MK Race is a reflection of Diamond Atelier’s commitment to perfection. And for those envious of this masterpiece, Diamond Atelier has stated that the MK Race lays the groundwork for the re-release of their Mark Series. Soon, a select few will once again have the chance to own a piece of this legacy.
