The fine vólk at BMW Motorrad have a motorcycle for every occasion – just meander into a dealership and look...
BMW
The German company BMW Motorrad built its first motorcycle, the R32, in 1923. Powered by a 494cc flat-twin boxer the R32’s horizontally opposed engine configuration became an iconic feature of BMW motorcycles throughout their history. In later years they also developed the flat-four engine used in models like the K100. This engine was coined the ‘flying brick’ due to its bulky appearance. Despite its unfortunate nickname the flat-four still the level of performance that earned BMW their well-respected reputation.
Older BMW “airhead” boxer twins and R series models are popular choices for BMW cafe racer projects. With some models featuring bolt-on subframes and others sporting aluminum fuel tanks, choosing a BMW as the donor for your project has its benefits. In more recent years BMW has embraced the custom scene by creating the R Nine T. The BMW R9T was designed and built specifically with customization in mind.
In our archives, you’ll find countless BMW cafe racer features that are a great source of inspiration and tips for anyone hoping to build their own.
Jeffry Sol’s BMW R nineT has been somewhat of a social media sensation since it was unveiled at the Big...
The Katze is finally out of the Tasche. BMW Motorrad has unveiled its highly anticipated R18 concept. As we all...
Europe’s largest Cafe Racer event, the Glemseck 101, just took place in Stuttgart, Germany. Now in its 5th year, the...
Our friends over at Cognito Moto have been toiling away on their latest custom BMW R75 project. The project was...
If you’re considering attempting to turn any kind of tourer into a cafe racer you’re going to have your work...
On the dawn of a new year there’s plenty to get excited about. You’ve got another year of riding adventures...
“A gentleman from Missouri contacted me through my H Garage website inquiring about a build using either a newer model...
According to Mark Condon of BikeBiz “Our team really know their bikes, so depending on the customer we can give...
Building custom motorcycles is all about solving problems. This could be working around a modern electrical system, extracting additional horsepower...
Why let a little Snow stop you from getting out on your motorcycle? Here’s Blitz motorcycles solution to your winter blues....
Don’t get me wrong, the BMW thumper is a great utilitarian machine. The reliability of the simple 650cc Rotax engine...
40 years later the bike is still running (see video below) and still features the original racing seal of the Italian...
This isn’t the first time we’ve featured a BMW cafe racer that’s been put together by a BMW car enthusiast....
I can confidently say this is the first time I’ve featured a custom motorcycle that was influenced by Keira Knightley. Jeremy at...
Working with clients can be both challenging and rewarding. When Ønix Design’s latest customer, a doctor from Valencia, brought his...
This happens when one of the world’s most creative custom workshops decides that they need to customise their shop bike....
BMW’s stalwart R100 was offered in various guises from 1976 to 1996. The 980cc boxer twins made adequate power, had...
David explains that “Manuel is really good at rebuilding and customising frames and seats. Kurt is a genius with the...
Nostalgia can be a powerful motivator. For Joe Loss of Fremantle, Western Australia it started in his teenage years when...
“All men’s misfortunes spring from their hatred of being alone“ The sad individual responsible for that quote obviously never had...
The 2012 Bonneville Speed Week is wrapping up for another year. Thankfully it looks like we’ll be seeing a lot...
We have a serious soft spot for BMW cafe racers but we’re also big fans of Scrambler styled Beemers. There’s...
Last month Deus Ex Machina in Camperdown, Sydney unveiled their stunning R Nine T Cafe Racer, the ‘Henirich Maneuver’. Unfortunately...
It’s not every day you find yourself handing out an award at one of the world’s most prestigious custom automotive...
Remember in school when you had an exam and there was always that one kid who consistently finished before everyone...
Back in 2013 BMW Motorrad celebrated the 40th anniversary of the legendary BMW R 90 S with the unveiling of...
What better way to celebrate a motorcycle workshop’s 10 year anniversary than with a build that showcases everything they’re capable...
We’re big fans of the work of Californian motorcycle builder Samuel Kao and his workshop JSK Moto Co. JSK motorcycles...
Years later I managed to scrape together enough to buy my first road bike, get my license sorted and I...
Antoine Meister of Meister Engineering has been messing with motorcycles since his early teens. His fascination with motorcycles drew him...
As the lines blur between the different styles of custom bike building and builders become more adventurous, it’s getting much...
Hot on the heels of my recent post about Les Ateliers Ruby’s leather jackets UK based, custom workshop Kevil’s Speed Shop,...
When it comes to customising older BMW motorcycles the R series airheads are the most popular weapon of choice. Fuss-free...
The Digimoto project was a collaboration between industrial designer Christian Zanzotti, product development agency Greydev and BMW aftermarket experts Wunderlich....
Last weekend we officially released issue 7 of Tank Moto. Packed with awesome motorcycle features from around the world this...
The majority of the weight dropped from the Saline R9T can be attributed to the use of aluminium. Saline’s new tail,...
When a builder chooses to convert a tourer into a cafe racer it’s always a bit of a surprise to...
Stumbled across this 1961 BMW R69s Cafe Racer named “The Bull” today. It’s a strange combination of parts but it...
As 2014 comes to an end I thought I’d take a (close up) look at some of the incredible work...
Last year I had the pleasure of attending the Mooneyes show in Japan. The builder that took out best of show...
If you’re customising motorcycles in Bavaria it seems only right said motorcycles should be those built by BMW Motorrad. Ralf...
“As the story goes my first word was ‘car’ rather than ‘mummy’. I’m not so sure whether this is the...
The custom motorcycle world has been full of collaborations in the past few years. Manufacturers have recognised the influence custom...
For many years the United States was the biggest source of inspiration for custom motorcycle builders around the world. Then...
“I wanted to create an aggressive cafe racer with a design that separates it from the usual and a line...
Some people profess to being obsessed by a brand because they own 2 or 3 things said brand has made....
I’ve seen enough BMW cafe racer builds to last a lifetime. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to see any...
Unless you’re buying a Harley-Davidson most dealerships don’t offer much in the way of customisation at the time of sale....
When he’s not fabricating parts for submarines (Yes, you read that right) David Manchester is building bespoke furniture or helping...
After a 70mph spill this BMW Boxer was in no state to be ridden. The bikes wheels, forks and engine...
“I thought to myself, if I can fix and maintain a 40 million dollar yacht, then I can build a...
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