One of the most interesting new European custom builders is Karles Vives of Fuel Bespoke Motorcycles. He’s based in Barcelona, Spain, and is entirely self-taught. He’s also got an excellent eye for aesthetics.
This is the second BMW R100-based build from Fuel. (Here’s the first.) And this time, Vives has taken elements of flat track bikes as his inspiration: “Light, thin and powerful motorcycles with wide handlebars and big air filters,” he says.
He’s changed the entire back end of the bike, and worked with VonZeti to create a new seat and tail unit—shortening the subframe to fit. The tank was replaced by one from a BMW R90/6, which is narrower than the R100 RS original. “That gave the bike the look I wanted,” says Vives. “I also modified the slope of the seat and tank unit to get a more aggressive line to the bike.” The bars are from Tommaselli and the original headlight has been replaced with a smaller one, to give the bike a more balanced look.
K&N air filters sit upstream of the engine, while the exhaust pipes are handmade. Vives has taken the original BMW R100 RS exhaust and shortened it, terminating the system with upswept reverse cone mufflers. The suspension has been overhauled all round.
Dunlop K70 tires and perforated sideplates add to the retro look. The electrics have been condensed inside the battery box, using the space freed up from installing a small gel battery.
The R100 RS is now for sale: if you’re interested, contact Vives via the Fuel website.
