Sensible isn’t a word you’d normally use to describe a custom motorcycle. But as this BMW R100RS from Cafe Racer Dreams proves, sensible doesn’t have to mean stale. It can also come with a hefty dose of style and desirability.
CRD #49 was commissioned by an existing client of the Madrid workshop. They’d customized an Ossa Copa for him three years ago, and as a result he’d come to trust their judgment. So, the brief for the ’77-model Boxer was simple: keep it looking “factory,” but make it “behave like a modern motorcycle.”
BMW’s classic R100 is sorely lacking in the suspension and braking departments by modern standards—so that’s where CRD’s Pedro García and Efraon Triana focused their efforts. A Ducati GT 1000 front end was grafted on, via custom triple trees fabricated by Efraon. This included not only the GT’s upside-down forks, but its dual disk Brembo brakes as well—linked to an Aprilia RSV Mille master cylinder. The GT also donated its rear shocks, and Pirelli Sport Demon tires were fitted for maximum grip.
After ditching the bodywork CRD fabricated a new subframe, with a well-padded seat, and new fenders. They also made a bespoke brace to mount the front fender to the upside-down forks and a super-neat headlight bracket.
The RS has been completely rewired, with switches and a speedo from Motogadget—the latter mounted in a 7” headlight from CRD’s own online store. Other catalog items include the tail light, turn signals and grips; along with low-n-wide bars from Renthal and silencers from Supertrapp.
By making tasteful and selective visual changes, Pedro and Efraon have certainly succeeded in maintaining a “factory” feel. What really drives the point home though is the paint—a CRD twist on the classic “Smoke Silver TT” scheme of the earlier R90S, with some patina left on the engine for good measure.
Now that it’s complete, CRD #49 is headed to its new home in Barcelona. With great proportions, stunning looks and improved handling, don’t you wish it was headed to your garage instead?
Images by Enrique Pacheco. Check out earlier builds on the Cafe Racer Dreams website, and follow CRD’s news via their Facebook page.
