I’m a sucker for a tastefully updated classic BMW. And this mid-70s airhead is as good as it gets. The bike started out as a stock R75/6, but it’s now way beyond factory spec—thanks to California-based BMW specialists Boxer Metal.
According to builder Chris Canterbury, “The customer saw a similar bike in a magazine, and wanted me to build him his own version. So we took the engine up to 1000cc [from 750cc] with late model heads and carburetors, a BMW sport cam and a lightened flywheel.”
Boxer Metal also fitted a police-spec tank and seat obtained from Europe, and had the bodywork repainted by Chico-based artist Dennis Price. They stripped, rebuilt, powder coated and re-laced the wheels with stainless steel spokes. The front end is now a dual disc setup from a R90S; it’s matched to completely rebuilt forks, with Works Performance providing the rear shocks.
Extreme attention to detail has given this R75/6 a factory-fresh look: Boxer Metal has powder coated the frame parts, and black anodized many of the other components. The exhaust has been treated to a Jet-Hot Ceramic Coating, and the shiny parts are either chrome-plated or new stainless steel.
The standard R75/6 had around 50 hp, but this machine is probably putting out closer to 70—which should give spritely performance for a bike weighing just over 200 kg wet (460 lbs).
Classic style and a decent turn of speed—what more could you want?
Images courtesy of Oliver Hutton. For a different take on the BMW R75/6, check out the Wilkinson Brothers’ cafe racer.
