A design can be elevated by taking parts away relatively than including them. Typically it’s about what’s there, and generally it’s about what’s not. This tradition 1993 BMW R100R falls into the second class—constructed by Niks Bikes in Barcelona, Spain, it’s an essay on minimalism.
In the event you’re not acquainted, the R100R was technically BMW’s first go at constructing a ‘fashionable traditional.’ It was basically the road-going equal of the R100GS, with an air- and oil-cooled 980 cc boxer twin pushing 60 hp to the again wheel by way of BMW’s fashionable (on the time) Paralever shaft drive. The R100R additionally traded its stablemate’s journey bike trim for smaller wheels and a smattering of chrome.
The Niks Bikes R100R is a substantial departure from the unique. However it’s not only a looker—it additionally hides a neat celebration trick. At per the shopper’s transient, this boxer can go from bobber to passenger-friendly on the drop of a hat.
However earlier than Niks obtained to that, they rebuilt the engine with a 1,000 cc Siebenrock high-compression piston equipment. The higher engine cowl was changed with a slimmer unit, with the battery now housed beneath the swingarm. The exhaust was made by the Niks group and is appropriately quick, matching the traces of the body and exposing the attractive BMW single-sided swingarm.
The entrance finish is inventory, however for the reason that shopper referred to as for an extended and low design it was lowered internally by about 5 inches. With the lowered journey, the entrance springs had been correctly swapped out for progressive gadgets, together with preload adjusters. The fork lowers had been smoothed out for a extra traditional look.
The Paralever rear finish and mono-shock had been carried over from the manufacturing facility bike, however with improved efficiency courtesy of a Wilbers merchandise. The rear finish was additionally modified barely to permit a 5” extensive tire to suit.
The manufacturing facility cross-spoked wheels had been disassembled, painted black and reassembled with chrome steel spokes and Firestone Deluxe tires. The Brembo entrance brakes had been torn down and rebuilt too, with recent brake traces and a Beringer grasp cylinder. Naturally, the calipers obtained a recent coat of black paint to match the wheels.
The true magic is going on within the center part of the bike. Niks constructed a {custom} tank that’s lower than half the dimensions of the unique, and appears completely unbelievable. Between the thin silhouette, the Monza gas cap and the {custom} gas gauge on the left aspect, it’s a real murals.
Onto the BMW’s celebration trick: its tailored three-in-one tail setup. Niks’ shopper favored the concept of a solo seat, but in addition enjoys driving along with his associate. To cowl all bases, the group got here up with a detachable subframe and passenger seat.
It may be configured as a solo seat, a solo seat with a baggage rack, or a full two-up setup. It bolts on in minutes, and opens up a world of comfort. Ingenious stuff.
The entrance and rear fenders had been made in-house too. The rear unit, and a custom-made license plate bracket, connect to the swingarm on the best aspect solely. Once more, the bike’s design is elevated by each what’s there, and what’s not.
A single spherical headlight sits up entrance, with a Motogadget tiny speedometer embedded into the highest. A set of relaxed, seashore cruiser-style handlebars are adorned with Motone push button switches and Beringer levers. The bars are capped with glassless mirrors and LED flip indicators, each from Motogadget.
The seat, grips and foot pegs are all lined in the identical Italian leather-based—although the pegs function chrome steel fasteners for further grip.
Study every ingredient of the bike by itself, and also you’d be forgiven for pondering it’s nothing particular. Mix these parts although, and so they come collectively to create one thing distinctive.
Completed in beautiful blue paint, the body, swingarm and tank mix collectively fantastically. We love how the tank’s so skinny, it nearly seems like a part of the chassis. It have to be wild to look down and see these large boxer pistons protruding both sides.
Niks Bikes have taken a unique strategy with their R100R and it’s paid off in spades. We wager the brand new proprietor is glad—as a result of we will’t consider a greater method to see the sights of Barcelona.
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