BMW R100 RT | The Story Behind The Bike

21 Apr 2022

by Bryan and Riley

Begin journey BMW R100 RT

In September of 2021 my son, Riley was diagnosed with Brain Cancer. Knowing this would be a difficult time and that he would not be able to do many things like school, get his license to be with friends, etc. I decided we should focus on what he could do. Providing him with something to be excited about, challenge, learn, and distract from the day-to-day. We both have a passion for motorcycles so we decided to do a project build. We found the 89 R100RT and the journey began. The goal was to always do something on the bike each day, and keep the ball moving forward “Daily shop time". Some days he would be hands-on, others he would join for just a hangout session. Takedown, research, design, planning, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning, trial, and error, seeking help, we’ve done it all. At the end of the day, Riley has had a full and final design decision. I may have turned a few more wrenches and soldered more wires but this is his vision. The build process for us has been filled with a ton of learning, sore knuckles, challenges, and all-around good times during a crappy time.

Rebuilding BMW R100

We decided to go for it on this bike. Tore it down to the frame and the engine. Installed the Motogadget M-Unit, M-Lock, Motogadget Pro speedo, and all wiring loom. Lithium battery with LED lights and Vintage headlight. Motone switches. New Renthal handlebars, levers, and custom cables. Replaced the Reg/Rec, Ignition module, and coils. Rebuilt the brake calipers and powder coated them. Motorcycles United has been a big help with parts and suggestions. Replaced suspension with a YSS rear shock, Hagon progressive springs in front. Spark trumpet exhaust, battery box. Rebuilt the carbs and reconditioned parts where we could. Custom paint and emblems.

Finish BMW R100

We set a date of April 9th and a goal to be able to ride it to the Revival cycles Handbuilt motorcycle show in Austin Texas and we did it this weekend. We parked it right near the entrance gate and it was a crowd favorite!

It took Riley 6 months to complete his treatment and our bike. He is doing really good and currently, we are looking for our next project!