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This is my very first motorcycle build. I run a design and fabrication studio where I take a hands-on approach to every project I work on. This particular project started with a decommissioned police bike 1990 BMW R80 —damaged, not running, and long out of service. It was a perfect canvas for my first build, and I committed myself to a full rebuild, restoring and refining everything from the engine to the smallest details. My vision was to create a lightweight, high-performance machine, inspired by BMW’s concept designs—a bike that looks and feels as if it was always meant to exist.
A Cafe Racer Transformation
To bring my vision to life, I designed and fabricated most of the components myself, using lightweight materials like billet aluminum for both strength and precision. One of my key innovations was 3D scanning the engine to design a custom aluminum battery cover.
After printing, casting, and seamlessly welding it onto the engine cover, I achieved a factory-integrated look that was both functional and sleek. I also ground down the original casting marks on the engine and gearbox and brushed them to create a refined, uniform finish that elevated the bike’s overall aesthetic.
Lighting and Material Choices
The lighting system is entirely my own creation. Both the front lights and rear lights are custom-designed, hand-built, LED-powered, and engineered to minimize weight without compromising on performance.
In addition to this, I embraced raw, high-quality materials wherever possible. Polished stainless steel, aluminum, leather, and African wenge wood were used throughout the build, blending mechanical precision with organic elements to create a beautiful yet functional machine.
The Finishing Touches and Performance Enhancements
For the electrical system, I chose to upgrade to Motogadget components, ensuring the bike had cutting-edge functionality and reliability. The final step in completing this build was hand-fabricating a custom exhaust and muffler, ensuring that the performance and aesthetics of the bike aligned perfectly with its unique character. This wasn’t just a restoration; it was a complete reimagination, merging craftsmanship, performance, and design into a motorcycle that feels like a concept brought to life.
The Final Outcome
