Transforming Tradition: How This BMW R 100 RS Cafe Racer Redefines Custom Cool
When it comes to the prestigious world of custom motorcycles, creating a piece that genuinely stands out is a challenge even the most skilled builders often hesitate to take on. Yet, Takashi Nihira of Wedge Motorcycle not only accepts this challenge but consistently excels, crafting bikes that defy expectations and breed originality. His latest masterpiece, a reimagined BMW R 100 RS, is a testament to his unmatched ability to innovate within the well-trodden path of custom airheads.
A Visionary's Playground
In the competitive arena of custom bike building, it’s the bold and the innovative that capture the spotlight. Nihira-san, a luminary in this space, was approached by a client with a clear vision: to create a showstopper for the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. With no design constraints placed upon him, Nihira embarked on a journey to transform a 1990 BMW R 100 RS into something the world had never seen. The result? A sharp cafe racer that takes the essence of the R-series into an uncharted territory of design.
The Genesis of Transformation
Every masterpiece begins with a blank canvas. For Nihira-san, this meant stripping the BMW R 100 RS down to its bones, discarding every piece of the original bodywork. What followed was an act of creation that involved shaping Styrofoam mockups into futuristic, yet minimalistic silhouettes, which would later become the aluminum skin of the motorcycle. At the heart of the reformation lies a uniquely sculpted fuel tank, a piece so distinct in form it challenges the conventions of motorcycle aesthetics.
A Suspension of Disbelief
Rethinking the rear suspension, Nihira-san introduced a deceptive rigid look without the compromises of a hardtail, blending form and function with an ingenious linkage system that keeps the Ohlins monoshock hidden yet highlighted through a meticulously designed cutout. This, along with the preservation of the original forks—now lowered for an aggressive stance—demonstrates a harmonious balance between the bike’s historic roots and its modern persona.
Minimalism in Motion
The true beauty of Nihira’s work lies in the details. A custom Beringer caliper, married to a concealed KustomTech master cylinder, ensures braking is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. The cockpit remains uncluttered thanks to tailor-made triple clamps and a discreet Motoscope Mini speedometer from Motogadget, embodying the philosophy that true sophistication lies in simplicity.
Commanding Attention
Every angle of this cafe racer demands attention, from the backward arching handlebar to the compact LED headlight that lies like a jewel in front of the lower triple clamp. The paintwork, an understated yet captivating shade of light blue with silver detailing, complements the polished details and wrinkle-black painted valve covers, creating a visual feast that is as elegant as it is striking.
The Breath of Innovation
No stone was left unturned in the quest for perfection. The boxer-twin engine, now breathing through Keihin FCR carburetors and expelling its roar through custom stainless-steel exhausts, stands as a testament to the skillful blend of craftsmanship and innovation that defines Wedge Motorcycle.
Conclusion
In a realm where originality is the holy grail, Takashi Nihira continues to redefine the boundaries of custom motorcycle building. His latest creation, a BMW R 100 RS transformed into a futuristic cafe racer, not only scores maximum points for originality but serves as a beacon of inspiration for what can be achieved when tradition and innovation collide.