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- Belows front suspensions
- Brake & Clutch levers
- Electric box
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- Fenders
- Foot pegs
- Front suspensions
- Fuel tanks
- Handle grips
- Handlebar switch controls
- Handlebars
- Headlights
- License plate holders
- Mirrors
- Mudguards
- Rear light
- Rear suspensions
- Seats
- Silencers
- Speedometers
- Thermal strips
- Turn signals
- Air filters
- Belows front suspension
- Brake & Clutch levers
- Electric box
- Exhaust
- Fenders
- Foot pegs
- Front protection
- Front suspensions
- Fuel tanks
- Handle grips
- Handlebar switch controls
- Handlebars
- Headlights
- License plate holders
- Mirrors
- Mudguards
- Rear frame
- Rear light
- Rear suspensions
- Seats
- Silencers
- Speedometers
- Thermal strips
- Turn signals
- Air filters
- Belows front suspensions
- Brake & Clutch levers
- Electric box
- Engine protection
- Exhausts
- Fenders
- Foot pegs
- Front suspensions
- Fuel tanks
- Handle grips
- Handlebar switch controls
- Handlebars
- Headlights
- License plate holders
- Mirrors
- Mudguards
- Rear frame
- Rear light
- Rear suspensions
- Seats
- Silencers
- Speedometers
- Thermal strips
- Turn signals
SEARCH BY MOTORCYCLE BRAND
BMW CAFE RACER
Introduction to BMW Cafe Racer Motorcycles
Vintage BMW motorcycles are among the most popular models for creating a BMW cafe racer.
The key feature that has made these models successful is their boxer engine, known as "airhead." It offers unique styling, performance, and sound.
Another appreciated feature of the BMW R series is the bolt-on subframe, making loop modifications simpler and reversible.
In addition to these features, the Bavarian brand benefits from a strong reputation, reliability, and quality.
Due to their popularity, the BMW R60, R75, R80, R90, and R100 are becoming rarer and consequently more expensive.
For this reason, in recent years, we’ve seen the development of BMW café racer builds based on the K series. The K series features a flat 4-cylinder engine. Its unusual architecture adds charm to these builds, which we will explore later.
More recently, we’ve witnessed the rise of modern customizations based on the BMW R nine-T, designed for easy personalization with a bolt-on subframe and modular electrical system. Even the BMW R18 can be custom in cafe racer.
Here, you’ll find our selection of BMW custom motorcycles motorcycles in chronological order of BMW MOTORRAD models.
Initially, we cover BMW customizations based on the BMW R75, R80, and R100, followed by BMW K75, K100, and K1100, and finally the R Nine-T, BMW's latest model.
To summarize, a BMW cafe racer is often characterized by the following elements (among others):
- Clip-on handlebars
- A headlight fairing (front bodywork)
- A single-seat tail section
- Rear-set controls
These are the basic elements for converting a motorcycle into a BMW cafe racer.
Customizations of the BMW R Series
The R series debuted in 1932 with the R32. BMW has since released numerous variants and models in this series.
In 1969, the R75/5 was introduced, equipped with a 745cc boxer engine producing 50 horsepower.
Custom builders of BMW cafe racers are particularly fond of BMWs starting from this model.
The final model featuring the same engine architecture as the R75/5 was the BMW R 80 GS Basic, released in 1996.
What longevity!
We’ve selected several BMW R100, a BMW R80 cafe racer, and a BMW R65 cafe racer.
BMW R100 Cafe Racer
For more cafe racers built on the R100, click here. We’ve dedicated a full article to this topic.
BMW R80 Cafe Racer
This sleek R80 build was crafted by Diamond Atelier!
This German workshop is no stranger to customizing bikes from just a few kilometers away from their Bavarian base. We love the elegant line, the combination of the tank and single-seat tail, as well as the very modern oval headlight.
BMW R65 Cafe Racer
The BMW R65 debuted in 1978 with a 650cc boxer engine delivering 45 horsepower. In 1985, the new version of the R65 adopted a single shock absorber design.
This version was used by French Moto (formerly French Monkey) for a build created for YouTuber Julien Fabro.
BMW R75 Cafe Racer
The Americans from COGNITO MOTO, previously featured on our blog, produced this build.
They installed an inverted fork from a GSX-R 600 for better performance and aesthetics. We also admire the spoked wheels and the engine, upgraded to 1000cc using a Siebenrock big bore kit.
Customizations on the BMW K Series
The K series began in 1983 with the K100, revolutionizing BMW Motorrad with its longitudinal inline 4-cylinder engine and "Compact Drive System," combining the powertrain, gearbox, and shaft drive into a single unit.
BMW K75 Cafe Racer
For more K75 cafe racers, click here. We’ve dedicated a full article to this topic.
Conclusion
After reviewing BMW cafe racers from the 1970s to today, are you captivated by their style? Will you start your project on a vintage, youngtimer, or modern bike? Among our selections, which prepared BMW is your favorite?
Ride safe, Remi
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