Highlights

Bespoke café racer build combining BMW and Suzuki components
Based upon a 1981 BMW R100RS model
In current ownership for eight years
History file with invoices and MOT certificates from 1990 onwards
MOT and road tax-exempt as a historic vehicle
Last MOT-tested in July 2024, first-time pass with no advisories
ULEZ-tested and compliant
Cherished plate 'MRX 695X' included in the sale

The Appeal

The BMW R100RS holds a special place in motorcycling history as the world's first mass-production motorbike with a full factory-standard, wind tunnel-developed fairing, underpinned by BMW's characterful ‘airhead’ boxer twin. This 1981 example has been reimagined as a bespoke café racer, marrying the torquey flat-twin engine with a Suzuki GSX-R 750 front end to create something truly bespoke.

Stripped back to a bare frame that was sandblasted and powder-coated, the build features custom fibreglass bodywork, hand-made leather seat upholstery, and a host of high-quality aftermarket components from the likes of Motogadget, KOSO, Highsider and Brembo. The seller notes that 'just about everything has been modified or swapped out for bespoke or high-end aftermarket parts', and everything from the paint colour to the riding position and ergonomics has been considered.

The vendor describes it as a one-of-a-kind, super-rare mixture of German and Japanese motorcycles, with an entirely altered stance to give it a street-racer look. The front is from a Suzuki GSX-R 750, with an adjustable alloy top yoke plate to stiffen up the front. This has been rebuilt and filled with new oils, and it also comes with an original Suzuki six-piston Tokico front disc brake, which has been rebuilt with a new 21mm master cylinder, new callipers, and new brake fluid. New steering bearings and wheel bearings were also added.

Cosmetic upgrades include a unique fibreglass rear fairing designed to match the underlines of the petrol tank, while a fibreglass air-flow piece has been mounted to the underside. Convenience features include LED lights with integrated indicators at both front and rear.

There are a whole host of mechanical upgrades from the Suzuki GSX-R 750-derived front end, and a rebuilt rear Brembo braking system. The carburettors were sonically cleaned and balanced, and all fluids were changed. In current ownership for eight years, during which it is said to have proved reliable and comfortable, it comes with a history file that includes invoices and MOT certificates dating back to 1990. As a historic vehicle, it is both MOT and road tax-exempt, and it has been ULEZ-tested and found compliant, making it a practical consideration for those riding in London.

Key Information

Mileage: 51.7 km indicated (the odometer has been replaced, and the estimated actual mileage is approximately 60,000 miles, which is supported by its MOT history record)
Country of registration: United Kingdom, first registered in September 1981
Technical inspection status: MOT-exempt as a historic vehicle, but most recently tested on July 18 2024, which was a clean first-time pass
Technical specs: 980cc ‘airhead’ two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine, five-speed manual gearbox
Paperwork: Rider's handbook, numerous invoices, MOT certificates from 1990 onwards, and two original keys

The Detail

Stripped to bare metal frame and rebuilt as a bespoke café racer
Frame sandblasted and powder-coated
980cc four-stroke flat-twin, five-speed gearbox
Engine casings polished and resprayed with heat-resistant matte black paint
Front end sourced from a Suzuki GSX-R 750 with an adjustable alloy top yoke plate, rebuilt and filled with new oils
Suzuki six-piston Tokico front disc brake rebuilt with new 21mm master cylinder, new callipers and new brake fluid
Rear Brembo braking system rebuilt with new master cylinder and brake fluid
New bearings fitted to wheels and steering system
Carburettors sonically cleaned, adjusted and balanced
Valve clearances adjusted
All fluids changed, including gearbox and engine oils
New spark plugs fitted
K&N sport air filters fitted
44cm adjustable chrome rear shock absorbers
New wiring and electrics throughout
Unique fibreglass rear fairing designed to match the petrol tank underline, with a BMW K-series rear brake light for modern appeal
Polished alloy piece mounted underneath tailpiece
Unique sport airflow piece made of fibreglass and metal brackets mounted to the underside
Bespoke hand-made leather seat upholstery
Café racer headlight with integrated LED indicators front and rear, and Highsider adjustable headlight brackets
Motogadget black grips and bar end mirrors
KOSO speedometer
Suzuki alloy clip-ons
Gel battery with bespoke alloy bracket housed behind the engine
Ignition key relocated to the back of the engine within a bespoke fibreglass panel that sits in place of the original air box
Chrome silencer with gold-toned fibreglass wrapping
Alloy foldable number plate bracket

BEFORE YOU BUY

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