Black Bess
Based on a '79 BMW R100
Matt, our client, brought us his bike that had already been customised by another shop a few years back but he was never happy with it and wanted it completely transformed. His three main priorities were performance, handling and braking, plus it had to look the part too.
Well this was right up our street so the teardown began.
Let's start with the performance bit. With the motor completely apart, a Siebenrock 1070cc power kit was fitted which includes lightweight short skirt high comp pistons and new light alloy Nikasil lined barrels with stainless push rod tubes, lightweight forged and balanced con rods and a performance asymmetrical camshaft.
We added twin spark heads which were also gas flowed and refreshed. A pair of big Mikuni carbs with Ram Air filters helps getting more fuel and air in and to get the gases out better, a set of lightweight satin stainless 2 into 1 headers were mated to an upswept stainless muffler which sounds great.
To enhance the handling of the bike, at the rear, a set of Ohlins finest fully adjustable Black line remote gas reservoir shocks went on and at the front, a set of later, larger diameter Mono forks were fitted. As the original 'snowflake' wheels were to be retained, a new spindle and spacers were made so it all fitted together correctly.
More stopping power was required so a set of 4 pot Brembo calipers from a K100 were refurbished and modified to fit the forks and a bespoke pair of wider floating stainless discs were made. With the new radial pump Accossato Master cylinder brake set up with adjustable folding levers and stainless hoses, braking is now worlds apart from the old set up. Much stronger with loads of feel.
Of course, the electronics had a complete upgrade too with a new Silent Haptic digital, programmable twin spark ignition system, a full Motogadget set up with M unit, M-button, LED indicators, Motoscope mini speedo and LED warning lights. Push button switches control the functions and all mated to a new bespoke, much smaller and lighter wiring loom.
Lights are full LED with a super intense Koso Thunderbolt headlight which is really slim and was mounted tight to the forks for a more aggressive look.
A clean minimal look was wanted around the handlebar area so a new billet alloy top yoke was CNC machined along with a new 'fat bar' handlebar clamp which houses the Motogadget Motoscope digital speedo and LED warning lights with all the wiring for these and the switches running through the new Renthal Fat Bars. A new stainless top nut also incorporates the start button.
A Domino quick action throttle and Motogadget glassless bar end mirror completes that area.
To compete the off road look, one of our SRC lightweight scrambler subframes went on and gorgeous 'oxblood' red leather set with black diamond stitching was expertly upholstered by our pal Glenn Moger.
A pair of lightweight brushed alloy mudguards went on and the 'icing on the cake' was a superb paintjob on the tank which was finished in metallic black with gunmetal grey pinstripes.
Well, we ticked all Matt's boxes and I have to say it was well worth it with super strong power everywhere with handling and stopping power to match.
Summer fun becons!
Side Rock Cycles