Bria
Based on 1980 BMW R65
Like a lot of late night on line purchases via a well known auction site and probably helped by a few glasses of something alcoholic (been there done that), the 'buy it now' purchase of this modified R65 seemed a bit of a bargain to our client Mark. Unfortunately, when it turned up, it wasn't such a bargain after all with lots of issues that needed addressing.
That's when Mark contacted us to sort the problems,but also after lots of conversations, it was decided to start again and build it to how he really wanted it.
On the list was more power, less weight, better brakes and suspension, contemporary electronics, a minimalist look and colour changes. Everything then!
The teardown was swift and a couple of big boxes of unwanted parts were soon filled to be sold off to offset some of the build costs.
Some fabrication to the rear of the frame was required as the subframe was ditched and new shock mounts for the custom made, longer, laid down YSS fully adjustable units and small single seat loop were made. With all the unwanted brackets shaved off the frame, it and the swinging arm, wheels and other assorted parts were dispatched to the powder coaters for a satin black finish.
Meanwhile, the motor was stripped and in went a Siebenrock 860cc power kit which consists of lightweight Nikasil lined barrels, high comp short skirt pistons and stainless pushrod tubes. A new timing chain kit, heavy duty clutch, uprated starter motor plus all new seals and gaskets. The transmission was also overhauled with new bearings, springs, gaskets, seals and a higher ratio 5th gear to lower the revs a bit whilst cruising.
A short,straight exhaust system was required so a custom set of stainless headers mated to a pair of bespoke OS Pipes short silencers with integral baffles now gives the bike a great sound without upsetting the noise police. New, larger Mikuni carbs with Ram Air filters linked to a quick action Domino throttle really improves throttle response and feels much more urgent.
A full compliment of modern electronics were part of the build brief so a Motogadget M-unit, M button, M blaze bar end LED indicators, keyless ignition, push button switches, Koso LED headlamp, tiny Kellerman combination LED rear indicators,stop, tail lights and Acewell digital speedo/ tacho are now hooked up to an under gearbox Antigravity Lithium Iron battery and a much smaller custom wiring loom by our pal Bob Presslee.
Pirelli Scorpion dual purpose tyres complete the aggressive look but work really well on the road which is where it will spend most of its time.
Of course, the focal point of this bike is the skinny tank which was expertly finished in 'Nardo ' grey with Mark's favourite number 22 and the bikes name airbrushed on by our paint pals at Wicked Coatings. The short single seat with matching grips were finished in a lovely supple 'New Delhi' brown leather with black stitching by master upholsterer Glenn Moger.
Bike meets, the DGR ride and many sunny day rides are on the cards for Mark on the bike that is exactly how he wants. Enjoy.
Side Rock Cycles