Bruiser
Based on an '83 BMW R80.
There's always a story behind each build and this one is rather nice. Our client Jimmy's friend bought this modified R80 a while back but was getting increasingly frustrated with it as it was constantly letting him down and never ran right. Eventually frustration won and was on the verge of throwing it away until Jimmy stepped in, gave him some money for it and vowed to get it transformed into their dream scrambler that they both could enjoy.
That's when we got the call and soon a plan was hatched and work commenced.
Big brakes, performance and handling upgrades, a high level exhaust system and a specific 'Lapis' blue colour for the tank and rear shock springs were high on the build brief.
With all that in mind the first job after all the unwanted old parts were removed was to get the bike up to our pals at OS Pipes for the fabrication of the new stainless two into one high level exhaust system, which incidentally, sounds great with a deep, rorty tone but not too loud as to annoy the neighbours.
Once back to our workshops the teardown commenced.
With the motor apart and inspected, all the new parts for the refresh / upgrades were obtained then the motor rebuilt. The Siebenrock 1000cc Power kit in conjunction with the new bigger Mikuni carbs certainly gives the motor more punch off the corners and just feels strong throughout the rev range. A satin black finish with some fin detailing completed the makeover.
Modern superbike brakes on an'80's classic might seem a bit overkill but there's no substitute for stopping power when you need it!
BMW S1000RR Brembo radial calipers,320mm EBC floating discs and sintered pads were sourced and a call to R90X Designs across the pond for the lovely milled alloy conversion kit to fit the stock fork legs and front spoked wheel was ordered. A top spec Accossato radial pump mastercylinder with matching clutch lever assembly were fitted and now,not only is it super powerful with just one finger braking (if wanted), it looks damn cool too!
To keep the rear end composed a pair of fully adjustable YSS shocks with colour coded springs to match the tank went on and give a nice plush ride.
One our SRC scrambler subframes with a gorgeous black leather seat with blue double diamond stitching and a lightweight brushed alloy guard completed the rear.
Electronics play a big part in custom building and this bike has the full suite of all the latest tech including the Motogadget M unit which controls the piercing LED Koso thunderbolt headlamp, tiny but super bright LED Kellerman combo tail/brake/indicators, Motogadget LED bar end indicators, Motone push button switches and all linked together with a new, much smaller custom made wiring loom.
Tyres on a street scrambler can be a divisive issue, too knobbly and it'll feel horrible on the street, too road biased and it won't look right or grip on the loose stuff so a good compromise were the Mitas E-08's which were chosen and fitted to the refurbished stainless spoked wheels. They perform well on the street and can cope with the odd foray onto the dirt.
I'm sure Jimmy and his mate are having a blast on "Bruiser" around the lovely Kent countryside and is certain to draw attention when parked up at their local bike meet.
Have fun boys.
Side Rock Cycles