OVERVIEW

This custom 1993 BMW K1100RS is finished in metallic Indium grey. 

A little about me… I am an electrical/mechanical engineer in the renewable industry but my real love is bikes. This is my first masterpiece (well I think so) created from my little garage at home in Mid Wales. 

THE BEGINNING AND PLANNING

I have always wanted to build a custom bike. The original bike was purchased from a well-known BMW dealership in South England. The bike was purchased in an immaculate condition with very low mileage.

Prior to COVID-19, I spent many hours researching other builds, custom bike part manufacturers and more. I got started by stripping the BMW of all its parts and every nut and bolt. Then the hard work began… 

THE ENGINE

The engine was stripped down and cleaned ready for it to finished in a satin black VHT paint with standout brushed lines. It was rebuilt with new seals, gaskets and oils and every nut and bolt was replaced with new A2 stainless types.

To help keep the engine cool, an RC racing oversized aluminium radiator was added including an oil temperature filler cap and an aluminium expansion tank.

To give the bike a unique look I stripped down the old air box and kept the original trumpets and added a filter gauze. 

I must give credit to SES Factory who created the bespoke exhaust that travels through the frame with a removeable baffle.

THE CHASSIS (FRAME, SUSPENSION AND WHEELS)

The frame was stripped of all unnecessary brackets, braced for strength and powder coated in a satin black finish. Mounting brackets were added to carry a well-hidden cable tray and vibration mounted ECU.

USD fork conversion was imported from Cognito Moto. I fell in love with this bespoke manufacturer, so I purchased the GSXR conversion with integrated motogadget mini speedo and integrated indication lights.

The Ohlins rear shock speaks for itself and completes this custom build appearance and performance.

Anodised adjustable Paralever was fitted to maintain the original angled specification of the cardon shaft.

The wheels, originally from a 1100GS, were stripped back, powder coated in satin black and re-laced with a fresh set of stainless spokes and nipples and engineered to fit the bike.

THE ELECTRICS

A lightened existing wiring loom and the original handlebar switches were used alongside a ‘lunch box’ to ensure the integration of the motogadget mini speedo was possible and maintain some unique features of the K’s.

SES Factory also created a stainless-steel battery holder that carries a very light lithium-ion battery hidden behind the engine bay panel that carries the existing water temp gauge, fuel level gauge and a USB port with a voltage indicator.

The bike was finished with an all-round motogadget handlebar/plate holder mounted LED indicators. A sleek, bright brake light has been mounted under the rear cowl and an LED headlight has been fitted. It has been finished with a motogadget keyless ignition. 

THE FUEL TANK, SEAT AND MUDGUARDS

The aluminium rear cowl has been finished in an Indium grey to match the freshly painted tank and is fitted with a custom half leather, half suede seat with a subtle ‘K1100RS’ embroidery.

Anodised BSK rear sets were fitted including the Brembo brake cylinder.

A custom front mudguard and holders were finished in an Indium grey to match the bike’s new colour scheme.

The tank carries a BMW logo’d lockable aluminium fuel cap. 

THE END

This build has been a huge passion project for me. Listening to people’s feedback and see their heads turn as I pull up is an amazing feeling after so many hours were spent building it.

The bike is MOT’d until 6 August 2024.

Thank you for reading. I hope you can appreciate the level of detail, time and cost that has gone into this project. I could talk for hours about this bike, so I welcome any questions.