Motorcycle manufacturers, if you’re listening, we have a word of advice. There is a custom bike builder in Australia who, time and again, has shown he can literally turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse. Now, in past generations, this might not have been such an in-demand skill; the ’60s, for example, were filled with showrooms of beautiful machines. But in a some what back to the future period in time, modern motorcycles are a bit like the ’80s, when designers didn’t seem to have a handle on how to make new technology fit into a neat package. Enter Noel Muller of Black Cycles Australia, not only is he one of the world’s most prolific bike builders, but he never ceases to amaze us with his ability to make any bike look brilliant. And his latest creation is no different, a 1986 BMW K100 RS that is simply a scrambler sensation.
The K series is no stranger to the custom world, as their R series cousins have become rather ridiculously expensive, builders have been turning to the other Bavarian to serve as a donor for all manner of one-off creations. And there are some big positives to the mighty K, that engine will not only run forever, but the smooth power is addictive as hell. But in stock form, they’ve never been a looker, earning the ‘Flying Brick’ nickname early in their lifetime. And despite the challenges, many have pulled off some brilliant bikes using them; however, this just might be the most cohesive design and execution we’ve ever seen.
Noel explains how the adventure with the K started, “I have a great return customer John, who bought me a 1986 BMW K100 RS with good kms on it, and as usual, let me have full design freedom over the build. Tough decision but I went with a sort of Enduro/Scrambler style as I haven’t really seen any done well!” There aren’t many customers who will hand over full creative control to a builder, but when it comes to Black Cycles, it’s a familiar story. The public has grown to understand that letting Noel have full control is the best way to wind up with the bike of your dreams. And to get things going, he started by producing a rolling canvas on which he could get creative.
To serve its purpose well, the big BMW needed a serious suspension upgrade, and the front forks have been treated to a full overhaul before being dressed up in some big gaiters. The rear gets the horizontal treatment, with the stunning CNC components matched up to an Ohlins shock to totally transform the handling. The original wheels stay in place, but they’ve been meticulously prepared before being hit with an aluminium gold 2K paint and then wrapped up in Shinko Enduro rubber. On a stock K, this would still leave the back tyre well and truly tucked up under the massive seat, so some serious work had to be undertaken, with the entire subframe cut off, and new metal welded into place to create the perfect piece.
Time for the bodywork, “I decided to slim down the fuel tank and doing some research, I’ve noticed no one has really cut into the original aluminium tanks on these for whatever reason? I’ve cut off the complete top and removed an inch of height, cut a decent chunk from the rear (added angle to that area) and turned the top piece completely back to front to bring the fuel filler forward all the while keeping in mind, still needing access to fit the fuel pump & filter back inside when done.” Then, utilising the same aluminium sheet, the side panels and rear fender have been fabricated, and what a phenomenon. The looks of a ’90s Enduro machine but with even smoother and more balanced lines.
The front end follows a similar theme, all based around a Husqvarna Enduro LED headlight. Noel has then fabricated one hell of a stunning piece, utilising 2.5mm aluminium sheet, the number plate, the surround, and the high-rise front fender are all one! For the paint, “I decided on the classic John Player Special racing livery for this one, can’t go wrong with the black n’ gold, which Justin from Popbang classics laid down flawlessly.”
To match the incredible colour scheme, a seat base was built in aluminium and the foam formed up in-house, before Adam at Carman’s Auto Trimming nailed the finish, in a black and gold retro design. To keep things tidy, there’s a digital speedo, tiny Kellermann lights, and the Renthal bars wear only the best bits.
“Now we come to the main electronics. The K models are notorious for being a pain in the ass to modify, remove or add new electrical gear but luckily I was approached by Peter from Byron Motorcycles who is the Australasian distributor for @nwtcycletronic, who are a Canadian based company with some really good products to enhance & improve motorcycles and are a more affordable alternative… and have an easy to contact tech service!” From their catalogue, Noel’s used the X3.P control hub to run the show, the wireless remote key system called the KEYX.R, which comes with two key fobs, X3.P multi-function buttons, SOLX starter solenoid and even the company’s horn.
At the heart of it all is a battery from a company called Sodion, and as the name indicates, it uses sodium-ion technology. They last forever, they’re lightweight and don’t explode, and Noel reports the cold cranking power is insane. Which means the K series engine is always quick to fire up, and it looks the business having been pulled from the frame and given a black 2K paint finish and all new bolts.
To deliver some extra power and save weight, Noel then built a new collector for the exhaust, before completing the system with a reverse cone stainless steel muffler. “John has said the bike now has much more usable power than the original, and it’s actually very smooth/comfortable to ride!” Then there are the looks, no matter the power plant you placed inside, ICE or EV, this package is a timeless piece of custom building brilliance; if only manufacturers of new bikes could deliver something this stunning.
[ Black Cycles Australia | Photos by Gold Coast Studio ]