A one-hit wonder, a flash in the pan, seen today and gone tomorrow. The custom motorcycle scene is full of tales of the next big workshop that you just never hear from again. There are a million reasons this can happen, which just makes it even more impressive on the part of those who have been here from the start and are still going strong. There is perhaps no better example of that level of success than Spain’s Cafe Racer Dreams. Founder Pedro García runs a slick operation, producing gorgeous custom machines, with OEM-like craftsmanship and superb rideability. All of which this BMW R100 has in spades, with a host of details that make #CRD121 another dream come true.
This might be build number 121 for the Madrid-based outfit, but 122 is already done and for sale on their website. That’s just how efficient they are at the dream factory, which’s run in an incredibly professional manner. More than a decade ago CRD was producing stunning Honda CB750s, before turning out a host of cool Triumph Bonnies, before being one of the earliest adopters of the BMW R platform. They also do cars too, with some tasty Porsche 911s having rolled out of the workshop in their own signature style.
From there, the business has only continued to grow and the demand from clients for a cutomised old school BMW shows no sign of slowing down. “This bike has the honour of being project number 121, proof that the work of the last decade has been very fruitful. This bike combines details that recall the world of car racing as well as references to the owner’s profession, creating the aesthetic they always dreamed of,” Pedro explains.
Stripped down to its barebones, the journey from bland old bike to Cafe Racer Dreams starts with a bare chassis up on the lift. From there the company has developed an approach that sees the subframe removed and their own rear unit bolted into place or welded on, depending on the exact model. This not only provides for an ultra-clean look but allows them to determine the rear geometry of the bike with shock position. Above the new metal goes a stunning two-up seat, with the pegs and mounts part of the package.
“The most striking feature of the bike is the gas tank in the same colour as the Mercedes-AMG GT R that must be seen to be fully appreciated. In fact, this paint, called ‘Solarbeam’ cost an extra €11,000 to put it on a Mercedes-AMG.” A classic front headlight with a clear lens and minimalist hand-rolled front fender keeps the tank the focus. “Another touch from the automobile world was to emulate the Panamericana grill of the German brand with polished cooling fins contrasting the powder black engine block.”
That engine now looking a treat and running better than ever has also had the factory Bing carbs overhauled and fitted with a set of K&N filters. Ensuring the Boxer soundtrack is at its best, the factory headers are wrapped up and finish out in blacked-out cocktail shaker mufflers. The suspension of a torque heavy shaft drive bike is crucial, with the engine’s twist loading up the rear. So, to stiffen things up and provide much better dampening control, a set of YSS G-Top shocks has been fitted, naturally in black.
The front forks have been cleaned up, powder coated black, and fitted with a set of gaiters. While on the inside the stock springs and oil were pulled and replaced with more befitting components. For stopping power, Brembos from the factory was pretty damn good back in ’82 when you bought yourself a BMW R100. But that doesn’t mean that after 40 years they can just be left, so they’ve been fully rebuilt with the calipers finished out in a textured coating and stainless hardware used to affix. To improve the feel at the lever, a new Brembo master cylinder was chosen, and a set of black lines bolted up.
For the rolling stock the wheels have been repainted and then wrapped up in the ever-popular Continental TKC80 tyres. “The sober styling is reinforced with other elements such as the microswitches from Motogadget that blend in with the handlebars and black grips. With the rear of the bike also deserving a look, with the plate frame displaced to the lower left of the bike and under the custom seat bracket there are two small rear lights that also serve as indicators.” All of which results in a stunning finished product that is as functional as any modern machine, but with all of the good looks, charm and styling of an ’80s custom done up to fit your dreams.
[ Cafe Racer Dreams – Instagram | Photography by Jaime de Diego ]