If there is a totally stock BMW R series motorcycle out there, it must be starting to feel like it’s been left behind, with nearly all of its siblings converted into some form of custom bike or adventure machine. And proudly laying claim to having turned dozens of the German boxers into beautiful bikes is Spain’s Cafe Racer Dreams, but they’re also willing to adapt and learn, and for their latest build they took a great deal of inspiration from the founder of Brat Style, the one and only Go Takamine. The result is CRD 132, a 1982 BMW R100 that is resplendent in the distinctive aesthetic, while increasing usability, for one go anywhere in style custom machine.

Brat Style is a difficult category of custom to define, as like the founder, everyone has their own take. Generally, they don’t seek to make massive changes to the major components of the bike, take on a more industrial/rat rod vibe and incorporate the best of modifications to make for a machine that is truly a blast to ride, rather than being something that’s all show and no go. Having built endless R’s over many a year, the CRD crew acquired the ’82 model and then were down to work in their almost production line like manner.

With the bike stripped down and parts neatly boxed up, the frame has been cleaned up and in keeping with the style they were after, the subframe receives only a minor chop and rear hoop modification. To facilitate the desired two-up riding ability, the peg supports have been reworked for an ultra-clean look and fitted with custom foot pegs to suit. The frame also gets a number of hidden mounting brackets for the modifications to come and then it’s all been smoothed out and finished in black, with the rear-drive rebuilt and given the same finish.

Then, as they always do, the guys set about making build 132 stand out from the crowd. “On the road, this machine has a striking aesthetic, with the gas tank painted in the shade of blue used on the BMW M5 and a stylish colour contrast on the plate holders. These bear the number 77, a lucky number in many countries, on an orange background and are mounted with quick fittings that are totally unnoticed when dismounted.” That colour might be modern, but there are plenty of classic touches, like the big front headlight that bucks the tiny LED trend and even houses a gauge in the shell.

For more of that vintage aesthetic, the team decided to make the upholstery more than just a functional part of the build and sourced a stunning hide. The seat unit first receives a hand-built base and then has been generously topped with quality foam, before a set of tank pads was also created, finally both are stitched in a gorgeous diamond pattern that gives the whole bike a very cool ’60s scrambler touch. To match, the Biltwell grips are also selected in the same distinctive pattern, and then it was time for a set of classic fenders too. These are hand rolled items at each end, left in a raw finish, and attached with custom mounts.

The custom mounts were a must, as 132 has had the factory front suspension and brakes all swapped out for modern gear. The forks themselves are 43mm Showa items that use the stock lower triple tree from the donor bike and a custom machined alloy upper.

With a desire to retain the factory BMW wheels, a host of modifications to things like the axle and bearings allow them to work with the new forks, and the wheels have been modified to accept the big twin discs. These are grabbed by a set of Tokico calipers, and the rear suspension has been fitted with Hagon shocks.

The power plant was never going to get a huge boost in power, but it had to look its best and run like clockwork, so it’s been given a once over and then coated in black. The new top cover gives it a sleek look, and everything is further cleaned up with the airbox ditched and the rebuilt carbs now sucking oxygen via a set of K&N pod filters.

The short headers are fitted out with a set of SuperTrapp mufflers that the guys were very eager to use, with their tuneable sound, and have finished them in a brushed look to match the fenders. Underneath the boxer donk, a custom battery box stores the new lightweight item, that kicks off a front-to-back re-wire.

A relocated ignition switch and Motogadget parts further help to keep things clean, while the taillight is a typically vintage piece to match the front end. Even the indicators have the old-school vibe, albeit with clear lenses, and the lighting is finished out with a driving light sitting on a custom mount. A set of Renthal bars gives a comfortable riding position and they’ve been topped with era matching controls. “We also indulged in a set of Continental TKC 80 tyres to give an added personal touch to the #132.”

And in just 8 weeks, CRD has turned a stock R100 into a very Spanish spin on the popular Brat Style, for one very tasty treat.

[ Cafe Racer Dreams – Instagram ]