Sette Nero Manta

Think back to that awkward chat you might have had with the careers advisor about what you wanted to be when you grew up. Doubtful that the builder of this bike, Andrea Felice, ever needed to have such a conversation.  His grandfather was a Baroque master carver and his father a furniture maker and teacher of cabinet making, no surprise then that Andrea would be a ‘maker’ too.  After studying Industrial Design the call of genetics took over and Andrea moved to London to set up a now highly acclaimed furniture making business.  A sucker for BMWs, he’s owned many over the years and a decade ago completed his first cafe racer build, a ’78 R80 called Biplano, and Sette Nero Motorcycles was born.

This latest build, Manta, is based on a 1980 R100T frame and engine. The swingarm has been braced and modified with a fully adjustable Showa mono-shock connected directly to the centre of the frame’s top tube with no linkage. The subframe is also bespoke and welded to the main frame.

The front end is from a BMW K75 with beefier 41mm stanchions and uprated twin disc set up.

Carbon headlight with integrated warning lights and a small, simple speedo are the obvious flashes of modernity, the engine and chassis will remind the rider that this isn’t a normal eighties Beemer with a few cafe racer tweaks.


A Heinrich endurance tank has had the knee recesses cut out and remade with fibreglass and sealed on the inside, allowing a clearer view of the suspension mods and ignition trickery. The battery is relocated in a custom aluminium box right down low, underneath the engine.  Feet up on the billet rear sets and knees tucked up into the tank, the Manta is going to feel very lithe indeed.

The engine has been fully rebuilt and dynamically balanced by Jim Cray Engineering to create an almost zero miles unit, with new pistons and barrels by Siebenrock, ported heads and an electronic ignition conversion for the double spark plug set up.  40mm Dellortos on K&Ns replace the old Bings which sets a precedent for the exhaust to follow.  A slender, in-house fabricated, stainless steel 2-into-1 feeds neatly into a stubby Supertrapp low-down on the right side.  The gearbox also received the full rebuild treatment, no expense spared on this build then!

Front and rear rims have been relaced with stainless spokes and reduced by one inch in diameter to sharpen the handling.

If you want to take a closer look at this build, and meet Sette Nero’s Andrea, then get yourself a ticket for BSMC Event 3 where Manta will be one of the bikes on display.

First appeared in thebikeshed.cc

BMW R100/7 by Boyle Custom Moto

Kim Boyle has lived a life on two wheels. He started out in BMX, working for GT Bicycles, Airwalk, Vans and DC Shoes—and then got hooked on motorcycles. Over the past six years he’s made a name for himself with a series of super-clean builds, ranging from an SR500 wheelie machine to vintage Harleys and a Norton café racer.
Kim’s latest creation is this sweet 1978 BMW R100/7, which was one of the stars of the recent Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Texas. Despite being a “zero to no budget project,” it’s a stunning result.

It sounds like Kim is a pretty straight-up kinda guy, and he admits that a classic BMW would not be his first choice of donor vehicle. “I’m not a big fan of the size or shape of the airhead motor,” he says. “But a ton of people love these bikes, including a good friend of mine.” So Kim got to work, and got the result. “It turned out to be exactly what my friend envisioned, and that’s the best thing I could ask for.”

Kim started by shaving, polishing and lowering the forks by 4½ inches. Then he rebuilt both wheels, adding black powder coat to the stock rims. He swapped out the original tank for a sleeker R90 item with a flip-clip gas cap, painted by Shawn Long at Imperial House.
“The shocks sat too vertical for my taste, so I moved the top mounts forward a bit and went with half-inch taller Progressive Suspension shocks to get the stance I wanted.” To keep within the budget, Kim welded up a 2-into-1 exhaust using no less than 32 pieces of pipe, with a chunk of heat shield from a Sportster to protect the short muffler. Chrome is expensive, so Kim resorted to black ceramic coating.

The shape of the modified rear sub frame came from a Ducati Monster seat that Kim had the shop. So he shortened and reshaped the seat loop, and made up an aluminum seat pan to fit it all together. The seat was refinished by Haifley Brothers and it’s a perfect match.
Look closely and you’ll also see a vestigial rear fender. “I put way too many hours into carving a taillight out of stainless steel, and felt it needed to be seen. So I ended up welding a chunk of an old fender onto the sub frame, so I could center-mount the light.”

During the final assembly, Kim wasn’t 100% happy with the R100. So he changed all the exposed fasteners to stainless, domed each nut and bolt, and turned down the washers to more discreet sizes. “I tried to find the right mix of polished, tumbled and brushed finishes for all the exposed aluminum. It ties in with the black powder coat on the frame and the vintage white tank.”
Like all BCM builds, this BMW is understated and classy. The BMX world’s loss is most definitely our gain.
Images by Jose Gallina. Follow Kim Boyle’s adventures in custom building via the BCM website and Facebook page.

The post BMW R100/7 by Boyle Custom Moto appeared first on Bike EXIF.

De Caf by KSS

Full aluminum jacket, "De Caf" is the latest release by the BMW specialist from the British Riviera Kevin Hills, founder of the Kevils' Speed Shop.

First appeared in  inazumacafe.blogspot.com

‘87 BMW R65 – Ellaspede Customs

Perception is a funny thing. It can be the difference between a positive or negative outcome, between liking or not liking something or someone and often the cause of missed opportunities. To change perception usually takes a change of mindset or to be shown there may be more to something than meets the eye. Until recent years, BMW R-series bikes from the 1980s could have been considered in a similar light. A bike for old guys into function more than form. Solid, dependable, but neither exciting nor innovative. Or at least that was a guy called Bruce’s perception of them when he visited Brisbane’s Ellaspede Customs as a customer. But that was a view which was soon to change – especially after eyeing a certain R-series on a little site called Pipeburn.

Bruce is a good mate of Ellaspede and visits regularly. Whilst hanging around the workshop he gained an understanding and appreciation of the build process and formulated a plan to build his own custom bike. As mentioned, his view of the R series changed after seeing their stripped back simplicity, along with the exposed airhead boxer twin and figured his 1979 BMW E21 coupe needed a German companion in the garage… so the search began for a suitable donor.

Not long after, he rolled in on a stock ’87 R65 mono. He could have kept searching for an R80, 90 or 100 but the smaller frame of the 65 lent itself more so to Bruce’s vision, so work began. Bruce had a clear idea of what it would look like and instructed us to “make the frame as minimalist and smooth as possible”. Like most standard bikes this meant a lot of cutting and grinding to rid it of the items that were excess to requirements.

Bruce supplied a Nitrohead seat, headlight, indicators and mufflers. Ellaspede made the frame suit the seat and suitably mounted the other items. The captured forks limited the ability to lower the front so they custom fabricated a top clamp to allow this, giving a tougher stance. Part of the vision included an under-seat battery/electrics tray, now occupied by a new lithium-ion unit, and many other electrical revisions.

Along with a new custom rear guard, Ellaspede ninja star plate mount and modified sparto-style tail light, other small adjustments were made to the frame before other friends of Bruce’s that own a panel shop applied all the paint work. “They are amazing guys who were able to execute exactly the vision I had. I particularly love the wheels. I didn’t want to build a black on black bike. I wanted a really subtle bronze/gold/flat finish and left it with them… and they nailed it”. The assembly stage saw help from yet more of Bruce’s mates as they wrestled the boxer twin and freshly rebuilt gearbox back into place.

Bruce’s vision took shape with each piece secured and part of that vision was the clean, tough look up front achieved by using one inch bars, Harley switch blocks and controls custom-wired through the bars to an Ellaspede aircraft-grade loom. Pirelli Scorpion tyres are the tarmac interface, which also helped the tough appeal. A 130 tyre may find its way onto the rear in the future. Pipe work is custom Ellaspede with the aforementioned short reverse cone mufflers giving a surprisingly deep, metallic note.

There are plans to replace the Bings and airbox with Mikuni carbs and pod style filters but in the meantime, Bruce has a very cool ride and while isn’t a patch on many of Bruce’s former bikes speed-wise, it has put the world’s biggest smile on his face.

The story of Bruce’s build is one of friendship. It happened through the work of many of Bruce’s mates coming together to achieve something of value and satisfaction. Whatever your view of BMW’s, custom bikes or the result rendered here, we’re pretty sure that this could only be perceived as a damn good thing.

[Photos by A.J. Moller Photography]

first appeared in  http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2014/3/28/87-bmw-r65-ellaspede-customs.html

New Motorcycles For 2014

The new Indian Motorcycles, Star Bolt, Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and Yamaha FZ-09 we showed you  in recent issues were just appetizers; here’s the main course for 2014.

BMW

BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive

BMW has been hard on the gas launching new-for-2014 models, including the F 800 GS Adventure (Rider, October 2013), R 1200 GS Adventure and R nineT retro bike (January 2014). Just in case its top-line K 1600 GTL touring bike isn’t luxurious enough for you, BMW has just introduced the K 1600 GTL Exclusive. It takes the bike’s convenience and luxury to the extreme with standard features such as Keyless Ride, which enables a new pushbutton ignition, steering lock, fuel filler flap and central locking when the transponder/key in your pocket is near the bike—no need to use a key for any of those things. As the transponder moves out of range, the Exclusive’s anti-theft system is armed automatically and the steering is locked. More GTL Exclusive-model features include Hill Start Control, which holds the bike in position on hills until you pull away, without having to keep the brakes applied. The passenger seat is larger, and armrests and a heated backrest are standard. For appearance’s sake, a film antenna embedded in the trunk lid eliminates the need for an antenna rod, and the bike is finished in four coats of special Mineral White Metallic high-gloss paint blended with Magnesium Metallic Matte.

BMW R 1200 RT

Many optional features for the regular K 1600 GTL are standard on the Exclusive, including traction control and Electronic Suspension Adjustment II (ESA II). New LED daytime running lights switch on automatically in the daytime, and a pair of LED auxiliary lights help illuminate the road ahead.
With the new liquid-cooled BMW R 1200 GS selling like candy canes at Christmas, it was only a matter of time before the lighter, more powerful twin made its way into other R-series models, like the R 1200 RT sport tourer. The RT’s new engine has the same displacement as before (1,170cc), but its output is much higher—a claimed 125 horsepower at 7,750 rpm and 92 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. For sport-touring duty, the centrifugal masses of both the crankshaft and the stator have been increased to help the engine run more smoothly. The 6-speed transmission has a taller secondary transmission ratio to reduce engine rpm, and the hydraulically actuated wet clutch has a slipper function.
Although the Alps-bred R 1200 RT has always been a nimble machine, for 2014 the chassis has been revised to complement the higher-output engine. The new frame has a continuous design that increases rigidity, which BMW says improves both responsiveness and feedback, and new 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels add to the bike’s more dynamic look. Bodywork has also been redesigned, giving the R 1200 RT an appearance that splits the difference between the R 1200 GS and the K 1600 GT/GTL.

BMW S 1000 R

The 2014 BMW R 1200 RT comes standard with two riding modes (Rain and Road), as well as Automatic Stability Control (ASC). Optional Riding Mode Pro adds a Dynamic riding mode, and the new Hill Start Control function. Other options include Gear Shift Assistant Pro for clutchless upshifts and downshifts, as well as Dynamic ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). The 2014 BMW R 1200 RT will be available in three colors: Quartz Blue Metallic, Callisto Grey Metallic Matt and Ebony Metallic.
After quickly climbing to the top of the liter-class sportbike heap with its 193-horsepower, in-line four S 1000 RR, now BMW has unveiled a naked version called the S 1000 R. Less bodywork, an upright handlebar and more low-to-midrange grunt (but less top-end power) make the S 1000 R better suited for the street. Redline has been reduced by 2,000 rpm, and maximum horsepower has been lowered to 160 at 11,000 rpm. Peak torque is the same as the RR, but the 83 lb-ft maximum is reached at 9,250 rpm instead of 9,750 rpm. Up to 7,500 rpm, the S 1000 R makes about 7 lb-ft more torque than the S 1000 RR. That much giddy-up on a bike that weighs a claimed 456 pounds wet should provide enough excitement to wake the dead.
As with many high-performance motorcycles today, the S 1000 R is equipped with electronic riding aids including two riding modes (Rain and Road) and traction control. Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), incorporating two additional riding modes (Dynamic and Dynamic Pro) and making use of a lean-angle sensor, is optional. Optional Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) provides electronic control of suspension damping that continuously adapts to riding conditions.
The 2014 S 1000 R will be available in three colors: Racing Red Non-metallic, Frozen Dark Blue Metallic and Light White Non-metallic.
Pricing and availability on all three new BMWs are TBD.

The RT’s cockpit has been completely revamped with new analog dials and a digital menu similar to the K 1600 GTL’s.

Pushbutton ignition, fuel filler cap, steering lock and central locking are activated by the GTL Exclusive’s key fob.

Ducati

To kick off the Monster line’s third decade, Ducati has introduced the biggest and baddest beasts yet—the Monster 1200 and Monster 1200 S. Replacing the previous heavyweight in the Monster family, the 1100EVO, the new models are powered by the 1,198cc liquid-cooled, desmodromic Testastretta 11˚ L-twin found in the Diavel power cruiser and Multistrada adventure tourer. In the Monster 1200, it makes a claimed 135 horsepower at 8,750 rpm and 87 lb-ft of torque at 7,250 rpm, while the Monster 1200 S kicks it up a notch with 145 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of torque. Three Ducati Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban), eight levels of Ducati Traction Control and three levels of ABS allow the new Monsters to be adapted to a wide range of conditions.

Ducati Monster 1200 S

To enhance stability on such a powerful, lightweight bike (461 pounds wet, claimed), the wheelbase has been increased by 2.4 inches compared to the Monster EVO1100. And to enhance riding comfort, the handlebar is 1.6 inches higher and 1.6 inches closer to the rider than on the previous model. Seat height is now adjustable and can be set at either 30.9 or 31.9 inches; an accessory low seat reduces height to 29.3 inches.
Suspension on the Monster 1200 consists of a fully adjustable 43mm Kayaba male-slider fork and a preload/rebound-adjustable Sachs rear shock. The higher-spec Monster 1200 S gets fully adjustable Öhlins suspension front and rear. ABS and traction control are standard on
both models.
Available in Ducati Red, the Monster 1200 is $13,495. Available in Ducati Red or White, the Monster 1200 S is $15,995.

Ducati 899 Panigale

Ducati will also offer a “Supermid” version of the ferocious 1199 Panigale superbike in 2014 called the 899 Panigale. Although still massively oversquare, the 899 version of the Superquadro L-twin has a smaller bore (100.0mm) and shorter stroke (57.2mm). It displaces 898cc and generates 148 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque at the crank (claimed). Claimed wet weight is 425.5 pounds vs. 414.5 pounds on the 1199. Yes, you read that right. The 899 has a conventional (double-sided) swingarm, whereas the 1199’s is single-sided. Part of the weight difference may also be due to different suspension components and tires.
Styling is all but identical to the 1199, and the level of specification is very high—Brembo Monobloc calipers, Showa Big Piston Fork, Sachs shock, Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires. The 899 Panigale will be available in traditional Ducati Red ($14,995) or Arctic White ($15,295).

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson Street

Closely following the auspicious re-launch of Harley’s Touring family under the Rushmore banner (November 2014), Harley-Davidson will introduce its first all-new platform and sixth model family next year with Street 750 and Street 500 motorcycles based on a new liquid-cooled Revolution X engine. With low price tags and seat heights, the Street line is aimed at young-adult urban riders looking for a nimble bike with some room for customization.
The Revolution X engine is a 60-degree, liquid-cooled unit V-twin of either 494cc or 749cc and has SOHC four-valve heads, a counterbalancer to reduce vibration, a 6-speed transmission and belt final drive. It’s housed in a new chassis with a 25.4-inch seat height, wide handlebar and mid-mount controls, and both bikes are said to weigh 480 pounds with the 3.5-gallon tank full. Wheels are 17 inches in front and 15 in the rear, with 100- and 140-series tires respectively. The blacked-out styling takes some cues from the V-Rod line, especially the rear fender and radiator. Machined cylinder fins and wheel spokes set the Street 750 apart from the all blacked-out 500.
In addition to expanding Harley’s lineup to appeal to a broader range of riders, the Street 500 will fill the gap in Harley’s Riding Academy training program left by the departed Buell Blast. Both the Street 500 and 750 will also be sold in other countries where its larger models might cost more, incur tariffs or be license restricted. In fact, Street models for sale in India, Italy, Spain and Portugal will be made in Harley-Davidson’s Bawal, India, factory alongside other bikes made strictly for consumption in that country since the factory opened in 2011. All motorcycles for North America, including the new Street line, are made in Harley’s factories in York, Pennsylvania, or Kansas City, Missouri.
The Street 500 will carry a MSRP of $6,700 and the Street 750 will start at $7,500. You can have any color you want as long as it’s black.

Machined cylinder fins and wheel spokes set the Street 750 (shown) apart from the 500. Both bikes take some styling cues from the V-Rod.

Machined cylinder fins and wheel spokes set the Street 750 apart from the 500 (shown). Both bikes take some styling cues from the V-Rod.

Honda

Honda has introduced so many new models lately we couldn’t fit our coverage of the new CTX1300 alongside the Valkyrie in the February 2014 issue. These two bikes join the CTX700/N, Grom and CRF250L as all-new 2014 Honda motorcycles. Like the CTX700s, the larger CTX1300 offers new and returning riders a low seat, easy handling and a torquey engine with smooth, seamless power—essentially a cruiser with some modern styling and technology.
Styled similarly to the faired CTX700 with the addition of integrated saddlebags, the new CTX1300 is powered by a 1,261cc, 90-degree V-4 that shares its architecture with the venerable liquid-cooled, fuel-injected ST1300 sport tourer, but has new pistons, different gearing in the 5-speed box and a new 4-2-2 exhaust system. Honda says it makes significantly more torque than the ST1300 as a result of the updates. The V-4 is also mounted longitudinally in the CTX1300’s steel double-cradle frame, and power gets to the wide 200-series rear tire via a shaft final drive system designed specifically for the bike.

Honda CTX1300

Key to the big CTX1300’s appeal is its relaxed ergonomics, which combine a low seat height of 29.1 inches with wide, comfortable-looking seats for rider and passenger, a wide pullback handlebar and mid-mount footpegs. An underseat fuel tank contributes to its potentially nimble handling by lowering the bike’s CG, though we’ll have to wait for our first ride to see how the 724-pound (claimed curb weight) machine gets along with that fat 200-series rear tire. Both a top trunk and centerstand will be on the options list, as well as heated grips and a taller replacement for the stock shorty windscreen.
Stepping up to the blacked-out CTX1300 Deluxe model will net the rider traction control, ABS, self-canceling turn signals and a contemporary sound system with Bluetooth connectivity. The Deluxe equipment is expected to add $1,500-$2,000 to the CTX1300’s price tag, which was still TBD at this writing. Colors are Candy Red, Metallic Black and Gray Blue Metallic.

Honda CBR1000RR SP

Up-spec sportbikes are popular because they offer higher-quality components in one package that is less expensive than buying those items individually. The all-new CBR1000RR SP features fully adjustable Öhlins front and rear suspension, plus Brembo front brakes and Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SC high-performance tires. A lightweight subframe lowers the center of gravity and a new rear single-seat cowl shaves additional weight. The CBR’s 999cc in-line four puts out more power and torque thanks to a new cylinder head, intake tract and exhaust system, along with high-performance pistons and connecting rods. The SP’s riding position is now more track-oriented and a bubble windscreen creates a larger still-air pocket for the rider. Available in a special White/Red/Blue paint scheme; pricing is TBD.
The 2014 CBR1000RR receives the same engine changes, ergonomics revision (new handlebars and relocated footpegs) and bubble windscreen as the SP model. Price is TBD.

Honda CTX1300

CTX1300 Deluxe includes a sound system with front speakers and Bluetooth connectivity.

Kawasaki

Though the modern Z1000 has never had trouble getting noticed, for 2014 Kawasaki has made it even more eye-catching. From its tiny LED headlights to its tapered tail section, the new Z1000 looks compact and aggressive. Kawasaki has embraced a new styling language that it calls “Sugomi,” which it says gives the bike the appearance of a crouching predator and influences such details as the special “Z” logo ignition keys, machined aluminum steering stem bolt and textured “Z” motif seat cover.

Kawasaki Z1000

Beyond styling, the Z1000’s 1,043cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine has received many of the same updates as the 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 (January 2014) to boost performance in the upper registers and improve sound, feel and throttle response.

Z1000’s dual-element bar graph tach runs up 

f

Based on the Ninja ZX-10R’s chassis, the Z1000’s aluminum frame curves over the engine, cradling it from above and bolting solidly to it in three places, with a rubber-backed fourth mount provided for added vibration isolation and torsional rigidity. The main frame and swingarm pivot pieces are cast as a single unit with minimal welds, and the new subframe tapers to a very shallow cross-section at the rear.
Suspension is handled by a new fully adjustable 41mm inverted SFF-BP (Separate Function Fork–Big Piston) fork up front and a preload- and rebound-adjustable horizontal back-link shock in the rear. New one-piece monobloc radial-mount front brake calipers with a race-spec radial pump master cylinder are said to improve power and feel, and ABS is now standard. The 2014 Z1000 will be offered in Golden Blazed Green or Metallic Graphite Gray for $11,999. Look for a test of the Z1000 in the next issue.

KTM

KTM Super Duke 1290 R

There are motorcycles that push the boundaries; others simply relocate them. The new KTM Super Duke 1290 R blasts them to pieces. This is KTM’s third all-new entry for 2014 following the launch of the 1190 Adventure R and 1190 Adventure (May 2013), which we hope to have a full test of very soon. At a claimed 417 pounds dry with 180 horsepower at the crankshaft, the Super Duke 1290 R is a streetfighting brawler trespassing in hyper-sportbike territory. And why not—it’s 75-degree, DOHC LC8 V-twin is based upon the KTM 1190 RC8 R superbike engine. Displacement has been increased to 1,301cc from 1,195cc, and throttle bodies enlarged to 56mm from 52mm to get that insane power, and the engine is bolted into a lightweight chrome-moly steel trellis frame, with a fully adjustable WP 48mm male-slider fork and single shock on a single-sided swingarm. Throttle-by-wire and a host of electronic assistance systems help keep this high flyer on the ground, from disengageable ABS that has a “Supermoto” mode (read: big, long rear-wheel slides); to multi-staged, lean-angle-sensing traction control and riding modes. At the same time, dual ignition increases fuel economy and smoothens power delivery in the lower rev range. Ergonomics are said to be sporty but still comfortable for long rides.
KTM will offer several optional packages for the Super Duke 1290 R to trim it out for racing, touring or simply more style. It will come in Matte Black or Orange colors; price is $16,999.

Triumph

Triumph Thunderbird LT

Right after announcing updates to the Bonneville, Thruxton and Scrambler for 2014, Triumph Motorcycles has introduced three new cruiser models, the Thunderbird LT, Thunderbird Commander and America LT.
Both Thunderbird models are powered by the Thunderbird Storm’s big-bore 1,699cc parallel twin rather than the base-model Thunderbird’s 1,597cc mill. The liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 8-valve, DOHC engine has an uneven 270-degree firing interval and a long-stroke design (107.1mm bore x 94.3mm stroke) that produces a claimed 93 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 111 lb-ft of torque at 3,550 rpm.
An all-new chassis is said to improve rider/passenger comfort by allowing a larger seating area and reshaped seat. A pullback handlebar allows a more relaxed riding position, and steering geometry has been revised and the front wheel is now wider for improved handling, carrying a new 140/75-17 front tire to accompany the existing 200/50-17 rear tire. Triumph partnered with Avon Tyres to develop the world’s first radial whitewall motorcycle tires for the Thunderbird LT, which offer better performance than bias-ply tires.

Triumph Commander

The new 2014 Thunderbird LT (Light Touring) has a quick-release windshield and removable leather saddlebags. Driving lamps, chrome floorboards with replaceable skid plates, an adjustable chrome heel/toe gear lever and wide wire-spoke wheels round out the touring package. The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird LT will be available in spring 2014, with two color options: Caspian Blue/Crystal White or Lava Red/Phantom Black.
Like the Storm, the Thunderbird Commander has Triumph’s signature twin headlights, but it stands apart with a polished top yoke, polished stainless steel fork shrouds and less upswept chrome exhausts. The 2014 Triumph Thunderbird Commander will be available in one of two paint schemes: Lava Red/Crimson Sunset or Phantom Black/Storm Grey. Pricing for both new Thunderbirds is TBD.

Triumph America LT

Based on the existing Triumph America with its air-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC 865cc parallel twin, the new America LT adds a tall windshield, a pullback handlebar, leather saddlebags, floorboards and a heel-toe shifter. The 2014 America LT is available now in two-tone Pacific Blue/Sapphire Blue with an MSRP of $9,499.
(This article Feast Your Eyes was published in the March 2014 issue of Rider magazine.)

The new 2014 BMW R90S

There’s no denying that BMW’s classic R-series models are enjoying the limelight at the moment. While they’re a popular choice as donors for custom projects, many are also left in original condition or restored to period-correct perfection.
Thankfully for Airhead owners, BMW Group Classic has a comprehensive catalogue of spares—as is evident with this R90S. While it appears to be an immaculately restored 1974 model, it is, in fact, a brand new motorcycle—built from the ground up using genuine BMW parts.

The project was conceived two years ago by BMW Motorrad USA dealer MAX BMW. With dealerships in Connecticut, New Hampshire and New York, MAX BMW is officially recognised as a classic BMW specialist. “The BMW classic scene is big and continues to grow,” says owner Max Stratton. “I think many motorcyclists are at a point in their life that they want to go back to the first bikes they had or wish they had. The bikes are available and so are the parts, making it very easy for anyone to get into the vintage BMW scene.”
Max and his staff decided to conduct an experiment—pick a classic BMW model, and see how many parts were still available for it. They settled on the historic R90S, a bike that was considered high-performance when it launched in 1973 and went on to win the inaugural A.M.A. Production Championship in 1976, piloted by British racer Reg Pridmore. “For fun, I decided to see how many parts were still available for the R90S”, says Max. “Because the pages piled up and most of the numbers were good, I said, ‘I think we could build a bike!’”

The R90S’ engine had to be built up from a short block (which already has the crank cam and chain installed) but there were none in stock. Fortunately BMW Motorrad has retained most of its original tooling—so many parts that might not be in stock can be reproduced if necessary. The short block arrived after six months, and MAX BMW began ordering the remaining parts and planning the build.
Technicians from all three MAX BMW locations were finally brought together in December of last year to complete the build. Using original and updated manuals, they took three days to transform the R90S from boxed parts to a working motorcycle, after which they spent an additional day painstakingly inspecting it before taking it for a test run.
An impressive timeline, considering the work involved—not only did the engine need to be assembled, but many other parts, such as the wheels, had to be built up from individual components. Particular attention was paid to authenticity—right down to ensuring that original fasteners were used in their correct mounting points.

All the body parts, including the 24-litre fuel tank, came from the factory in the original two-tone paint scheme. A few parts, however, couldn’t be found—such as the spring clip for the airbox, rear brake lever rod and right front fork slider. R100RS parts were sourced as replacements.
The team also had to improvise when it came to wiring, combining the wiring harnesses from a 1976 R90S and a later R-series model to accommodate BMW’s newer electronic tachometer (the original mechanical tachometer had been discontinued).
The final parts count came to roughly 1665, at a total cost of approximately $46,000. The build itself was documented daily, with photos and video posted to Facebook and a blog dedicated to the project. According to Max, the response was overwhelming. Prospective buyers have already come forward, but for now the R90S is going to be on display at each of the MAX BMW dealerships, with staff riding it.
And how does it ride? Max was the first to test ride it and says, “the bike feels solid, has great usable power and the gearbox shifts are smooth.”

The post The new 2014 BMW R90S appeared first on Bike EXIF.