Bobby Haas has left a huge gaping hole in the customary landscape when he died suddenly last year. As the owner and manager of Haas Moto Museum, he is a sincere patron of the art of motorcycle customization. And in that role, he formed deep personal relationships with the custom builders who helped fill his museum rooms.
With three of his constructions already in the Haas Museum, Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom became Bobby’s best friend. So this can’t be elegant BMW R100 is especially dear to him. Not only is it the longest custom boxer we’ve seen, but it’s also the last Kingston version Bobby delivered.
“I discussed a new project with Bobby and Stacey [Mayfield], his life partner and museum director, in July 2021,” Dirk told us. “At the time, I didn’t know what it was going to be – all it was clear was that it would be the longest BMW R100 and it would be Kingston’s fourth motorcycle in the Haas Museum.”
“A Kingston family; related, but each member is individualistic. That was my assignment from Bobby and Stacey. “
Dirk started the project the way he usually does – by frantically sketching out the countless designs swirling around in his head. Then he stripped the bike down and propped large cardboard sheets onto the frame, to outline everything in 1:1 scale.
Next, Dirk supplemented his ideas with construction foam. Inspiration comes from the 1930s, “when high speed, aerodynamics and elegance were combined.” Currently, the project is going in the direction of streamlining art deco and has been nicknamed ‘Eleganza.’
Once Dirk had perfected the silhouette of the BMW, he sent a photo to Bobby, who enthusiastically responded. But four days later, Dirk received a horrifying phone call from Stacey announcing Bobby’s sudden death.
“I was frozen, shocked,” he said, “I can’t and won’t believe it. Such a wonderful person is no longer with us? I am deeply saddened.”
“When Bobby was buried, I was locked out of the video feed from the funeral and couldn’t say goodbye in person. I put a cloth over the project and couldn’t get it to work for a month, so sad and painful.”
“After a few weeks, I got a video call from Stacey — it was a particularly emotional conversation from both sides. Stacey told me that the family had decided to let the Eleganza project complete, as it would be in Bobby’s best interest. “
Dirk pulled the canvas off the bike, but his connection to the ‘Eleganza’ concept was severed. He contacted Stacey and told her that the project needed a new name. That may sound frivolous, but if you know Dirk, you know that he puts a lot of value on his name.
“Eleganza became ‘Hommage’ – a tribute to Bobby Haas,” he said. “It had to be something extraordinary — a work of art, a motorcycle sculpture.”
With his passion ignited, Dirk begins the arduous quest to bring Bobby’s Hommage to life. We’ve seen the German builder take on this art deco style before, but we’ve never seen him take the concept to an extreme.
The R100’s elongated full-body crank is hand-made from 2mm thick aluminum. Divided into four main parts, it is really easy to take apart. Dirk also built a pair of front wheel covers to give the crank a seamless feel, but designed them to rotate with the wheel.
The metal case is impressive enough, but what really puts this streamlined machine on top is the set of elegant details. Up front is a custom-built BMW-style kidney grille, with headlights hidden behind. At the back you’ll find the taillights of a classic BMW 700.
Overlooking the side panels are boxer-specific cylinder heads, hooked up to custom air intakes to move the carbs down under the bodywork. Custom foot controls, ignition key and induction coil are also neatly integrated. And if you take a closer look at the front wheel covers, you’ll notice small cuts to access the brake calipers, in case you need to bleed the system.
Above is a manual handlebar, equipped with aftermarket levers and handles. The rider looks down at the vintage-style speedo with the Kingston logo and a leather belt that matches the saddle. Chrome mirror housings from the Porsche 356 Speedster.
Other styling touches include BMW round spacers on the sides and front, and a chrome fishtail silencer that attaches to the manual exhaust tips.
Much of the donor bike is still intact underneath the bodywork, with a few notable modifications. The reserve gas tank has been replaced with a handcrafted aluminum tank that holds 3 gallons. And the swingarm is extended, with a pair of stiffened struts replacing the rear suspension.
A black finish, complemented by gold stripes, brings this graceful BMW to the finish line. And before you ask: yes, it is removeable.
“The bike is running and not just a demonstration bike,” Dirk asserts. “I repeat: bicycles are drivable and drivable. Of course, it has a big rev — but you only need that when traveling at low speeds, not while driving. “
Even so, Hommage probably won’t gain too many miles. It is dedicated to the Haas Moto Museum, where it will take place as a tribute to a dear friend of the custom motorcycle scene.
Kingston Custom | Facebook | Instagram | Pictures of M. Eichfeld
