Call Robert Sabel a purist would be missing the point. His Los Angeles-based shop, Roughchild Motorcycles, specializes in making BMWs that never stray too far from their original form. But their build isn’t just a recovery job; They may look classic on the outside, but they’re equipped with stealthy modern upgrades.
“We combine the latest technology with a classic aesthetic sympathetically,” explains Robert. Now, Roughchild has pushed that philosophy to the limit, using their RSWB signature (sport again Short Wheel Base) designed and equipped it with every upgrade in their arsenal. Building incorporated a 1970 BMW R75/5 Chassis with a 1993 BMW R100R engine, and it’s an absolute stunner.
“This bike is a love letter to leaders,” says Robert. “Yes, that is customary, but done in a way that subtly honors the original design. We’re not looking for extremes, we’re aiming for extreme sophistication, with a focus on safety, compliance and reliability.”
“In this case, we took the earliest frame and put the latest engine in it, 23 years apart. Then combine top-of-the-line brake and suspension components to create additional power that’s usable at all times. State-of-the-art electronics on the completely rebuilt and upgraded powertrain optimize the experience.”
A look at this build’s spec sheet proves that Robert isn’t exaggerating things. There isn’t an inch of this plane that hasn’t been improved in some way — starting with its engines. Roughchild rebuilt it with extension rods and short skirt high-compression pistons, supplied by Moorespeed in the UK.
They also did a dual ignition switch, added classic peanut valve covers, and fitted a race car clutch with sintered plates. Carburetors are Dell’Orto PHM40s, hooked up to the original airbox. And the exhaust system is a combination of stainless steel pipe ends and Cone Engineering silencers.
Moving on to suspension, Roughchild upgraded the front end with Ohlins FGRT forks, which are held in place by a custom machined yoke. Öhlins Blackline shock absorbers support the rear.
As for the wheels, the team attached 18-inch Sun rims to a custom aluminum hub with stainless steel spokes, then wrapped them in Metzler RaceTec tyres. The rear wheel is deflected to accommodate the 3.5-inch wide rim and now has disc brakes. Nickel-plated Brembo GP4 brake calipers are on duty at both ends.
Most of the key body parts of this build were scaled down from various classic BMW R series cars. The headlight bucket is a part out of 5, complete with the original light switch, speedometer and recessed tachometer. Roughchild converted the tacho from mechanical to electronic, as the newer R100R engine does not have a tach transmission.
The headlight frames look period right, but they’re actually custom pieces. The team designed them specifically to slide over wider Ohlins fork tubes.
The fuel tank is from a /6 BMW, and has been repainted Avus black with traditional white stripes. It is decorated with the traditional gas cap and classic BMW round bars. Hidden beneath it is the front master brake cylinder and Lithium-ion battery in a hand-made case.
Further back is a custom saddle, finished in Alcantara and vinyl, with a neat cafe racer hump. It sits on a custom bolted subframe, with LED taillights and French-styled turn signal strips at the rear.
There’s more interesting stuff happening in the cockpit, where Roughchild pairs a custom-built set of handlebars with black anodized lift bars. Micro switches are embedded in the edges of the handle and the throttle runs inside. The brake lever and clutch are welded directly to the rods.
All the wiring has been run inside the bars to keep things super healthy. Roughchild also rewound the bike around Motogadget’s popular mo.unit control box.
Lower down, you’ll find a pair of Marchal fog lights, which are attached to a set of classic BMW anti-collision bars. They have been wired to operate at 60 percent brightness when turned on and flash brighter on the right side when engaged, effectively acting as turn signals.
Completing the street legal regulations is the rear swing arm-mounted license plate holder.
You can find Robert’s obsessive attention to detail throughout the construction of this RSWB. The classic BMW paintwork itself is appealing enough, but the way the gold shock absorbers are complemented by the custom fuel tank rings and engine badging is more than elegant.
Every tether was eventually replaced with a premium ARP unit, with subtle Roughchild logos strewn all over the vehicle.
This version of the LA store’s RSWB line is not only a fruitful showcase of their capabilities, but also a testament to how timeless and iconic the BMW boxer is. Done therefore well, it might even make purists smile.
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