A design can enhanced by removing elements instead of adding them. Sometimes it’s about what’s there, and sometimes it’s about what’s not. This custom 1993 BMW R100R classed as the latter – built by Niks Motorcycles in Barcelona, Spain, it’s an essay on minimalism.
If you’re not familiar, the R100R is technically BMW’s first step in building a ‘modern classic’. It was essentially the equivalent of the R100GS, with an air- and oil-cooled 980 cc dual-boxer engine that pushed 60 hp to the rear wheels via BMW’s (at the time) modern Paralever axle drive system. The R100R also swaps out the stablemate’s adventure bike trim for smaller wheels and shiny chrome.
The Niks Motorcycles R100R is a significant change from the original. But it’s more than just a look – it’s also a party trick. According to client briefs, this boxer can go from bobber passenger-friendly when dropping hats.
But before Niks could do that, they rebuilt the engine with Siebenrock’s 1,000 cc high-compression pistons. The upper engine cover has been replaced with a thinner one, with the battery now housed under the swingarm. The exhaust is crafted by the Niks team and is appropriately short, matching the contours of the frame and revealing BMW’s gorgeous side swingarm.
The front is still original, but because the customer requested a long and low design, it has been lowered about 5 inches inside. With reduced travel, the front springs have been wisely swapped for ascending entries, along with a preload regulator. The fork shock absorbers have been smoothed for a more classic look.
The Paralever rear end and monoshock are carried over from the factory bike, but with improved performance thanks to a Wilbers item. The rear end is also slightly modified to accommodate 5” wide tires.
The factory crossbody has been taken apart, painted black and reassembled with stainless steel spokes and Firestone Deluxe tyres. The Brembo front brake system was also demolished and rebuilt, with new brake lines and a Beringer master cylinder. Naturally, the brake calipers are given a new black coat to match the wheels.
The real magic is happening in the middle of the bike. Niks built a custom tank that is less than half the size of the original and looks absolutely amazing. Between the skinny silhouette, the Monza fuel cap, and the custom fuel gauge on the left, it’s a true work of art.
A little BMW trick: a tailor-made three-in-one tail setup. Niks customers love the idea of sitting alone, but also enjoy riding with their partner. To cover all the bases, the team came up with a removable subframe and passenger seat.
It can be configured as a solo seat, a solo seat with a luggage rack, or a full two-compartment setup. It boots up in minutes and opens up a world of convenience. Clever tool.
The front and rear fenders are also made in-house. The rear unit and license plate holder are custom built, attaching only to the swingarm on the right side. Once again, the bike’s design is enhanced by both the yes and the no.
A single round headlight sits at the front, with a small Motogadget speedometer attached to the top. A set of comfortable cruise ship-style handlebars adorned with Motone push button switches and Beringer levers. The bars are equipped with glassless mirrors and LED turn signals, both from Motogadget.
The seat, handles and footrests are all wrapped in the same Italian leather – although the pins have stainless steel latches for extra grip.
Test every part of the car yourself and you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s nothing special. However, combine these elements and they come together to create something unique.
Finished with a beautiful blue paint job, the frame, swingarm and tank blend together beautifully. We like how the tank is so skinny, it almost looks like part of the chassis. It must have been bewildering to look down and see that big boxer’s pistons protruding from each side.
Niks Motorcycles took a different approach with their R100R and it paid off. We bet the new owners are happy – as we couldn’t think of a better way to see the sights of Barcelona.
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