Powerbrick has The most appropriate name in the custom motorcycle business. The Dutch workshop specializes in making parts for the K-series BMWs, affectionately known as the ‘flying bricks’. And every part or custom bike they make is powerful performance.
For their latest project, Powerbrick has enhanced the K-series customizability, with a pair of standout BMW K1100RSs. cafe racer. With a staggering amount of disposable parts, these bikes are virtually identical—except for their reverse color scheme, obviously.
Powerbrick started with two 1994 BMWs K1100RS donors, then proceed to rebuild them from the inside out. Dubbed ‘Revenge’ [above] and ‘tolerance’ [below], both BMWs have had their engines overhauled. Notable modifications include a ported head, enhanced timing with NGK ignition and hydraulic clutch switch.
It’s not just about sheer power. According to shop owner Tim Somers, the idea is to create a stronger connection between your right hand and the rear wheel.
There’s also a new RC Racing aluminum radiator, with SamcoSport silicone tubing for added performance and style. Perched on top of each flying brick’s inline-four engine is a row of DNA filters; Less visible are the new Bosch EV14 injectors. On the exhaust side, every K is fitted with a round-cut stainless steel four-in-one system from MAD Exhausts, matched with a Powerbrick silencer.
Going deeper, Powerbrick rewound each K with a Bluetooth-enabled Motogadget brain. NOCO Lithium batteries power each system, with a Ctek charging point hooked up.
These K1100s also have a bunch of chassis mods. Powerbrick has equipped them with new yokes from their own catalog, each with a built-in case for the tiny Motogadget speedometer. A set of BMW S1000RR forks are on duty on both cars; one with Bitubo cartridges inside and the other with BMW M1000RR internals.
An adjustable shock absorber from TFX Suspension sits at the rear of each K. Their wheels are billet aluminum items from AC Schnitzer. They were actually designed for the BMW R nineT, but Powerbrick made them work with custom adapters. The brakes use Brembo cross-sections, with new brake lines from Venhill.
Rather than combat the deep and slightly messy lines of the K1100RS’ fuel tank, Powerbrick opted to customize the rest of the bodywork to complement it. Most notable are the new subframes, each machined from massive billet aluminum. It’s a seven-part design that houses not only the custom seats but also the electronics, a small rear panel and an integrated taillight.
Super clean design, right down to the seat mounting mechanism. The rear end of the saddle slides into place beneath the rear fender, with two hidden latches under the fuel tank to secure the front.
It’s one of the many well-appreciated details on these builds that help them look as polished as they are. “I aim for better quality than out of the box,” says Tim. “By machining the entire rear of the bikes from computer models, I tried to make them look like production bikes.”
“I selected more laser and computer controlled manufacturing parts than before, eliminating any human error or inconsistency. The right side of the car has been fully opened, with only the battery hanging above the engine. I was able to do this because we got rid of the whole loom and reworked all the wiring in a more efficient way.”
All that consideration also goes straight to the smaller details. The cockpit is equipped with Powerbrick clamps, Brembo controls, Motogadget push buttons and turn signals at the end of the bar. Powebrick’s rear-mounted foot controller sits lower.
Other fasteners from Powerbrick’s catalog include the headlight caps, each wrapped around the Koso LED headlights, along with the gas caps and fuel tank rings.
Top score for Powerbrick for matching Marlboro livers. Done with traditional red and white tones and contrasting black tones, each is offset with some color-matching details. Royal Kustom Works is responsible for the paint job, while Europe’s favorite motorcycle wrap, Silvermachine, takes care of the seats.
Building two bikes at once is no easy task, and Tim is quick to commend the newest members of Powerbrick’s team. “These are the first bikes I’ve built since the team expanded with some great people: Sasza Tuahatu and Sam Clercx. They are industrial design students and have been a great help!”
Once again, Powerbrick has insisted that they know how to make the most of the often underrated K. And if these interest you, contact the team and your pick—both for sale.
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