BMW R100RS //
#BOLT38
We couldn’t wait to show you the result of this BMW R100RS! As you can see in the photos, our goal with this project was to achieve a bold, rebellious look — but without sacrificing practicality or elegance. Want to discover every detail of this custom build? Keep reading.
As we’ve said many times, choosing the right base bike is one of the key pillars of any successful custom project. This time, we went with what many consider the holy grail of transformations: a 1981 BMW R100RS — and to top it off, it was already in great condition.
Up front, we modified the entire braking system — discs, calipers, lines, axles, and more. For the handlebar, we chose a Renthal enduro-style bar, which provides a very comfortable riding position. The headlight is a latest-generation LED mounted on a 3D-designed ABS plastic bracket made in-house. All lighting and control systems — indicators, switches, etc. — are fully digital.
In the central section, what stands out is the iconic BMW “fat” tank. With the #BOLT38, we knew we couldn’t (and shouldn’t) play it safe. Our design team explored countless concepts for the tank’s shape and paintwork. It was tough to decide — this bike is incredibly versatile — but in the end, elegance won, and we opted for a clean, classic tank in BMW’s signature colors.
A BMW R100RS CUSTOMIZED TO THE LAST MILLIMETER
Now we get to what really makes this BMW R100RS unique: the seat. The idea was to create a floating saddle inspired by 1950s bicycle seats. In addition to its distinctive, vintage look, it features integrated LED lighting and indicators. It’s upholstered in rain-treated leather — a true work of art, masterfully crafted by the team at Tapizados Llop.
The owner of this beauty wanted a head-turning bike that would also be comfortable and functional. That meant a full revision of both the engine and the electrical system. We upgraded everything mechanically — including the carburetion — and completely rebuilt the wiring using the latest tech available.
With the #BOLT38, our mechanics had to push their skills to the limit. Many of the bike’s components were custom-designed and built by hand in-house: the exhaust, license plate holder, front fender, footpegs, and headlight bracket are all original creations by the Bolt Motor Company team.
It’s been a real pleasure to work on this project, and the result couldn’t have turned out better. It was a special build, not just for the complexity of the work, but also for the added challenge of working with a client based in another country.
If you’re looking for a workshop specialized in café racers — or any kind of custom motorcycle — at Bolt Motor Company we’re already on the lookout for the next big project to fill the void left by this incredible machine.
