BMW R100RS //
#BOLT36
Some builds leave you breathless — and the customization of this 1981 BMW R100 RT Boxer Classic is undoubtedly one of them. It took countless hours of work to make the #BOLT36 look the way it does in these photos.
Let’s start from the beginning. The owner of this beauty knew exactly what he wanted. And while that’s usually something we love, this time it caught us off guard — because it was no easy challenge.
The initial idea was to turn this BMW into a true race bike — a machine that screamed speed in every detail, with a clean and rare aesthetic that’s rarely seen in the custom scene.
Any custom enthusiast knows that turning a classic boxer into a racing-style motorcycle is anything but easy.
So we had a double challenge on our hands: this BMW R100 RT had to look like a race bike — and more importantly, it had to sound, run, and behave like one too.
That meant reworking almost every component of the base bike: engine tuning, chassis improvements, maxed-out suspension performance — and much more.
When we began the project, we flipped our usual workflow. Typically, we start with external elements — aesthetics first — and then move on to wiring, engine work, and mechanics. This time, we did the opposite.
What we didn’t know was that COVID-19 and lockdown would hit mid-project, forcing us to adapt our processes on the fly.
We started by dismantling and rebuilding the engine with state-of-the-art parts:
– New cylinder kits to increase displacement to 1074 cc
– High-compression forged pistons
– Shorter connecting rods
– Modified double-spark heads
– Higher performance camshafts
– MIKUNI carbs
– Lightened flywheel
– Adjustable electronic ignition
– Extra oil cooler with an extended sump for improved flow
… just to name a few.
Special mention goes to the exhaust system — a jaw-dropping piece of work. We used titanium Spark racing mufflers that sound absolutely wild. We’ve genuinely scared a few visitors at the workshop just by starting this beast.
Another highlight is the hydraulic clutch system — a rare choice for this type of bike due to the complexity of installation, but with performance that’s second to none.
A VERY DIFFERENT BMW R100 RT
On the front end, we installed Ohlins forks from a Ducati Panigale 1299, mounted with custom CNC-machined triple clamps made by our design team. The brake calipers are Brembo radial mounts, paired with 330 mm discs — also from the Panigale 1299.
For the handlebars, we went with clip-ons and racing-style brake and clutch master cylinders. Another standout: the instrumentation. Inspired by endurance bikes, we installed a Ducati dual-dial RPM and temperature gauge, while also integrating cutting-edge tech via the Motogadget Mini Pro system.
To protect and finish the setup, we chose a racing-style front fairing, similar to those used on race bikes in the 1970s — custom-made in fiberglass and mounted over a headlight with a clean, aggressive racing aesthetic.
As for the fuel tank, it’s the original model, but we added new fuel taps and a handcrafted black-threaded BMW fuel cap.
#BOLT36 IN DETAIL
The rear of the bike is where you truly see that, at Bolt Motor Company, café racer specialists, we don’t cut corners. We mounted the rear end of a BMW R1200R, including a central Hagon shock absorber. Yes, you read that right — a central mono-shock. This required the design and fabrication of a special subframe to house and anchor it properly.
The tail section was designed in-house, 3D printed, and reinforced with carbon fiber to withstand the heat of the exhaust, with an integrated brake light. The seat is wrapped in a special leather once used in racing cars from the 1980s.
Once again, our friends at Tapicerías Llop outdid themselves. The tires are Continental, and both calipers and brake lines were upgraded for maximum performance.
Summing up the work done on the #BOLT36 is no easy task. It pushed our team to new limits — but the result is outstanding.
With this BMW R100 RT, we’ve taken another massive step forward in quality, and we’re already looking forward to the next challenge.
