BMW R27 //
#BOLT49
With this BMW R27, we set aside radical customizations and focused on bringing out the full potential of a bike that was nearly lost. Our goal with this project was to restore an iconic BMW R27, keeping its original essence intact, without making major visual changes.
Although it’s a very old motorcycle, the front end was not original, and our job was to make sure no one could tell. That meant the team at Bolt Motor Company, café racer specialists, had to put their heads together to find parts that matched the original as closely as possible. With a bike this old, that wasn’t easy — most of the parts have long been discontinued.
The handlebar and controls are original, although fully restored. The most challenging part of the front end was definitely fitting an original 1960s speedometer into a vintage headlight housing. Another challenge conquered by our mechanics.
The fuel tank looks brand new. We used a special paint job with a simple but elegant design, in keeping with BMW’s classic lines. The side rubber pads were also restored to make the tank look like it just rolled out of the Berlin factory.
A BMW R27 WITH A FULLY RESTORED ENGINE
We’re not sure if we should call it restored or rebuilt — this BMW R27 had been sitting unused for a very long time, and many of its internal components were completely destroyed.
So we had to disassemble the engine down to the last bolt, and rebuild it with brand-new parts. The crankshaft, connecting rod, cylinder, piston, rings, and valve guides are just some of the new components installed. Finding and adapting discontinued parts was a real odyssey.
We machined and restored every part we could, but even then, the restoration timeline was extended due to the difficulty sourcing the right materials. We also replaced the entire electrical system, upgrading it with components that would make the bike easier and safer to ride.
At Bolt Motor Company, we’re used to transforming bikes beyond recognition. This time, it took blood, sweat and tears not to do that. But we succeeded — we managed to restore this BMW R27 into an elegant, beautiful, and incredibly comfortable bike to ride.
What more could you ask for?
