BMW K 100 Cafe Racer: Turning the Old-School RS Into a Thrilling Modern Machine

Tossa R, a name synonymous with exceptional craftsmanship, has earned a reputation for not merely building custom motorcycles, but rather creating bespoke works of art that consistently captivate anyone who lays eyes on them. Their portfolio is a testament to their incredible skill and attention to detail, showcasing countless outstanding specimens that are not just functional but are true masterpieces. Today, we turn our attention to one such creation—a BMW K 100 RS, transformed into a magnificent cafe racer that exemplifies the hallmarks of Tossa R’s impressive work.

This motorcycle was taken back to Tossa R’s workshop, stripped of its original components, and underwent a comprehensive overhaul to turn it into the ultimate cafe racer. What follows is a detailed breakdown of the transformation, focusing on the modifications that make this bike stand out as a sublime piece of engineering.

The Foundation: BMW K 100 RS

The base model, a BMW K 100 RS, is a classic motorcycle known for its four-cylinder engine and its distinct design. Tossa R took this bike and pushed it into the realm of custom cafe racers, ensuring it bore their signature touch while maintaining the essence of the original BMW design. This transformation involved disassembling the bike entirely, keeping only the essential elements, such as the gas tank, to form the backbone of the build.

Engine Overhaul and Modifications

The engine is the heart of any motorcycle, and Tossa R made sure the BMW K 100 RS’s four-cylinder engine was given the attention it deserved. The team conducted a thorough rebuild of the engine, ensuring all components were fresh and ready to perform at their peak.

• Full Engine Rebuild: The engine was completely taken apart and rebuilt with fresh seals and gaskets to ensure it would continue to perform optimally for years to come.
• Custom Intake Manifold: One of the key modifications was the addition of a custom intake manifold that was designed to improve airflow into the engine, giving it the extra power it needed.
• Aftermarket Pod Filter: Along with the custom manifold, an aftermarket pod filter was added to enhance air intake and performance.
• Exhaust System: On the exhaust side, Tossa R installed a four-into-one exhaust system that channels exhaust gases efficiently. The system ends with a carbon fiber muffler, which not only adds a unique touch to the bike’s appearance but also contributes to a better exhaust note.

These changes to the engine setup are designed to improve both performance and longevity, ensuring that the motorcycle delivers outstanding power and reliability over time.

Structural Modifications: Subframe and Suspension

The structural modifications were extensive, with Tossa R opting for a custom subframe and modern suspension to give the bike a more dynamic and contemporary look and feel. These changes are evident in both the rear and front sections of the bike, contributing to its cafe racer aesthetic while improving handling and performance.

Rear Subframe

• Custom Tubular Subframe: The original subframe was replaced with a handcrafted tubular subframe that provides a more aggressive and refined look. This change also allowed for the creation of a more compact and functional rear end.
• Handmade Seat Pan: A unique handmade seat pan was created to complement the new subframe in BMW K 100. The seat pan holds a thin but dense layer of padding, which is upholstered in black leather. The stitching on the seat is intricate and carefully crafted, adding a layer of sophistication to the design.

Suspension

• Rear Suspension: At the rear, Tossa R installed a high-quality aftermarket monoshock, paired with tubular additions to the swingarm for enhanced stability and ride quality. This upgrade allows the rear suspension to handle the increased power and ensure smooth, comfortable rides.
• Front Suspension: The front suspension was equally upgraded, with the standard forks discarded in favor of modern upside-down units. These forks are paired with custom-made triple clamps to ensure precise handling and improved performance, particularly on winding roads and twisty tracks.

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Braking System and Wheels

A key aspect of any custom bike is its braking system, and Tossa R spared no effort in upgrading the BMW K 100 RS’s brakes. The braking system was designed to offer superior stopping power and ensure the bike remains responsive under any conditions.

• Front Brakes: The front braking system was revamped with twin aftermarket discs paired with four-piston Tokico calipers. This setup provides significantly better stopping power than the stock brakes, ensuring that the rider has full control of the bike even at high speeds.
• Rear Brake: The rear brake system was also modified, though it retains a simpler configuration. Despite this, the rear brake still offers reliable stopping power, complementing the front brakes.
• Wheels: The front wheel received a 17-inch aftermarket wheel, which is shod with Pirelli rubber to ensure maximum grip and traction. The rear wheel, though sourced from a different model, is the same diameter as the front, and it is wrapped in a matching Pirelli tire to maintain uniformity.

These braking and wheel modifications make a significant difference to the bike’s overall performance, giving it better handling, stability, and safety.

Ergonomics and Rider Comfort

Rider comfort and ergonomics are critical when designing a custom bike, and Tossa R paid close attention to these details to ensure the bike not only looks amazing but is also comfortable to ride. The cafe racer style is inherently aggressive, but Tossa R made sure the BMW K 100 RS had an ergonomic setup that could be used comfortably on both short and long rides.

• Clip-On Handlebars: To achieve the desired cafe racer look, clip-on handlebars were added to the bike, giving the rider a more hunched, aggressive riding position. These handlebars are complemented by Barracuda grips, which provide a comfortable and secure hold.
• Bar-End Mirrors: Instead of the usual side mirrors, Tossa R fitted the bike with underslung bar-end mirrors, which enhance the bike’s streamlined appearance while offering a wider view for the rider.
• Adjustable CNC Machined Rearsets: The rearsets are CNC machined and adjustable, which allows the rider to customize their foot position for optimal comfort and control.

These ergonomic modifications give the rider better control over the bike while also contributing to the overall aesthetic of the cafe racer.

Lighting and Electrical Components

The electrical components of the bike were also given a significant upgrade to match the overall modernized look. The lighting system not only improves visibility for safety but also adds to the bike’s sleek appearance.

• Headlight: A retro-style headlight was installed to illuminate the path ahead, providing both function and style. The headlight complements the overall vintage look of the bike while offering modern lighting performance.
• Turn Signals: To further enhance the bike’s aesthetic, Tossa R installed Motogadget turn signals, which are both compact and efficient.
• Aftermarket Dial: The bike features a single aftermarket dial located in the center, providing essential information to the rider while keeping the dashboard minimalist and clean.

These lighting and electrical modifications ensure that the bike meets modern safety standards while maintaining its vintage-inspired design.

Aesthetic Touches: Paint and Detailing

When it comes to custom motorcycles, aesthetics are just as important as performance. Tossa R made sure to apply a striking paint scheme that ties the entire build together, giving the BMW K 100 RS a truly unique appearance.

• Paint Scheme: The base color of the bike is black, which serves as the foundation for the custom design. Gold accents are applied throughout the bike, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication that elevates its appearance.
• Attention to Detail: Every detail on the bike, from the stitching on the seat to the precision of the metalwork, has been carefully crafted to create a visually cohesive and stunning bike that stands out in any setting.

Conclusion: A Masterpiece in Motion

The BMW K 100 RS transformed by Tossa R is more than just a custom motorcycle; it is a finely-tuned machine that blends aesthetics with performance, style with substance. Through careful engineering and a keen eye for detail, Tossa R has crafted a bike that is as impressive to look at as it is to ride. Every modification, from the engine overhaul to the structural changes and aesthetic touches, has been thoughtfully executed to create a cafe racer that embodies the spirit of custom craftsmanship.

This motorcycle not only showcases the immense talent of Tossa R’s team but also stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a classic bike is taken and reimagined into something truly special. The BMW K 100 RS is now a one-of-a-kind creation, and Tossa R has once again proven that they are masters of the art of motorcycle customization.

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