Check out this build on Pipeburn!
So, build a bike for TV? Okay we can do that!
What are we going to build? Well, let’s build a BMW that would have been raced in the early 70’s.
Why would you do that? We have a customer that has a collection of vintage BMW bikes that want something a little different that might have had a race history.
Is it street legal? Yes, we can make it street legal.
If you are going to build a custom BMW bike who would be your influence for the build? Well it would be half Chris Hodgson of San Jose BMW/ CC Products & half Reg Pridmore mid 70’s Super Bike Champion on a BMW.
Okay. Let’s build a bike!!! We will start with a 1975 BMW R90S & build a BMW Works style cafe racer out of it!
Check out the bike build on Velocity. The episode aired / premiered Wednesday, February 11th, 2015.
You can watch the full episode on Amazon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZriJuKLer2Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abj9GuiuD08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjc8Jc2FEKY
DETAILS. DETAILS. DETAILS.
PICTURES FROM THE FILMING OF THE NAKED SPEED R90S
BUILD SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
Stock horsepower is 67 & with a few small upgrades the R90S has approximately 77 HP. To accomplish this we started with high compression 1000cc pistons & cylinders , Larger valves, a pair of Dellorto-PHM-38mm-R90S-Carburetors Dellorto carburetors & a Boxer Metal designed & built 2-into-1-BMW-Exhaust-System using parts from Cone Engineering.
FRONT SUSPENSION
Stock BMW forks rebuilt and set up with Wilber-Fork-Springs ,7.5 weight fork oil & a custom made ToasterTanalloy top clamp.
REAR SUSPENSION
We started with a short swing from the R65 & the lighter non dampened driveshaft from the early short wheel base R75/5, an R90S 3.00 rear drive & a set of YSS shocks.
CONTROLS
The controls we kept very simple using the stock BMW clutch lever and a stock BMW master cylinder. Boxer Metal rear sets & foot pegs.
BRAKES
The stock BMW rear brake works quite well and is great for keeping the bike from rolling while at a stop light. The energy was concentrated on the front brakes. Starting with the Boxer Metal 320mm brake conversion & custom brake lines.
WHEELS
We started with stock BMW hubs and SPOKE HUB CONVERSION modified the front to work with the DUAL DISC KIT / BIG BRAKE KIT.
We used A Borrani 18" alloy high flange rims with stainless spokes. Tires were supplied by Avon Tires
FRAME & BODY WORK
The frame design is based on the early 1970's BMW factory works race frames. Built at our shop . The original tank & seat for this build were made by Airtech Streamline & in the end Artie made the gas the gas tank out of steel and we used the Airtech seat cowling and the Labiske Racing Fairing. The racing fairing is a Boxer Metal exclusive. We had our good friend Paul at Quality Upholstery www.qualityinchico.com and the Daytona orange paint work, lettering and pinstriping by Custom Classic Paint Work http://www.customclassicpaintworks.com/ and all of the powder coating by Atomic Powder Coating http://www.maceperformance.com/Atomic.html
LIGHTS & ELECTRICS
We kept the wiring, switches and light very simple, but street legal. The wiring harness we built from scratch using all of the proper color coated wires. The Speedometer is an Acewell 2853 and the taillight/turn signals by High Tech Speed, We were able to use an Alien Motion Lithium
There was over 500 hours in the build. There is some of the detail left out as a lot of what we do is proprietary. Approximate build cost $83,500.00.
Please take a moment and visit our sponsors that helped build the Boxer Metal R90S for naked speed. Click on the logo to visit their website
WE RECEIVED HUNDREDS OF EMAILS, TEXT MESSAGES, & PHONE CALLS. HERE IS WHAT A FEW PEOPLE HAD TO SAY
“Hi There. I have just watched you video and I wanted to write to you and say how awesome and inspiring I think it is." -Thank you, Harry
“Chris, You are a true master and gentlemen and loved the way you presented your wife on the Velocity show, great job and hope our paths cross again soon. Wish you nothing but great success.” -Doug
“Hey guys and dolls; great bike you built! I enjoyed the show last night and will watch it again and again….keep the faith!” -Anthony
“Chris and Rebecca: Very good program and a great example of the care and workmanship you both take for your customers.” -Sincerely, Bob K
“Just watched your episode of Naked Speed, and wanted give you guys two thumbs up man, that bike is beautiful!! Awesome job. To have Reg Pridmore himself ride, autograph, and give his praise, must have been quite surreal. Much to be proud of there!” -Regards, Jeff
“Hey Chris, it was great to see you on the tube! Fun project! Congrats!” -Chris
“Chris, I wanted to say I was pleasantly shocked to see you on Naked Speed the other night. I record the show so I am not sure exactly when you were on, but who cares. You were amazingly exactly how I remember you. Laid back, to the point, caring about what you do and meticulous.” -Larry
“Boxer Metal's Chris Canterbury of Chico, Calif. is North America's premier BMW builder.” -Discovery Channel
“Boxer Metal’s Chris Canterbury of Chico, California is North America’s premier BMW builder. But building a barn-find into a 1970s Isle of Man racing tribute bike, and bringing in three-time, BMW mounted, AMA Champion Reg Pridmore to test it, is a whole different ballgame.” -The Velocity Channel
Thank you from Chris & Rebecca Canterbury!
When we built this bike there were a lot more parts we carried like the Motogadget M Unit and switches, Ohlins shocks.... Many of these parts have been diffacuslt to source reliably so we have found alternative parts. Please look through our online store to see our latest offerings.