Using a motorcycle as a coping mechanism is nothing new. For most of us, that means clearing the head with a ride after a rough week?but for Mark Ceilinger, it meant building this BMW cafe racer as a respite from the reality of his girlfriend?s serious illness.
Mark’s not an established builder?yet. He’s a guitarist from Slovenia who?s kept an eye on the custom scene after noticing the Voltron build from his countrymen at ER Motorcycles.

When life took a dramatic turn, Mark was motivated to find a bike and get wrenching. ?When my girlfriend got ill, it was a difficult time for both of us, and we struggled day by day,? he says.
?People are more vulnerable than they think. Most of us live in a safe bubble, away from big changes or challenges. I decided to start fighting my fears and start realizing my dreams.?
Mark sourced a 1993 ex-police BMW R80RT from an older gentleman, and dragged it to an industrial space owned by a band mate. ?It?s a big hall full of old production machines, garage tools and a vintage lathe.?
With help from a painter, a welder and a mechanic, Mark started transforming the BMW into a classy custom that would tick all his boxes. Pretty soon the idea of a custom shop called Vintage Room Motorcycles started taking shape.

?Working on a project like this distracts you from bad thoughts,? says Mark. ?This motorcycle saved and changed my life. I also got a few white hairs during the process!?
Most of those white hairs are down to the motor,...