In the thriving world of BMW R-series customization, there?s a strong design trend in Europe that hasn?t taken off in other countries yet. The core features are a floating single seat, chunky tires, small guards, lots of black, offset lights and super clean lines. Builds from the Amsterdam shop Ironwood are the perfect example.
The style hasn?t made it down under to the big Australian shops?until now. Ellaspede?s latest build hits a bulls-eye on the European style, with a crisp and understated finish as good as any from a northern hemisphere builder.

?We?ve ticked off a few individual ?Euro? items on recent builds,? says Ellaspede?s Hughan Seary. ?But our client Sam was the first person to come to us with a vision that ticks all the boxes.? Sam explained his reasoning: ?Most modern road bikes have never really appealed to me, which is why I?ve always wanted something custom. I think the BMW R-series makes some of the nicest customs, and I like the shape of the boxer engine. The semi-scrambler style appeals to me too, from growing up on dirt bikes.?

Sam settled on the ?later? model 1992 BMW R100R as a donor. In stock form, it doesn?t have the classic R-series shape tank or the popular snowflake wheels, but there?s more to like, especially if you?re doing a custom build.
Sam?s R100R came with 41mm Showa forks, a Brembo front brake and floating discs, Paralever rear suspension, and GS-style spoked wheels?plus early style ?round? valve covers.

Once the R100R was strippe...