In a world where everything seems to be bigger, stronger, faster, there?s a lot to be said for the style of a bygone age. Most of us can appreciate the charm of an old-fashioned chronometer or a fountain pen, and there?s still a place for a bike that can potter along country lanes at a leisurely speed, so you can still smell the hedgerows.
The Italian company Black Douglas has found success with this concept, putting the Sterling ?autocycle? into production. And now we have this most unusual BMW R45, also from Italy, but this time a one-off.

It comes from Extemporae/Officina Motociclignoranti, a workshop near Varese that is well known within Italy but less famous outside. ?The BMW is inspired by the 1920s and 1930s,? says shop boss Alessandro Ferrara. ?It looks very much like a bicycle, and has many parts fabricated in-house, as is our habit.?
Making a bike look fifty years older than its real age is quite a feat, but Extemporae have pulled off the trick magnificently. Only the central loop of R45 frame remains, suitably cleaned up and powder coated, and the 1980-vintage boxer engine has been completely overhauled. (It?s been finished with a high-temperature paint system designed for Brembo brakes.)

The 2-into-1 exhaust system is new, and finished off with a classic fishtail muffler. Fuel comes from a gorgeous handmade polished steel tank, with a genuine Brooks leather saddle above. The bars look vintage, but are actually short track race bars from the USA, circa. ...