There?s something about Beemers with classic fairings and paint?just look at all the fuss being generated by the new R nineT Racer. But there?s more than one way to get that lovely rennsport look, and Union Motorcycle Classics have absolutely nailed it with this heavily modified R100.
Builders Mike Watanabe and Luke Ransom are best known for their immaculate restorations of older British and European bikes, but they occasionally dip a toe into the custom waters.

?Like a lot of vintage enthusiasts, Luke and I are fascinated by the Bol d?Or bikes,? says Mike. ?So this time we?ve focused on what BMW might have done with an R100 in endurance racing.?
Back in the 90s, Mike used to ride with a friend who had an R100 police special, complete with Heinrich tank. ?The look of that bike played a role when I created the design and guidelines for this build,? says Mike. ?I also love the way that contemporary BMWs embrace an asymmetrical world. That influenced subtle features of our design.?
After spotting a 1993 BMW R100 R in a friend?s workshop, Mike and Luke transferred the bike to their century-old Idaho barn and got to work.
?As a Norton guy, I have always wondered how much the German engineers looked at the main hoops of a featherbed frame,? says Mike. ?I have had this shape of tank in my mind for a Norton frame for a long time, and the tank form is dictated by the swooping frame hoops.?

The almost half-moon tank profile is perfect for this BMW, flowing on from the curve...