
For Sale: BMW K100 cafe racer from Basan Metalworks!
The BMW K100 “Flying Brick,” built from 1982-1992, has become an unexpected darling of contemporary custom culture. This ’80s cruise missile challenges builders to design around the boxy lines of the four-cylinder engine laid on its side in the frame, with the head protruding from the left side. The engine itself is a 987cc unit, offering 90 horsepower, 63 ft-lb of torque, and LE-Jetronic fuel injection derived from BMW’s iconic 3-Series cars.
Enter Basan Metalworks, a small shop in Bremerton, Washington, specializing in commissioned bikes and cafe racer parts. Earlier this year, we featured their Honda Valkyrie brat, a flat-six brute with a steampunk vibe. But even earlier than that, at the 2019 One Moto Show in February, we sighted this ’87 BMW K100 of theirs, clad in glorious aluminum bodywork — one of their specialties. We had to know more. Today, we’re thrilled to present this alloy-clad K100 cafe racer!
BMW K100 Cafe Racer: In the Builder’s Words
Here is our 1987 K100 build. As usual we started by de-tabbing the frame and removing all the tins. We went with a seat with a high dome that sits above the frame to slim down the bike and accommodate a tall rider. We stripped and pulled the dents out of the tank and polished it.
For the fairing we decided to go small and slim with two louvers in the front for some air circulation. Due to the boxy motor we tried to add as many rounded lines as we could to take away from that. All buttons and switches were moved to the sides of the fairing including a new moto gadget speedometer. We finished it out with a rounded front fender, mud guard and air intake with hex perf.
It has a new clutch perch and front master cylinder from Drag specialties and aluminum rearsets from BSK speedworks.
The upholstery on the seat, tank and grips is done in honeycomb computer stitched alcantara and bison leather by Larson Upholstery.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @basan.metalworks
Facebook: @basan.metalworks
finally, a cafe racer that has a rear end thats finished! – beautiful work
fancy a crack at an 06 FZ1 – have specific ideas for rear end of this thing