The K100 was developed during a time when BMW felt the need to create a modern, liquid-cooled machine that could compete with the inline fours coming out of Japan. The design concept was unique in motorcycling: an inline four mounted on its side in the frame, with the head protruding from the left side of the bike and the crank/oil pan from the right. The “Flying Brick” utilized Bosch Jetronic fuel injection directly derived from the technology in BMW’s sedans, and the engine made a solid 90 horsepower.
Enter Ardy Attaporn of Hatyai, Thailand, who opened his small workshop Ruby Cafe — or simply RBCF — back in 2015, customizing his Honda GL700 (coming soon). Like many, Ardy became interested in the unique engine of the K-series:
“I’m fascinated by the engine of this BMW K100 and would like to create my own unique motorcycle.”
He succeeded in creating one of the most stunning K100 cafe racers we’ve ever seen, a bike that echoes BMW’s great M-car heritage and employs a trick rear linkage suspension setup. Below, we get the full story on this K100 cafe, nicknamed “Apollo.”
BMW K100 Cafe Racer: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
My name’s Ardy from Hatyai, Thailand. I have my small workshop called “Ruby Cafe” or RBCF since 2015. I have been customizing my 1983 GL700 for contests. I won the best of Cafe Racer in Thailand Bangkok Hot Rod 2017 and many other awards.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
1985 BMW K100.
• Why was this bike built?
Personal riding built for contests.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
I’m fascinated by the engine of this BMW K100 and would like to create my own unique motorcycle.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
I can say that almost every parts were built and modified.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Apollo’s a nickname of my bike.
• How would you classify this bike?
Cafe racer.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
Pro-link of shock, gas tank with ass and seat, pipe exhaust, front wheel and rear wheel.
That my friend is one of the most stunningly creative builds I have ever seen !
GREAT JOB HANDS DOWN !
I agree
Nice work! Love the exhaust system, would be great to hear it.
Those BMWs are excellent machines and (in the US at least) dirt cheap used because new BMW buyers are rich enough to trade every few years and no one not into the BMW world seems to know about them. They are a very cool open secret. Oilhead twins are likewise affordable on a low budget. The BMWOA are an excellent resource for info. If you want a very affordable base for a fast modern custom Bimmers may be for you.
I think the 85 bmw k100 engine is nostalgic. I have wanted one for years, but my seat height needs to be 27 1/2 inches. I wish there was someone that knows how to cut frame an not loose integrity of bike, so seat would be lower. BMW seems to think there market should be directed at 5’9’’ people in heighth and above.