Loko Dream Factory updates a Slash 5 Beemer…
In 1970, BMW introduced the all-new Slash 5 (“/5”) series, completely manufactured in Berlin according to modular design and production principles. In contrast to earlier models, the Slash 5 had telescopic forks, 12-volt electrics, and a chain-driven camshaft below the crank.
The king of the line was the 750cc R75/5, whose 50-hp flat-twin could propel the 460-pound machine up to 110 mph. However, it wasn’t the outright performance, but the supreme engineering, build quality, and ease of maintenance that made these airheads (and those that followed) some of the world’s greatest two-wheeled globetrotters:
“Air-cooled BMW (“Airhead”) flat twins from the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties have been through Panama’s Darien Gap, explored the Arctic Circle, braved Himalayan passes, survived Middle Eastern deserts, left tracks through African jungles and gone anywhere else you can possibly go on a road going motorcycle. These simple, rugged, comfortable machines have enabled adventurers for years.” –Motorcycle Classics
Enter our friend Tom Kol of Israel’s Loko Dream Factory, a lifelong motorcyclist and off-road racer whose dirt-ready designs have been highly popular here on BikeBound. Tom says he dreams of motorcycles in his sleep — and that’s where many of his builds begin:
“My projects are visions I dream at night or just have in my mind. After I have the idea, I start drawing the final result in my head, until I feel I love what I’m envisioning.
When I see a bike, I have a clear vision of how it should have exited the factory doors — this is what guides me during the build.”
Most of Tom previous builds have utilized more modern platforms, but he’s turned his gaze to the summer of ’69 with this model year 1970 BMW R75/5. He says he built the bike for weekend fun. We love that he hasn’t ventured too far from the shape and formula of the original Slash 5, giving it a clean, minimal look with updated electronics, relocated battery, new paint and wheels, revised rear frame and saddle, custom exhaust, dual-purpose tires, and other touches.
The result is a clean-cut BMW that takes the rider back in time:
“Feels like Woodstock!”
Below, we talk to Tom for the full details on the build. Photos courtesy of Nir Amos (@nir_amos32).
BMW Slash 5 Custom: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
I am from Israel, I’ve ridden motorcycles all my life and race rally, motocross, and enduro as a hobby in Israel. I started restoring old tractors because I grew up as a kid running around tractors all day. My first project was an all American 1970 John Deere 3020.
One day I found Pinterest and discovered an amazing new world of sexy scramblers and cafe racers. The pictures on Pinterest blew my mind — then I started dreaming about sexy motorcycles at night. I started building my own a few years ago.
My projects are visions I dream at night or just have in my mind. After I have the idea, I start drawing the final result in my head, until I feel I love what I’m envisioning.
When I see a bike, I have a clear vision of how it should have exited the factory doors — this is what guides me during the build.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
1970 BMW R75/5.
• Why was this bike built?
I built this bike for myself for weekend fun.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The design concept was a clean minimal look.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
- Rebuilt the rear frame
- Rebuilt seat
- Rear / front fenders
- Custom made exhausts
- Built metal side case
- Relocated battery
- Black Excel rims
- New spoke set
- All new electric system
- Painted engine in black
- Painted frame and fuel tank
• Does the bike have a nickname?
Loko Classic.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
Feels like Woodstock!
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The clean cut look.
Follow the Builder
Website: www.lokokol.com
Instagram: @loko_dreamfactory
Photographer Credit: Nir Amos (@nir_amos32)
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Is there a Slash /5 out there, somewhere with my name on it.