Moto Adonis builds a tall man’s scrambler…
Introduced in 1994, the BMW R1100GS was the first member of the storied GS lineage to eschew the old type 247 “airhead” engine for a more modern air/oil-cooled 1085cc flat-twin mill, which featured four valves per cylinder and fuel injection. American Motorcyclist reviewers nicknamed their GS1100 press bike “War Pig,” using it to pass a passel of sportbikers during a track session at Mid-Ohio and survive a southern Ohio ISDE (International Six Days Enduro) qualifier route, all in the same issue!
However, the real strength of the big GS was its pure ruggedness and endurance:
“If you had to bet the house and kids on a motorcycle to get to Timbuktoo and back again (and show you a good time en route) the R1100GS would be it.” –MCN
Such a bike might make a great scrambler if it wasn’t for its elephantine proportions. However, when the boys at Moto Adonis heard from a customer who wanted a custom bike that could accommodate his 6’8″ height, the big GS suddenly seemed perfectly suited for the job.
What’s more, the customer wanted to get hands-on with the build as much as possible — an idea not all workshops would welcome, but the Moto Adonis crew readily embraced:
“Throughout the build, he worked side by side with us in our workshop, assisting in the disassembly and assembly of the bike. He even crafted his own MotoGadget wiring harness under our guidance. This collaborative approach to a build with a customer was a great experience.”
Highlights include the custom subframe and streamlined tail, Miller Kustom saddle, complete stainless exhaust with Spark silencer, relocated oil cooler, handmade fenders, Motogadget goodies, YSS suspension, and more.
“We take great pride in the outcome of this build! The bike looks great and delivers an amazing riding experience for a taller person.”
Below, Arthur and Job of Moto Adonis give us the full rundown on the build.
BMW GS1100 Scrambler: In the Builders’ Words…
The Start of the Build
A tall gentleman named Otto approached us with a desire to build a motorcycle that would accommodate his height (203 cm) and provide greater comfort than his current ride. After discussing his needs, we agreed that it was time for something bigger and better. Together, we chose a BMW R1100GS as the base for a Scrambler build. The customer was immediately thrilled with the idea, as we at Moto Adonis have successfully built several larger bikes on this platform.
To add a unique touch to the project, the customer expressed a desire to actively participate in the build process, not just as an observer but also by getting hands-on with the build. We embraced the idea and proceeded accordingly. Throughout the build, he worked side by side with us in our workshop, assisting in the disassembly and assembly of the bike. He even crafted his own MotoGadget wiring harness under our guidance. This collaborative approach to a build with a customer was a great experience.
The Build
At the outset of this build, our goal was to imbue the bike with the distinctive Moto Adonis touch: a clean and refined aesthetic with attention to detail. We began by constructing a subframe to increase the bike’s height and create a sleeker rear end. Next on the list was the seat, which needed to offer both comfort for long rides and an appealing design with integrated brake and taillights. The exhaust system was then addressed, with the customer desiring a throaty sound without disturbing the neighbors. We crafted a complete stainless steel exhaust featuring a stylish Spark muffler. Other tasks included relocating the oil cooler, fabricating fenders, and overall looks of the bike’s appearance.
This bike boasts a full Motogadget system, including mirrors and mo.blaze bar-end turn signals. We like to build bikes with high-quality parts, so we chose Renthal bars, YSS shocks, Biltwell handgrips, and an Acewell speedometer.
We take great pride in the outcome of this build! The bike looks great and delivers an amazing riding experience for a taller person. Most importantly, we have once again brought a customer’s dream bike to life and made them happy.
Follow the Builder
Website: MotoAdonis.com
Instagram: @moto_adonis
Upholstery: Miller Kustom Upholstery (@millerseats)
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