Dubai to London: BMW R80GS Desert Bomber

Project Zero 30: A Transcontinental Airhead from Cafe Rider Customs… 

The BMW R80GS is the grandfather of the modern adventure bike, and remains one of the most important and influential motorcycles of the modern era.  It came at a time when BMW Motorrad needed a serious win to stay alive, and their bikes had heretofore been designed for the Straße (street) rather than the Gelände (field).

However, BMW R&D engineer and enduro enthusiast Laszlo Peres had an idea for a crossbred G/S (Gelände / Straße) machine, which combined the iconic flat-twin type 247 “Airhead” engine and street chassis with taller suspension and off-road wheels and tires. He’d built such a model for himself, and BMW management gave him three months to create a production prototype.  A little over a year later, the BMW R80GS made its world debut.

Many moto-journalists prophesied the strange, bulky crossbreed would be the final nail in the coffin for BMW’s ailing motorcycle division. Instead, it lifted the company straight from the grave. Here was a machine unlike anything they’d seen, like a Swiss Army knife on two wheels. Said Classic Motorbike:

“Well balanced, and easy to get the best out of on just about any terrain, the bike is a doddle to get along with, its thumpy and willing engine happily trudging down green lanes or speeding along on the highway.”

What’s more, the R80GS was unexpectedly capable when the going got rough:

“Despite the look and suggested bulk the R80G/S is in fact a lively beast capable of lofting the front wheel in the first two gears and leaping up all kinds of inclines like a youngster.” –Classic Motorbike

Soon, any lingering doubts about the bike’s pluck and hardihood were put to rest at the feet of podiums in the Paris Dakar Rally and other transcontinental rallies. Images of Dakar legends like Gaston Rahier and Hubert Auriol ripping their GS rally bikes across the desert have been seared into motorcycling history, as well as the minds of whole generations of riders.

The owner of the ’85 R80GS you see here approached head builder Fahim Rehman (@greasy_hands) of Dubai’s Cafe Rider Custom with one very specific mission in mind, perfectly suited to the donor machine:

“Build a solid, reliable, good looking motorcycle that could be ridden from Dubai all the way to the UK without issue.”

While the red-hot Marlboro-inspired livery might be the most eye-catching aspect of the build — an homage to the Dakar glory days — this GS has been carefully rebuilt and modified for long-range reliability. Highlights include a rebuilt engine, custom subframe with integrated pannier rack, aluminum auxiliary fuel tank, Motogadget electronics, larger battery, upgraded regulator-rectifier, and a phone holder / charger / USB port integrated into the fuel tank. Says Fahim:

“The final product is a visually appealing machine dedicated to serving one purpose: covering long distances with no issue. That thought process has filtered throughout the build, which is why the electronics are reliable, accessible, and easy to maintain.”

Below, we talk to Fahim for the full details on the build, with more photos from Siddharth Pandey (@sidpandey1).

In the Builder’s Words…

Starting with a 1985 BMW R80GS, PROJECT ZERO 30’s owner had one clear brief for us: build a solid, reliable, good looking motorcycle that could be ridden from Dubai all the way to the UK without issue. Off to work then!

The machine that you see in the images is the result of many a day and night spent perfecting small details and ensuring that they fit perfectly into the overall aesthetic and function of the bike.

The first thing that catches one’s eye is the red and white Marlboro-inspired livery, to pay homage to the BMW GS that took part in the famous Dakar Rally.

Beginning with the functional aesthetics, an Acerbis front fender, headlight cowl, and rear fender provide protection from mud and road debris.

A rear subframe has been fabricated specifically to house pannier bags for the long journey that this bike will eventually undertake. An aluminum auxiliary fuel tank has also been installed on the subframe for a larger fuel capacity, reducing the need for frequent fuel stops. Aluminum race plate covers have been custom fabricated in-house, and now wear the number “61” meatball sticker. A battery box has also been fabricated to accommodate a larger AGM battery while being easily accessible.

Moving to the engine and electrics, this R80 benefits from a fully refurbished motor and carburetor. Exhaust duties are sorted by a custom-bent Akrapovic unit, giving PROJECT ZERO 30 a proper soundtrack.

A Motogadget M-unit and indicators provide electrical reliability and visibility. Speed information is provided by a Koso digital speedometer. Domino grips and switch controls provide, grip, comfort, and control. Last but not least, a phone charger, USB port, and phone holder are installed inside the fuel tank cabinet so that the rider can remain connected. It also carries an upgraded regulator rectifier unit to ensure proper power output.

The final product is a visually appealing machine dedicated to serving one purpose: covering long distances with no issue. That thought process has filtered throughout the build, which is why the electronics are reliable, accessible, and easy to maintain. Easily found off-the-shelf parts were used throughout, as opposed to custom or niche products which would become a hassle in the long term. The bike is also set up comfortably, with space for luggage.

We’re incredibly proud of PROJECT ZERO 30 but only one thing will truly complete this build for us: when the owner reaches the UK safely and comfortably on his BMW R80GS!

Follow the Builder

Garage: Cafe Rider Custom, Dubai (@caferidercustom | Cafe Rider)
Head builder: Fahim Rehman (@greasy_hands)
Photography: Siddharth Pandey (@sidpandey1)
Assistant Thanks: Jeevan and Sreekumar

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