Bahn Burner: BMW K1100RS Café Racer

BMW K1100RS Cafe RacerBolt 80: 16-Valve K-Bike from Bolt Motor Co…  

The BMW K1100RS was the most technologically advanced “Flying Brick” to emerge from Berlin, featuring the 16-valve head from the K1, Paralever rear end, Motronic EFI and engine management, ABS brakes, and an output of 100 brake horsepower from the 1093cc inline-four powerplant. The RS, as opposed to the heavyweight LT, was the sport touring version of the K-series, a high-speed Bahn-burner built for the open road.

“The quiet inline-four pulls redline comfortably, with the bike fully loaded, and two man-sized passengers. The speedo indicates 152 m.p.h., yet nothing seems to strain… The BMW gobbles up distance, space and time like the Starship Enterprise…” -Steve Engelbrecht, MotorWorld / K11OG.org

BMW K1100RS Cafe Racer

Recently our friends at Bolt Motor Co. finished this fully custom K1100RS — a quite different machine from the 500cc RZ350 of theirs we last featured, but similarly well detailed and executed.

“The client wanted a BMW K-Series, but not just any K… He wanted a 16-VALVE MONSTER. So we set out to build his dream—definitely not an easy one.”

BMW K1100RS Cafe RacerJust tracking down a 16-valve K-bike is no easy task these days, but the Bolt crew managed to lock down the perfect unit, and the client put his full trust in their design team.

“He had a clear vision: a bike that was both ultra-elegant and high-performance, fast, and safe.”

BMW K1100RS Cafe RacerThey stripped the K-RS down to the frame and rebuilt it from the ground up. Let’s break down the modifications section by section.

Front End:
The client wanted serious stopping power and a rock-solid ride. So the Bolt team installed the front end from a Ducati Panigale, complete with oversized Brembo discs, calipers, and Serie Oro master cylinder — some of the best hardware on the market.

BMW K1100RS Cafe Racer

Cockpit:
The Bolt crew fitted Rizoma clip-ons, Biltwell grips, and Motogadget indicators integrated into the handlebars. The mirrors are German-made Highsiders, and everything was paired with Motogadget switches and a full digital Motogadget Pro dash. The headlight is an LED unit matched with a Bolt-designed 3D-printed fairing. The ignition is another Bolt signature touch — a push-button start integrated right into the steering stem.

BMW K1100RS Cafe Racer

Bodywork / Seat:
The client personally chose an exclusive Maserati Folgore Matte Sapphire Grey paint for a refined and powerful look. Meanwhile, the seat was handcrafted from water-resistant suede, custom-stitched to match the tank and side covers, which were 3D-printed in-house by the Bolt design team. As you can see, the tail section is convertible.

Electronics & Wiring:
A full electrical overhaul was carried out, including a modified ECU and rewiring of the entire bike. The bike has a Motogadget control unit, and every function of the digital dash is fully operational.

BMW K1100RS Cafe Racer

Engine & Performance:
The engine was fully restored by Bolt’s in-house mechanics, rebuilt down to the last bolt. The injection system was recalibrated, airflow and fuel delivery were increased with a high-pressure fuel pump, and the bike exhales through a full Akrapovič exhaust.

BMW K1100RS Cafe Racer

Chassis & Wheels:
The bike is rolling on BMW Cup wheels. The ABS braking system was retained but upgraded with Brembo goods, including their latest-gen clutch and brake master cylinders.

BMW K1100RS Cafe Racer

Overall, this is one very special Bolt, built with next-level precision and craftsmanship, and one of the best K-bikes we’ve seen in some time. Full build spec below.

Build Sheet: BMW K1100RS Custom

  • Base Bike: BMW K1100RS 16-VALVE
  • Year: 1994
  • Engine: BMW Motorsport
  • Fuel System: Marelli Injection
  • Ignition: BMW Electronic
  • Clutch: BMW
  • Flywheel: BMW Performance
  • Front End: Ducati Panigale
  • Brakes: Brembo
  • Discs: Brembo
  • Brake Lines: Goodridge
  • Triple Clamps: Custom CNC by Bolt
  • Fuel Tank: BMW by Bolt
  • Headlight Bracket: Bolt Motor Co.
  • Subframe: Bolt Motor Co.
  • Intake Filters: Bolt Motor Co.
  • Exhaust: Bolt Motor Co.
  • Silencer: Akrapovic
  • License Plate Holder: Bolt Motor Co.
  • Front Fender: Bolt Motor Co.
  • Rear Suspension: YYS
  • Front Headlight: Latest-Gen LED
  • Taillight: LED
  • Turn Signals: Motogadget
  • Tires: Pirelli
  • Electronics: Motogadget
  • Wiring: Bolt Motor Co.
  • Seat: Llop
  • Paint: Aircustom
  • Footrests: Puig
  • Rearsets: Puig
  • Clutch Master Cylinder: Brembo
  • Brake Master Cylinder: Brembo
  • Grips: Biltwell
  • Mirrors: Highsider

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2 Comments

  1. Great build and keeping the ABS, congratulations.

  2. JOE SHUTA

    That front fender could be a little smaller! LOL!

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