Little Bavarian: 1000cc BMW R80 Cafe Racer

James Dean-inspired Boxer from Mr. Ludolf…  

In 1955, just as he was finishing the film Giant, James Dean bought himself a 1955 Porsche 550 Spyder dubbed “Little Bastard.” Though most of us know the story of Dean’s tragic demise at the wheel of this car, fewer folks know of Dean’s budding promise as a racing driver.

“Dean had shown real talent behind the wheel in three races in his 1955 356 Super Speedster. Racing against Ken Miles, among others, Dean finished in second place at the Palm Springs Road Races. He was first in class and third overall at Minter Field and cut through the field from 18th to fourth at the Santa Barbara Road Races before his engine blew.” –Hagerty

Dean himself was first to earn the nickname “Little Bastard.” Many believe he dubbed his new Porsche “Little Bastard” in defiance of Warner Brothers, whose president had given him the nickname when he refused to vacate his studio trailer after filming East of Eden. Dean’s “Little Bastard” would be a sort of middle finger to Warner, which imposed a racing ban on actors during filming. He even had the name “Little Bastard” painted across the rear cowling.

Dean was on his way to the Salinas Road Race in the Spyder when his tragic crash occurred. He’d actually planned to tow the car to the meeting behind his newly acquired Ford Country Squire station wagon, but he realized it needed more miles on the odometer to qualify for the race. On September 30, 1955, around 5:45pm, Dean collided with another motorist just 30 miles outside Paso Robles, California, where he and his mechanic, Rolf Wütherich, planned to meet some fellow racers for dinner. Rolf and the other motorist survived; Dean did not.

Today, Dean’s “Little Bastard” Porsche Spyder remains one of the most iconic — and infamous — cars in motoring history. Our friend Mr. Ludolf of Rind Performance — a longtime fan of James Dean and the Porsche brand — decided to build a motorcycle in the style of Dean’s “Little Bastard.” Given the German heritage and boxer engine, a BMW was the ideal candidate for the transformation, and an ’84 R80RT was secured as the donor.

Mr. Ludolf considered what a Porsche motorbike would have been like at the time, had they designed and built one, and then set out to execute his vision. Highlights include a GFK fairing that echoes the shape of the 550 windscreen, along with matching paint, decals, and Porsche badges reminiscent of the “Little Bastard.”

Performance-wise, this Porsche-inspired boxer is sporting modern USD forks, YSS rear shock, “Porsche”-badged GSX-R brakes, spoke wheels, and a 1000cc big-bore kit. Truly, this “Little Bavarian” captures the spirit and pure, purpose-built aesthetic of the “Little Bastard” in motorbike form.

“You could say it’s a 550 Spyder on two wheels — stripped of unnecessary frills, focusing on the pure essence of riding. Every ride is a celebration of freedom and the thrill of the open road.” -Mr. Ludolf

Below is our full interview with Mr. Ludolf about the build, along with a build sheet and more photos. We’d like to think James Dean himself would crack that wry smile over this “Little Bavarian”…and ask for a ride himself.

BMW R80 “Little Bavarian”: Builder Interview

• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?

BMW R80RT from 1984.

• Why was this bike built?

Like all of my motorcycles, I built it for myself. As I am very attached to the Porsche brand and I really liked James Dean and his car design, I decided to design a BMW that in some way reflects some things about the “Little Bastard.” And a BMW would probably be the best basis for this with its simple lines and boxer engine.

• What was the design concept and what inspired the build?

I proudly present my BMW R80 “Little Bavarian,” transformed in the style of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder “Little Bastard” made famous by James Dean. This build features key elements from the 550, including the Boxer engine, a matching paint job, custom seat/grips, stickers, and some Porsche badges.

The round chrome headlight and rounded taillight add a classic touch, while the soft body contours improve its sleek design. The front brake is styled in true Porsche fashion, and the exhaust system mirrors the original.

You could say it’s a 550 Spyder on two wheels — stripped of unnecessary frills, focusing on the pure essence of riding. Every ride is a celebration of freedom and the thrill of the open road.

“Dream as if you’ll live forever. Live as if you’ll die today.“ -James Dean

• Can you list the custom work done to the bike?

• Homemade rear frame with hump seat
• “Porsche” GSX-R Brakes
• USD fork
• YSS shock absorber
• Spoke wheels
• Lowered handlebars
• Leather seat
• Homemade exhaust
• GFK front fairing
• Retro lights
• Open air filters
• 1000cc cylinders

• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride the “Little Bavarian”?

The “Little Bastard” 😜 rides extremely smoothly and precisely. With its 1000cc upgrade engine, it also has enough power to be allowed to carry a starting number.

• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?

What I am proud of is the many things they have in common. And a Porsche motorcycle would probably have looked like this at that time, if they had built one. Puristic and without unnecessary things.

Follow the Builder

• Robin Ludwig: @mr.ludolf
• Rind Performance: @rindperformance

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