Show Winner: BMW R1100 Scrambler from Mexico’s Vitabrevis…
The BMW R1100RT (T for Touring) was the company’s full-size tourer, an oilhead flat-twin mega-bike built to compete with mile-munchers such as the Honda Goldwing and Kawasaki Concours. Introduced in 1995, it was the heaviest bike BMW had ever produced at the time, weighing nearly 600 pounds fully fueled. That said, it was still lighter than its Japanese rivals, and it soon became a favorite of long-distance Iron Butt riders.
The “oilhead” boxer engine offered 90 hp and 70 lb-ft of torque, and the RT featured BMW’s front Telelever and rear Paralever suspension. Today, the RT is still revered among enthusiasts.
“Even now, almost 30 years on from this particular RT’s launch, many boxer fanatics cite the 1100 as a better bike than its 1150cc replacement on account of its simpler and less problematic tech, as well as being more characterful than BM’s four-cylinder K models.” –Bennetts
Of course, this particular R1100RT is unlike any we’ve ever seen. It’s the work of Martín Balzarini and the team of Mexico City’s Vitabrevis.
“The name Vita Brevis comes from the Latin expression ‘life is brief.’ Under that idea, we do what we are passionate about, and we approach motorcycles as a way of life.”
Time was certainly short in the case of this project, as the Vitabrevis boys had just 30 days to build the bike for the custom bike competition at the Salón Internacional de la Motocicleta México (SIMM) — Mexico’s International Motorcycle Show.
“The goal was to reinterpret a touring platform into a Scrambler / Rally-inspired machine, proving that even a heavy, comfort-oriented motorcycle can be transformed into something aggressive, functional, and visually striking.”
Given the time constraints, the Vitabrevis team certainly had a challenge on their hands, especially when starting with an ’01 R1100RT — a real Bavarian behemoth. The work was extensive, including a trellis-style subframe, custom fiberglass bodywork, hand-built stainless steel high-mount exhaust system, crashbars with auxiliary HELLA lights, and more. There’s even includes a dual-fuel system with two fuel pumps and an auxiliary rear tank!
It’s incredible how much lighter and more streamlined they’ve made this former tourer — and it’s rare to see a Telelever bike look this good. Truly it’s a coup to pull off such a style given this donor and time frame, and the Vitabrevis team was well rewarded — this build won the SIMM Custom Quest competition!
While the bike is styled as a scrambler, taking its cues from old-school enduros and rally bikes, the resulting build has the power and performance of an adventure bike — though much more attractive than a contemporary GS, in our opinion. And the changes have transformed the riding experience.
“The bike has been transformed in terms of weight perception, responsiveness, and usability. The riding position, reduced bodywork, and intake changes create a much more direct and engaging experience.”
Congratulations to the Vitabrevis team for pulling off this build in such a short time, with such a challenging donor, and winning the show to boot! Below you’ll find our full interview with Martín Balzarini about the build, and you can follow this Mexico City-based workshop here: @vitabrevis.motocultura.
BMW R1100 Scrambler: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
We are VITABREVIS, a custom motorcycle workshop based in Mexico City, focused on building purposeful machines that merge engineering, design, and craftsmanship.
The name Vita Brevis comes from the Latin expression “life is brief.” Under that idea, we do what we are passionate about, and we approach motorcycles as a way of life.
Each motorcycle we build is conceived as a complete system, where form and function are developed together from the ground up. We specialize in fiberglass fabrication, structural modifications, and full custom transformations, always aiming for clean execution and a strong visual identity.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the donor bike?
The donor bike is a BMW R1100RT, 2001.
• Why was this bike built?
This project was designed and built in approximately 30 days for the Salón Internacional de la Motocicleta México, as part of a custom build competition — where it was awarded first place.
What started as a time-constrained challenge quickly evolved into a defining project for the workshop.
The goal was to reinterpret a touring platform into a Scrambler / Rally-inspired machine, proving that even a heavy, comfort-oriented motorcycle can be transformed into something aggressive, functional, and visually striking.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The concept blends rally raid machines, endurance racing aesthetics, and utilitarian adventure bikes. We focused on achieving a strong, forward-leaning stance, reducing visual weight, and exposing the mechanical character of the bike.
The design language is intentional: no unnecessary elements, only what serves a purpose — visually or functionally.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
This build involved a complete transformation:
- Custom subframe, designed and fabricated in-house
- Dual fuel system, featuring:
- Main tank
- Secondary rear-mounted fuel tank
- Dual fuel pumps, ensuring consistent fuel delivery from both tanks
- Full fiberglass bodywork, including:
- Front mask
- Rear cowl (tail section)
- Hand-fabricated stainless steel exhaust, designed in a high-mounted scrambler configuration
- Leather seat, hand-finished and dyed in grey
- K&N high-flow intake system
- Auxiliary HELLA lights
- GPS-based tachometer, simplifying instrumentation
- Engine protection bars
- Adventure-spec tires
Every component was developed as part of a cohesive system — structurally, mechanically, and visually.
• Does the bike have a nickname?
We refer to this build as “Scrambler Racing”, reflecting its aggressive stance, performance-oriented character, and strong influence from rally and endurance machines.
• Any idea of horsepower, weight, and/or performance numbers?
While peak horsepower remains close to stock, the bike has been transformed in terms of weight perception, responsiveness, and usability. The riding position, reduced bodywork, and intake changes create a much more direct and engaging experience.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
Riding this bike feels raw, mechanical, and alive. It’s a completely different experience from the original touring platform — more aggressive, more connected, and far more engaging.
Despite its size, it feels agile and purposeful, especially on mixed terrain where the scrambler setup comes into its own.
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The integration of the entire build. From the subframe to the fuel system and fiberglass components, everything was designed to feel like it belongs.
We’re especially proud of transforming a platform like the R1100RT into something with a completely new identity.
• Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Special thanks to the VITABREVIS team for their work in fabrication, problem-solving, and execution.
Follow the Builder
Instagram: @vitabrevis.motocultura
