The Rincon Commission
Starting with a 1981 BMW R100RS we stripped the bike down to the frame and de-tabbed every mounting bracket we weren’t going to use. The factory dual shock bikes with post 81 running gear are perfect for a cafe racer build as you get all of the power and a vintage look. We fitted our custom subframe with a flush mount brake light and turn signals. The rear suspension was upgraded to Öhlins shocks with external reservoirs. The factory exhaust was replaced with a full stainless system including quiet-core mufflers from Cone Engineering. The result is a classic looking cafe racer exhaust with sufficient back-pressure, a solid mount to the frame and a good exhaust note that isn’t obnoxiously loud.
The factory RS engine was rebuilt to factory specs with upgrades to the heads, port matched and polished along with installing valve seals. The Mikuni carburetors were jetted and tuned to suit the custom exhaust and velocity stacks. The factory airbox was deleted along with the pulse-air emissions equipment, a fastback starter cover replaces the standard unit. The starter was upgraded to a lightweight hi-torque unit to compliment the lithium battery that is housed safely under the gas tank. The factory charge system was replaced with a modern upgraded unit, far superior to the original and facilitates safe use of the lithium battery.
A 1974 headlight bucket and fork ears are mounted to the original forks. Brakes were upgraded to oversized wave rotors and Nissin brake calipers. The ignition barrel is mounted in the 70’s factory position in the side of the headlight bucket. The internals have been upgraded to LED for brighter light and less draw on the battery.
An Acewell Speedometer is mounted to Renthal motocross handlebars. Hand controls are new OEM units, modified to suit the custom wiring harness. All original hardware was zinc plated.
A custom front wheel is laced to a 19” factory rim with stainless steel spokes. The rear was converted to a drum brake and a custom rear wheel is laced to an 18” rim. The frame is finished in a Semi-Gloss Black powder coat and the gas tank is finished in a Gloss Black Glasurit paint and wears enamel roundels.
