Dirk Oehlerking’s identify has change into synonymous with cosmic artwork deco machines that wouldn’t look misplaced in an artwork gallery. However the German customized bike maestro additionally is aware of easy methods to construct on a regular basis bikes that stun with their easy class. He’s simply used that method on a basic BMW R80 boxer, turning it into an ISDT-inspired scrambler for the streets.

Dirk cooked up the concept whereas attending the uber-popular BMW Motorrad Days occasion. BMW was exhibiting a set of manufacturing unit race bikes that have been profitable within the Worldwide Six Days Trial within the late 70s, and Dirk fell in love with the aesthetic. However quite than construct a devoted enduro machine, he fancied the concept of a each day runner with classic ISDT fashion.

Because it so occurs, Dirk had the right donor bike sitting in storage; a 1976 BMW R80/7. So he hauled it into the Kingston Custom workshop, stripped it down to simply its body and engine, and began visualizing the ultimate product.

The R80/7’s 18” spoked rear wheel match the invoice, however Dirk wanted a taller association up entrance. So he grafted on the forks and 21” entrance wheel from a 1984 BMW R80G/S, then slapped on a set of Continental TKC80 dual-sport tires. A pair of latest YSS shocks prop up the rear.

For the reason that concept was to take care of the donor bike’s classic attraction, Dirk shied away from modding the body and subframe in any method. He even saved the unique software compartment—together with the OEM tire pump that lives inside the principle body tube.

Dirk has numerous years of customizing outdated boxers beneath his belt, so he’s amassed a hefty pile of sidelined elements. Digging into that pile produced an R50/5 toaster tank, which wanted a substantial quantity of restoration to convey its chrome covers again to life. BMW’s motorsport colours are inlaid into the tank’s aspect grooves, behind authentic BMW roundels.

Perched behind the tank is an outdated Denfeld seat that’s been refurbished with new foam and fake leather-based. It’s flanked by handmade aluminum quantity boards, painted yellow to imitate these on the ISDT bikes. The left panel has cutouts for the BMW’s authentic seize deal with, whereas the proper is curved across the exhaust muffler.

The 2-into-one exhaust system is from the German exhaust firm Hattech. It’s based mostly on a classic scrambler exhaust that Hattech had beforehand constructed for Lucky Cat Garage.

The high-riding exhaust, abbreviated seat, and large entrance wheel go an extended approach to remodeling the R80’s seems. However it’s the classic enduro-style plastics that drive the purpose residence. Dirk sourced the fenders and headlight nacelle from UFO, choosing an all-white end.

The cockpit sports activities a beautiful set of period-correct metal handlebars, fitted with LSL grips, and controls and switches from Dirk’s stash. And should you look carefully, you’ll discover that Dirk swapped the entrance brake from the proper to the left aspect in order that he may run the brake hose throughout the entrance of the headlight’s quantity board; one other nod to the outdated BMW ISDT bikes.

Fashionable electronics and teeny-tiny flip indicators are all the fashion lately, however Dirk was dedicated to this mission’s basic fashion information. So he put in a tiny chromed analog speedo and a set of Seventies-style bar-end flip indicators. Decrease down, you’ll discover a set of chromed crash bars and the BMW’s OEM heart stand.

What Dirk didn’t do, was lather the bike in filth bike-specific accoutrements like hand guards, enduro foot pegs, or an enormous sump guard. “These would solely have been helpful for off-road use,” he says. “This bike ought to be paying homage to the nice occasions from the 70s, but additionally be a basic each day cruiser.”

It’s refreshing to see a customized bike that blends kind and performance this properly, all whereas eschewing developments to create a really timeless runner. And the truth that Dirk can play at each extremes of the customized bike spectrum so adeptly is a testomony to his prowess as a craftsman. Bravo!

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