A custom build based on a 1980 BMW R65, incorporating scrambler essence while focusing on the brat style. The silhouette is refined with a one-off upswept muffler, short fenders, and front/rear suspension, creating a unique style. This time, we delve into the details of this R65, crafted by MOTOR FORCE.
Table of Contents
R65 Born from Hiromi's Custom Project
This R65 was built by MOTOR FORCE, known for custom vehicles like cafe racers.
The project was initiated by a custom build feature on talent Hiromi's YouTube channel.
The base was a 1980 BMW R65. After customization by MOTOR FORCE, about a year after its completion, a viewer expressed interest in purchasing the vehicle, leading to its sale. The current owner, Fujishiro-san, acquired this bike.
Fujishiro-san, who obtained this R65, was drawn to its style as a complete custom build. He was particularly captivated by the upswept muffler and the overall silhouette of the bike.
Instagram "Fujishiro Tsutomu"
https://www.instagram.com/f_2106
Combining Brat Style with an Upswept Muffler
MOTOR FORCE based their build on the brat style.
While maintaining a simple and compact body structure, they added elements of a scrambler.
The symbol of this is the custom-made upswept muffler.
Leveraging the R65's characteristic horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine, the muffler rising towards the rear of the bike creates a significant accent on the side view.
The low-slung brat style and the scrambler-like silhouette created by the upswept muffler. Elements from different genres are combined, yet the overall composition is natural.
Instagram "MOTOR FORCE"
https://www.instagram.com/my_motorforce
Rear End Constructed Without Frame Modification
MOTOR FORCE's attention to detail is also evident in the rear section.
Instead of modifying the original frame, they constructed a bolt-on subframe. The rear end's style was altered without cutting the frame, creating a clean seat area.
The seat itself is also a custom-made leather seat.
Furthermore, short front and rear fenders, fork covers, and a tank pad were custom-made. The design of each part is unified, harmonizing the overall silhouette of the bike.
Suspension Shortened + IKON
To make the bike's silhouette appear more compact, the front forks were shortened by 3 inches.
IKON suspension units are paired with the rear, and Cocker Diamond tires are used.
The tires with their classic pattern and the shortened suspension create a nimble, custom-bike stance, differing from the R65's original touring feel.
Clean Military Taste
The coloring has a military taste.
However, instead of emphasizing ruggedness, they focused on a clean impression by leveraging the base vehicle's good condition.
While possessing a military atmosphere, the simple arrangement of each part prevents it from feeling too dated for a 1980 model.
It achieves a balance between the textural feel of a classic custom bike and the nimbleness of a modern street bike.
Motogadget Used for the Meter
In the cockpit area, the stock meter was replaced with a Motogadget.
Pairing the classic R65 with a minimalist design meter results in a clean impression for the handlebars.
The key is the balanced integration of both custom-made and off-the-shelf custom parts, used appropriately to achieve the overall harmony of the bike.
Enjoying a Complete Build as Your Own Beloved Bike
Enjoying a complete build as your own beloved bike. Fujishiro-san's relationship with the R65 exemplifies the unique appeal of such complete custom projects.
Based on the brat style, with scrambler elements added by the upswept muffler, this bike has a distinctive silhouette. It has given a new character to the R65, born in 1980.
Instagram "Minna no Tankito" (Everyone's Single Cylinder)
https://www.instagram.com/minnano_tankito

Inheriting a complete style, the BMW R65 is still enjoyed as a beloved bike today. Its unique silhouette tells the story of this one-of-a-kind machine.
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