The R100X: A BMW boxer enduro bike from an F1 engineer

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There’s one thing particular about taking a basic motorbike, and remodeling it to the purpose that it’s match for a completely completely different function than it what was initially created for. It’s the distinction between customization and re-engineering; trendy supplies and processes increase classic model, and each final nut and bolt is rigorously thought of. And that’s precisely the best way that Ben Norton likes to do it.

His newest undertaking began out as a 1995 BMW R80R, however ended up a really completely different animal. It’s the identical radical strategy to {custom} bike constructing that we noticed along with his final construct—a jaw-dropping supercharged BMW R100.

The key to Ben’s strategy lies in his vocation. By day, he’s the chief engineer at a works Components One staff, the place the stress to make issues carry out higher is immense. After hours, he unwinds by tinkering in his residence storage, beneath the workshop title 10 ’til 12.

So whereas the remainder of us are sleeping or binge-watching Netflix, Ben’s determining methods to construct insane machines like this. He calls it the ‘BMW R100X,’ and its off-road impressed vibe isn’t just for present.

Ben lives within the UK now, however he was born in Zimbabwe, within the south of Africa the place dust roads abound and off-roading is a giant deal. His aim on this undertaking was to construct a light-weight desert racer, with an emphasis on practicality and enjoyable. “And to return to my African off-road heritage,” he provides.

“It’s a hybrid of outdated and new know-how, whereas making an attempt to retain the airhead character and BMW’s off-road legacy. The ‘X’ is a nod to the BMW G450X enduro bike, which was stuffed filled with revolutionary engineering—very like I really feel the R100X is.”

There’s little or no left of the unique BMW R80R donor bike. Ben saved the engine block, transmission casing and among the body—however the remainder is a mixture of transplanted, upgraded or bolt-on components.

The work executed to the engine alone might fill volumes. It began out easy sufficient, with a 1,000 cc package from Siebenrock, working a 9.5:1 compression ratio. Ben additionally added a Silent Hektik programmable ignition and alternator system, and the starter motor from a Toyota Denso… after which issues escalated.

Ben designed his personal billet aluminum timing and entrance covers for the boxer motor, which had been CNC-machined by an excellent buddy, Fredrik Larsson at Aximech in Sweden (it helps to have good contacts). That shaved 3.5 kilos [7.7 lbs] off the engine’s weight, and added further clearance for the entrance wheel. The engine block was minimize down too, to avoid wasting much more weight.

Classic BMW followers will discover that the engine’s been pitched nose-up, in a bid to enhance floor clearance and entrance wheel journey. The oil sump and bash plate are additionally one-off components, once more designed to supply extra floor clearance, but in addition to take a seat completely consistent with the body and exhaust. The transmission is all-new inside too, with revised gear ratios.

Larger up, an outsized Okay&N filter sits on a {custom} mounting plate, with quick-change tie down straps for breezy providers. Hanging off the left facet of the bike is a beefy titanium muffler from SC-Venture, hooked as much as mandrel-bent stainless-steel headers.

To say that the drivetrain seems manufacturing unit recent can be an understatement. It has a purpose-built look to it, helped alongside by a beneficiant serving to of Cerakote finishes.

Shifting to the body, Ben set about eradicating something that wasn’t match for function. On went a brand new subframe, constructed round laser-cut braces to extend stiffness and save weight. What isn’t as apparent, are the opposite locations the place the body has been bolstered, and the place further brackets have been welded on to carry the myriad add-ons this bike sports activities.

Out again sits the single-sided swingarm and ultimate drive from a BMW R100RT. It’s been prolonged by 100 mm and linked to a custom-made Penske shock, for a whopping 225 mm of rear wheel journey. A set of WP Suspension forks, taken from a KTM 690 Enduro R and Cerakoted to match the construct, provide 250 mm of journey up entrance.

The R100X rolls on a 21F/18R wheel set, good for off-road shenanigans. They use Excel hubs, with a custom-made hub (designed by Ben and machined by Aximech) on the rear, that permits Ben to run fewer and bigger spokes than inventory.

The entrance brake makes use of a Brembo caliper and a 320 mm disc. The rear nonetheless makes use of a drum brake, but it surely’s been transformed to hydraulic by the use of an AP Racing grasp cylinder and a Willwood slave, and setup in order that there’s no change in brake actuation with the elevated suspension journey. All the brake traces are {custom}, utilizing Atec motorsport fittings.

The bodywork is remarkably run-of-the-mill by comparability—but it surely works superbly. Plastic fenders from Acerbis do responsibility entrance and rear, whereas a BMW R65 gas tank, chosen for its smaller capability and slim, angular traces, sits middle stage. Professional-Kustom shot the minimalist paint job, offset in opposition to satin black powder-coating on the body.

To get the seat inch-perfect, Ben first designed it utilizing CAD software program, then had a laser-profiled mould made. Tom Hurley Customized Seats was accountable for the ultimate product. It makes use of an alloy seat base, with an artificial materials on high to present it a contemporary dust bike appear and feel.

The cockpit contains a burly set of Renthal handlebars, fitted with Acerbis hand guards, a Domino racing throttle, and Rebelmoto switches. The switches are notably intelligent—they embody color-coded LED backlights that act because the bike’s warning lights, so there’s no have to have separate warning lights wired in.

A pair of Baja Designs headlights sit up entrance. There’s a full complement of Motogadget goodies too—from the management unit that runs the motorsport-spec wiring loom, to the sprint, keyless ignition and switch indicators.

After which there are all of the ‘small’ issues—like the principle digital module’s custom-made aluminum provider, the billet aluminum and fully-adjustable gear lever, and the ‘cookie cutter’ model gas cap. An Antigravity battery hides beneath the seat, all of the bike’s breather traces are plumbed into the central air filter for optimum safety… the record goes on.

And if you happen to’re questioning if all that weight saving labored, it did. Ben’s BMW R100X clocks in at 160 kilos [353 lbs]—a whopping 40 g [88 lbs] saving over the inventory bike.

It’s uncommon to see a {custom} bike the place the engineering is allowed to shine at this stage, and the place the bike’s efficiency is certain to match how wild it seems. Nevertheless it’s what we’ve realized to count on from Ben—and it’s what he expects from himself, too.