Situated in Sydney, Australia, Zen Bikes is as eclectic because the burgeoning bike scene it serves. The store sells model new electrical bikes alongside pre-owned gasoline guzzlers, and gives companies on every little thing from classic Harleys to fashionable sportbikes. One way or the other, they nonetheless discover time to construct charming customized bikes—like this 1979 BMW R65 bobber.
Fittingly, discovering time was essentially the most difficult facet of this specific undertaking. That’s as a result of it was the pet undertaking of Zen co-founder Chris Pirola, and infrequently needed to sit on the again burner whereas consumer initiatives took priority.
“I’ve at all times been a fan of the boxer engine and a few of the superb builds individuals create all all over the world and was impressed to try to create one for myself,” says Chris. “A 1979 R65 lastly popped up on Fb market, which I believed could be an ideal start line for a construct, because it had already been stripped aside.”
“After lots of contemplation, I made a decision that I needed to construct one thing completely different from the same old café racers, which appear to be in every single place. I made a decision on the bobber model, nevertheless it ought to look as easy and minimalist as attainable.”
With the bike on the bench at Zen Bikes’ workshop, Chris tasked then-apprentice technician Joel with taking the lead on the undertaking. Joel is, in Chris’ phrases, “a passionate Harley man”—so it’s solely pure that a few of these sensibilities would trickle by means of to the BMW.
Joel’s first job was to strip the bike right down to its naked body, de-tab it, and ditch the inventory subframe. Subsequent, he had to determine a mounting system for an off-the-shelf bobber seat from Biltwell Inc. “Joel cleverly got here up with the thought of utilizing a fork tube and spring from a Royal Enfield that we had mendacity across the store, to create a slightly uncommon springer seat which is definitely very useful,” explains Chris.
The seat is flanked by customized shock mounts that mimic the curve of Joel’s seat bracket. A hand-crafted bracket beneath the saddle hosts the license plate, plus a pair of Kellermann LEDs that act as taillights and switch indicators. A low-mounted fender finishes off the tail finish of the R65.
Though the inventory BMW R65 gas tank is iconic, it wasn’t fairly proper for this construct. So Chris and Joel began taking part in round with numerous classic tanks till they settled on a Kawasaki KZ unit. “It’s pretty small and slim, which supplies it the minimalist look I used to be after,” says Chris.
As soon as the R65 bobber began taking form, Chris turned his consideration to the exhaust system. “As soon as we inverted the header pipes I knew we had the look that I needed, as you don’t see many airheads with the pipes operating within the reverse approach than meant.”
“The primary attempt was not very profitable, as the within of the rider’s legs would get fairly sizzling even after putting in warmth shields. So we enlisted the assistance of Edi Buffon from the famed Machine1867. He modified the pipes to angle in and beneath the seat, and the end result, in my eyes, was good.”
Chris opted to retain the BMW’s authentic snowflake rims, wrapping them in basic Firestone Deluxe Champion treads. Different mods embody an ATE entrance brake caliper, a brand new battery field that sits behind the sump, and mesh-covered velocity stacks. The airbox has been changed by a canopy that additionally homes the ignition, and the gas traces have been wrapped to maintain warmth from the exhausts at bay.
Up prime, you’ll discover a 7.7” headlight, mounted on CNC-machined brackets that additionally accommodate a pair of Kellermann flip indicators. The handlebars put on Objective Constructed Moto switches and mirrors, with an Acewell speedo ending off the cockpit.
Ending touches embody recent powder-coating on the body and arduous components, peanut-style valve covers on the boxer motor, and customized Zen badges that substitute the OEM entrance fork reflectors. A instrument roll from Zen’s Filthy Leather-based vary sits behind the headlight, simply in case.
The Kawasaki tank sports activities the one splash of coloration on this BMW R65 bobber; a refreshing inexperienced paint job, laid down by Aaron Turner.
“I name the bike Linda,” says Chris. “It interprets from Spanish as ‘lovely, pretty, and cute,’ which I believe sums up the bike.”
“Like all customized bike builds, I’m nonetheless taking part in round with some extra concepts and adjustments. However I’ve just lately bought a Fifties plunger body BMW—so I’m considering promoting Linda to start work on my subsequent one.”
Zen Motorcycles | Facebook | Instagram | Photos by, and with due to, Andrew Jones
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