Vintage BMW Reimagined with Excellence
Ah, let's step away from the well-trodden streets and venture into the world of passion-fueled, metal-morphing mastery. A realm where Ales Tomis and Vladimir Dinga, the heart and soul behind EARTH Motorcycles, bring dreams to roaring life. These folks from Slovakia might be relatively new to the scene, but they've been crafting mechanical symphonies that rival some of the finest masterpieces from the world's best custom bike artisans.
Their fifth brainchild is no different. With a nod to tradition and an eye on innovation, they've breathed new life into a 1989 BMW R80RT, now known as the “Dzivaak”. A metamorphosis of an erstwhile elegant beast into a bobbed cafe racer, it's a showcase of minimalist design and meticulous execution.
Stripping it down to its bare bones, they've risen like Phoenix, with a custom subframe, seat-pan, and saddle, a petit headlight shroud wearing a charming yellow windscreen. The frame, now void of any excess tabs and cloaked in powder coating, sits proudly with a shortened front end and a stoic black YSS mono-shock.
The heart, the engine, wasn't spared in this rebirth. Infused with new piston rings, valve guides, cam chain kit, gaskets, grommets, seals, and a buffet of other essentials, it got a complete makeover. The sandblasted and black Cerakoted engine, gearbox, and transmission box are a sight to behold.
The cockpit is an amalgamation of bespoke elegance and cutting-edge design. The Motone clip-on handlebars with bar-end LED indicators, custom-machined top triple, custom switchgear, and a Motogadget Tiny speedo add an aura of sophistication. The bespoke stainless steel top yoke nuts and center nut truly elevate the aesthetic.
Modernized and spruced up with Venhill hoses, stainless steel banjo bolts, bleeders, new Discacciati levers, and painted calipers, the braking system offers both form and function. The addition of an Aliant LiFePo4 14Ah battery and a Motogadget M-unit Blue with alarm and keyless ignition seamlessly blends the old with the new.
But the pièce de résistance has to be the ceramic-coated blacked-out underslung dual one-into-one exhaust setup. This paired with Highsider LED lighting, new aftermarket aluminum rear sets, and a new front fender, completes the reinvention of this once standard bike into a lightweight, custom marvel.
However, it's a bittersweet symphony, this masterpiece of a bike is already spoken for. But don't despair, EARTH Motorcycles is accepting custom build orders. Though a word of caution, given the artistry at display, I predict they'll soon have a waitlist stretching into the distant horizon.
The EARTH Motorcycles' BMW R80 RT 1989 “Dzivaak” custom build certainly has a number of standout features, each contributing to the unique blend of vintage and modern design elements that the bike offers. As with any custom-built product, it comes with its own set of pros and cons.
Pros:
- Craftsmanship and Design: The level of craftsmanship is exceptional. Each component has been painstakingly restored or replaced, and the minimalist design emphasizes the bike's lines and mechanical aspects.
- Engine Overhaul: The complete refresh of the engine adds reliability and performance improvements, which are always welcome in older models.
- Weight Reduction: The bike is 100lbs lighter than the stock donor. This could significantly improve handling and fuel efficiency.
- Modern Tech: The addition of modern technology like a Motogadget M-unit Blue with alarm and keyless ignition enhances the overall user experience and brings an old-school bike up to date.
- Unique Aesthetics: The combination of the black Cerakote, yellow windscreen, and custom detailing make for a bike that's as much a work of art as a mode of transportation.
Cons:
- Availability: As a custom build, there are likely to be very limited numbers available. If you've fallen in love with this bike, you may be out of luck unless you're already on the waiting list.
- Price: Custom builds, particularly those of this caliber, tend to be significantly more expensive than stock models due to the labor and high-quality parts involved.
- Maintenance: With so many custom components, maintenance and repairs could be more complicated and costly compared to a standard model.
- Practicality: As beautiful as it is, a bobbed cafe racer may not be the most practical choice for all riders. The stripped-down design could make it less comfortable for long rides, and the lack of storage might not suit those who need to carry gear.
- Resale Value: While this isn't a concern for everyone, custom bikes may have a narrower potential buyer pool than stock models. This could make it harder to sell down the line if needed.
Remember, the appeal of a custom-built bike like the Dzivaak lies in its individuality. What might be a con for one person could be a pro for another. It all depends on what you want from your motorcycle.
