This Breathtaking BMW Motorcycle Borrows from the Brand’s Most Striking Concept Cars

BMW’s boxer motorcycles receive no shortage of praise for their classic looks and dependable performance, but the same can’t be said for the brand’s K-series bikes. Though they’re starting to grow in popularity, they remain underappreciated.

After all, the K100 was a hugely important motorcycle for BMW, as it allowed the Germans to contest the Japanese in an era when other manufacturers (i.e., the British) were folding under the pressure of the Big Four.

The brand stood up by standing out. Rather than emulating the UJM, BMW employed a distinctive longitudinally-mounted engine that offered low vibration and easy servicing, while automotive-derived fuel injection and liquid-cooling made for improved reliability.

Auto Fabrica

In any case, when the boxer was on the brink of obsolescence, the “Flying Brick” helped BMW stay at the top. However, it’s because of the bike’s connections to the four-wheeled world that the latest build from Auto Fabrica — dubbed Type 25 — is so poetic.

An automotive homage

That’s because, beyond a car-inspired powertrain (interestingly enough, BMW built the prototype for the K using a Peugeot 104 engine), the 1984 K100RS you see before you sports custom bodywork inspired by some of the brand’s concept cars.

BMW

And some truly sensational ones at that.

In addition to the shape-shifting GINA of the early 2000s, Auto Fabrica also says that it looked to the open-topped 328 Hommage and the ever-adored M1 Hommage.

There’s even some nods to the recent Skytop thrown in for good measure to keep the design fresh and carry the theme through to today’s concepts.

BMW

Now, like many of the builder’s other bikes, Type 25 boasts an eye-catching monocoque design. In the case of the K100RS, however, this meant a significant overhaul.

Beyond ditching the plastics, Auto Fabrica had to fashion a new fuel cell, an external fuel pump and filter, as well as a bespoke rear subframe and cantilever shock setup.

Auto Fabrica

It’s no small feat to customize a bike that’s as complicated (and covered in bodywork) as the K100. It’s why the platform is typically left alone.

Not just a design exercise

This Beemer’s transformation isn’t limited to visual touches, either. To ensure that the 1980s donor’s performance befit its striking new looks, Auto Fabrica gave the bike a thorough component overhaul.

Auto Fabrica

Accordingly, it rides on a set of forks pulled from a Ducati 999, while a Hagon shock takes up suspension duties rear. With stopping power now coming from beefy Brembo discs and calipers, it all makes for a significant upgrade.

Auto Fabrica even improved the user interface with updates to the cockpit and switchgear.

In place of the stock gauge cluster and levers, there are a variety of Motogadget pieces, and a set of clip-ons and rearsets help to create a more aggressive riding position.

Auto Fabrica

Rounded out by a custom hand-bent four-into-two exhaust and some head-turning Sakhir Orange paint inspired by the M1 Hommage, the result is a bike that riffs on its automotive DNA while reinforcing what Auto Fabrica does best.

Object of desire

Though Auto Fabrica created Type 25 as part of a commission for a client (meaning it’s not for sale), you can head to the brand’s website to learn more about its build history and custom opportunities.

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