How to build a BMW K100 Cafe Racer

We are going to build a BMW K100 Cafe Racer step by step, it is also valid for a BMW K75, since aesthetically they are very similar. Here we go.

The BMW K100 and the BMW K75 are, in their own right, two of the bikes most transformed into Cafe Racer. They are probably the easiest classic BMWs to come by, and also the most affordable. They’re not too old, so you don’t have to worry about major mechanical problems, and their engines are literally indestructible.

These reasons, in addition to the immense potential they have, make both models two clear candidates for making a Cafe Racer.

We are going to make a BMW K100 Cafe Racer step by step , piece by piece, giving you ideas to transform it.

What can we change in a BMW K100 Cafe Racer?

Front light

Changing or not changing the headlight of a BMW K100 or a BMW K75 depends on the model you have. If your model is a square headlight, I’m afraid you have to change it yes or yes. If you are lucky that your model is the naked round headlight, you can save yourself the change.

The original headlight is large, and personally I think that replacing it with one that is too small does not suit a motorcycle like the K100, with an engine that gives it that powerful motorcycle image.

I recommend this round 8 inch (20 cm diameter) headlight , big enough for a motorcycle like the K100.

Handlebar

The K100, and even more so the K75, have fairly raised handlebars. They are touring motorcycles that prioritize comfort when driving.

We are going to give it a more aggressive touch, without sacrificing comfort. That is why we have selected a tracker type handlebar , which is not flat but is much lower than the original. We love the middle strap.

By the way, for the cuffs, we have chosen these lozenge browns .

Rear-view mirror

We have opted for two under-fist mirrors , they are much more discreet and the result is spectacular.

Speedometer

Needless to say, the dashboard of a BMW K100 is horrible. Yes, it’s very eighties, I’m not going to deny it, but it’s time to change it.

We have chosen a totally classic round one , which goes perfectly with the handlebar that we want to mount.

Fuel tank

The fuel tank of the BMW K100 and the BMW K75 is not as classic and aesthetic as that of the boxer models. By having the shape lowered to place the knees, there is a cut in its line that is not too showy in a transformation. However, most choose to keep it, I leave you a magnificent example.

If you dare with a change, I recommend something more classic and rounded, a Honda type seat . It is not too expensive, and it totally changes the line of the bike.

Seat and subframe

We are going to change the seat yes or yes. That ugly two-tier two-seat seat isn’t compatible with a Cafe Racer transformation.

The chassis of the BMW K100 is the same as that of the BMW K75 and we are going to cut it where I indicate in the drawing. From there we will weld a flat subframe in which to install the seat of our choice.

If it is more comfortable, you can cut at any other point as long as it is further to the rear of the red arrows, and weld a steel U. You must always respect the anchor of the rear shock absorber.

We have chosen a brown seat with a fiber tail , which we think suits you perfectly.

Fairing

If you are lucky enough to have the naked model of the K100, you will not have to remove the fairing, beyond the side covers. The model with the fairing, very 80s, is amazing, but it has nothing to do with a Cafe Racer. It’s time to remove it.

Wheels

Changing the tires of a Cafe Racer is always one of the aspects that generates the most doubts.

If you have a BMW K100 or a BMW K75 and you want to change the tires, I leave you several options compatible with their original measurements, an option in classic tires and another in Off-road tires.

Mudguard

Whether you have the BMW K100 or the BMW K75 I am afraid you have to change the fender. There is no way to pick up those plastic monsters.

For the front fender I recommend a small plastic one . This one comes in black, but you can paint it the same color as the tank.

For the rear fender you have two options, or not to put any (the seat and the license plate are allowed to act as rear fenders), or place one on the wheel , which is worth to place the license plate.

Turn signals

The BMW K100 and the BMW K75 have the same turn signals, four large orange square devices. We can’t blame BMW, they were all the rage in the 80s, but not anymore.

We cannot do without the turn signals, we have to install all 4, but we are going to choose the smallest ones allowed by the regulations.

My favorites are these small round chrome turn signals , but they are not cheap, so I leave you another much cheaper option , which are the ones we use in our 125cc Cafe Racer, Torrefacta .

And if you want to reduce it to a minimum, I recommend these indicators , which you will hardly notice.

Rear light

If we have decided to reduce all the optics to the maximum, we cannot keep the large rectangular rear light that this motorcycle rides as standard. I usually recommend a small circular one that already includes a license plate holder .

Exhaust

We love this exhaust chosen by Retrorides for their BMW K100 Cafe Racer.

This is it, they are our suggestions to transform a BMW K100 Cafe Racer, or a BMW K75 Cafe Racer. They are just ideas to support you with your project. The best options are always the ones you like the most.