THE LONG ROAD TO PERFECTION: BERHAM’S BMW R100

Shari Ives Instruction

Roadster meets cafe with the VENR, a 1978 airhead built by Felix Pilz and Martien Delfgaauw. The slender bodywork sits above a heft stock motor, and the contrast is perfect. First they ditched the original R100/7 bodywork, and then changed the fuel tank to a Honda CB50 tank that is molded to fit the frame. The new framework, which was designed to give the tail, a floating effect was hand-made by Marvin Diehl from KRT Framework.

 

The cockpit is quite interesting with LED turn signals, modified K100 headlights, and a matching Magura controls with a stainless steel brake line. The bike is very clean and has a set of Motogadget switches with internal wiring. Completely rewired, the bike now runs off a Lithium-ion battery, which is tucked behind the gearbox. The brakes were converted into a floating disc setup.

 

If you are not paying good enough attention, you are likely to miss some beautiful changes to the bike; such as how the brake and clutch levers have been re-shaped to match each other perfectly. Or maybe you will miss the air box that has been adorned with neat ventilation fins and all the electrical bits are concealed in a small aluminum box, hidden under the seat. All this wonderful work also meets Germany’s strict TUV approval standard as well.

 

The VENR was originally planned to reveal at Wheels and waves, however a paint shop stalled the project. The launch was pushed back to the BMW Motorrad Days, the paint was finished the night before and the bike was re-assembled that night. On the way from Berlin to Garmisch-Patenkirchen, Berham’s van broke down and had to get a rental to finish his trip.

 

Leaving out for the launch in a hurry the pinstripe was never added to the bike, however, when they arrived at the event it was to their pleasure to find out the BMW factory pinstripers were on site and offering their services. The bike received its final touches right there on site.

 

 

http://www.bikeexif.com/berham-customs-bmw-r100