There’s something about the BMW K100 that draws builders in. Maybe it’s the unique “Flying Brick” engine, maybe it’s the raw 80s engineering, or maybe it’s the fact that beneath the squared-off bodywork lies the perfect foundation for a modern café racer.
When we first rolled a 1986 BMW K100 into the workshop, we saw more than just an old German tourer. We saw potential. And step by step, with the right upgrades, it started to transform into the bike we’d been dreaming of.
Shedding the Weight
Stripping down a BMW K-series for a custom build starts with removing the bulky factory parts to reveal the striking frame. We pulled off the fairings, side panels, fenders, fuel tank, exhaust, and seat - instantly shedding weight and clutter. Next came the airbox and battery, creating space for upgraded intake and electrics. With the frame exposed and wiring harness removed, the K100 was left as a solid foundation, ready for café racer parts and modern upgrades.
Lighting the Way
The bulky stock headlight was in the bin, replaced with a BMW K100/K75 Café Racer Fairing & Headlight Kit. Within minutes, the slimline fairing and bright LED headlight were bolted on — suddenly, the bike looked sharper, cleaner, and far more aggressive.
Breathing New Life
Next, we turned our attention to the intake. Swapping out the original airbox for the Stainless Steel Air Intake & Pod Filter Kit not only uncluttered the frame but also gave the bike a throatier, more responsive feel. The extended arm housing the black filter peeks out just enough to hint at the power beneath.
Setting the Stance
Stock foot controls never quite matched the vision. Installing the Aluminium Rear Sets Complete Kit was a game-changer. Black billet aluminum pegs, adjustable levers, and a cleaner profile shifted the riding position into true café racer territory. Suddenly, it felt like we were part of the machine instead of just perched on it.
A Modern Touch
Classic outside, modern inside — that was the goal. A Motogadget mo.Unit Blue gave it a breath of modern life, whilst LED lighting all round, upgraded switches and stainless steel brake lines ensured it lived on as a modern racer. With the Triple Tree & Motogadget Motoscope Pro Conversion Kit, we added a CNC-machined triple clamp and a fully digital, sunlight-readable dash. Watching the bike come to life through that sleek display felt like the future had landed on our 1980s machine.
The Tail End Story
No café racer is complete without a proper cowl. The Café Racer Cowl & Seat Kit instantly changed the silhouette into modern cafe racer. A custom frame was fabricated to house the Twisted Brothers fiberglass rear cowl which was wrapped in a handcrafted leather seat by Nelson at Bike Seat Repairs on Sydney's Northern Beaches. The custom frame included a number plate bracket with integrated 3-in-1 signals, ensuring it was as functional as it was stylish.
The Soundtrack
Every build deserves its own soundtrack. The stock exhaust was replaced with the 4-into-1 90° Stainless Steel Kamikaze System. TIG-welded, tucked neatly under the engine, and with a removable baffle, it delivered a deep, raw note that made every twist of the throttle addictive.
The Ride
By the time the last bolt was tightened, the Flying Brick wasn’t just a relic of the past anymore — it was a lean, purposeful café racer that blended German engineering with modern craftsmanship. Every ride is a reminder of how far it’s come, and every stoplight is a chance to admire just how right it all looks.
And the best part?
Every piece of this transformation came from Cafe Racer Club’s BMW K100 collection.
