Le Bombardier Bleu
There’s nothing quite like the combination of a BMW and Boxer motor. Like a Gin and Tonic, or a Harley and Tow Truck, it’s hard to imagine one without the other. The obscure engine – with its heads protruding horizontally from the donks bottom end like aircraft wings – is a staple of the brands motorcycle fleet since its inception in 1923.
Fast forward almost 100 years to 2020, and the infamous boxer motor has found itself sitting in the Deus Workshop eagerly awaiting the custom treatment.
The R1200R probably isn’t the first bike you think of when it comes to custom BMW’s, often living in the shadow of the far more popular R nineT and older R series airheads, but don’t let that deter you from the rich culture entailed within the machinery.
For this build the bikes owner, Rob, had usable performance at the front of his mind. Enter Jeremy Tagand, the motorcycle medic, and his prescription of 125hp and just as much torque to be conjured from the 1200cc liquid cooled boxer. We knew this was the right bike for the build, Bombardier Bleu just had to lose some weight before take off.
After completely stripping down the bike a much shorter custom subframe was built to hold the bikes many computers, relays and sensors. Mario at Ricci engineering CNC then cut the headlight bracket, top clamp and new dash mount. A Purpose Built Moto flash point headlight was then fitted along with a set of lower Rizoma handlebars, bar end mirrors and headlight cowl. While Motogadget M.Blaze bar end indicators and Kellermann Atto Df rear indicators complete the lighting.
A titanium Sc Project GP slip-on was mated to the original headers by Nicholas at Hitech Mufflers. The wheels, rear-sets and triple clamps were powder coated black for a more stealthy look and the tank covers, headlight cowl, front fender and fork lowers were sent off to be painted by Marc at Sydney Custom Spray Paint.
Finally Jeremy crafted the new seat base before Dave at Bad Arse Trim Co did what they do best, finishing the seat in vinyl and alcantara with a subtle blue stitch.
With the preflight checklist complete Le Bombardier Bleu is ready for take off.
Enjoy the torque, Rob
