You’re certain to face opposition calling one thing the primary of its form, however the consensus is that the BMW R80G/S invented the large-displacement dual-sport scene—a phase that thrives immediately. The R80 and its successor the R100GS mixed the very best of BMW’s road-going options with elevated suspension journey and the brand new ‘monolever’ swingarm in a type that excelled on any terrain, setting the stage for a whole lot of hundreds of dual-sport BMWs since. For all their timeless rugged attraction, you wouldn’t name both bike trendy in a conventional sense, prompting a novel problem for the craftsman at Stile Italiano.
Nestled within the province of Pordenone, Stile Italiano began in 1996 as a enterprise between bike nuts with a typical ardour for classic bikes, racing and craftsmanship. All manners of classics and customs have rolled by their doorways, and this 1991 BMW R100GS is amongst their most bold creations. Melding distinctive streamlined fashion with the off-road prowess that defines the G/S, ‘Crossover’ is a dual-sport BMW like no different.
As with each good airhead, the enduring 1,000 cc boxer engine stays the centerpiece of this construct. The unique camshaft, transmission, clutch, and drive system have been retained, making certain the bike retained its genuine character. Nonetheless, the gas system has been up to date with Mikuni 40 mm carburetors with compact velocity stacks, bettering throttle response and general engine efficiency. Stile Italiano then crafted a whole exhaust system for the bike with the headers exiting right into a fabricated muffler from VireX.
Stile Italiano’s consideration to element extends to each nook of the bike, however the elephant within the room is definitely the handmade monocoque physique. Crafted particularly for this construct, the alloy bodywork mimics the chunkiness of the BMW’s unique gas tank, however works in a set fairing and styled solo saddle. The form flows seamlessly from finish to finish, interrupted solely by practical particulars just like the frenched-in motogagdget chronoclassic gauge, billet gas cap and built-in rear LED lighting.
With its aesthetic reworked, Stile Italiano invested closely within the R100’s suspension to retain its rugged character. The inventory telescoping fork was ditched and changed with an inverted Öhlins FG424 43 mm fork and billet triple clamps from the Triumph Bonneville Scrambler. Out again, the unique monolever swingarm was used however introduced into the fashionable period with the addition of an Öhlins BM836 shock absorber. Match with a 21/17-inch wheel combo, the BMW is harking back to the early R80 off-roaders, however with fashionable Pirelli Scorpion rubber and spoke lacing.
Whereas its dramatic bodywork is a major diversion from inventory, Stile Italiano labored in practical particulars all through the bike that reminds us it’s meant to be ridden. A pair of slim bobbed fenders have been mounted to maintain particles at bay and a full Brembo radial brake bundle was used up entrance. Digital ignition, LED lighting, motogadget switchgear and a brand new Tommaselli throttle substitute the BMW’s outdated parts and polished foot controls are adjustable for rider desire. If the going will get tough, a coated Hella off-road mild is there to information your path and a slim skidplate protects the airhead’s underside.
As with all good customized outfit, Stile Italiano is on to the following construct, and it’s time for the Crossover BMW R100GS to seek out its endlessly residence. With solely 200 kilometers since its rebuild, this bike is actually model new, providing a uncommon alternative to personal a traditional BMW restomod—out there now by the Bike EXIF Classifieds.
In case you’re on the lookout for a bike that mixes the very best of each worlds—heritage and fashionable efficiency—then look no additional than the Stile Italiano R100GS. It’s not only a bike; it’s an expertise.
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