BMW R90/6 Cafe

[ncologerojr]

I thought I’d share my latest build in progress with the DTT community. It’s a 1974 R90/6. It started off as a nice complete bike, but on closer inspection nearly every part was in poor/rusty condition so not a good candidate for restoration. The owner saw some of my other builds at local bike-gatherings, and approached me to do the work turning his BMW into a cafe racer. After chatting a bit, he basically turned the reigns over to me, and I got to work.

 

[ncologerojr]

After some tear-down I started on the rear, converting the suspension to mono-shock. I chose a Sachs shock from a Ducati because it is designed to be used in a straight non-cantilever position, the length will fit without casting the bike too far forward, and the finished weight of the BMW should be close to the weight of the Ducati.

The goal here is to increase aesthetics while achieving the same suspension quality as a good set of dual shocks on the stock configuration.

 

[ncologerojr]

Next the subframe.

 

[ncologerojr]

These old r90/6’s lacked severely in the front suspension and braking department, so gsxr 600 forks and brakes will be fitted. The bike’s original geometry and fork length built in a lot of trail for long distance cruising. The trail lost by the shorter forks should not be an issue for the sport-type ride we’re going for.

 

[Maritime]

Looks rad so far.

 

[JustinLonghorn]

I'm in.

 

[ncologerojr]

Looks rad so far.

Thanks!

 

[ncologerojr]

I'm in.

 

[ncologerojr]

Next I started on the aluminum gas tank design. I’ve always wanted to design a tank loosely based off the Ducati Imola tanks, both because I love the look and it’s a real challenge metal shaping wise. Shaping the tank by hand will be the most time consuming part of the build.

I started off by making a foam buck to get a feel for the dimensions.

 

[ncologerojr]

After the buck was where I wanted it, I made my patterns and started bashing aluminum. To make things even more difficult on myself I decided to make the sides from one piece.

 

[ncologerojr]

More tank work. Once the halves were welded together a flange was turned by hand around the bottom edge to add strength to the entire shell.

 

[ncologerojr]

Tank continued...

Next I got the fuel bung in and the majority of the underside/tunnel fitted. I wanted to get the seat pan, tank mounts, and a few other parts positioned and clearances set before welding in the tunnel. So it was dry fitted and set aside.

 

[adventurco]

Man, that tank looks great on there. Always enjoy watching your metal forming skills.

 

[Maritime]

Holy shit balls, that looks great.

 

[trek97]

Dude, this is crazy neat work your doing.

 

[ncologerojr]

The tank she’ll with a quick polish to get a good look at the contours/transitions. Because the tanks will be painted this is as far as I’ll go with the metal finishing process. Just a coat of primer will fill any remaining hammer marks.

 

[ncologerojr]

Man, that tank looks great on there. Always enjoy watching your metal forming skills.

Thanks so much man! I basically build bikes just to make the tanks and fenders haha

 

[ncologerojr]

Holy shit balls, that looks great.

Thanks!

 

[ncologerojr]

Dude, this is crazy neat work your doing.

Thanks man! Sometimes I think I enjoy building bikes more than riding them.

 

[trek97]

Thanks man! Sometimes I think I enjoy building bikes more than riding them.

Bro I am right there w you. Sure I enjoy going for a ride. However, I leap out of bed in the mornings if there’s work to be done.
I am in awe of the work you and some others are doing. Sometimes I’m surprised you all allow me to be here at all.