Photo: pipeburn.com
Old bikes will never lose their classic attire... just because they simply can't lose it.
Some guys might disregard older bikes and even think they are so outdated that they simply don't deserve anything but pity. Yet, in the mind of a true bike lover, it's exactly the old machines which can become head-turning beasts for everybody.
Meet Tony Botrall, of Oz. Australia, that is. A guy lucky enough to one day hear a friend ask him: "Hey, would you like to have my old BMW bike? It's in pretty bad shape, but if you want it, it's yours."
With that bike laying around its former owner property for more than 8 years, rain and shine and all, the 1984 BMW R65 was corroded beyond almost any hope. “Almost” because Tony saw the potential of the bike and after removing the nests of wasps which found shelter in the bike, he tore everything down, and begun the laborious restoration work.
Sulphuric acid took away corrosion and repeated polish treatments begun to bring the metal to its former shine. Both engine and frame have received a black paint and an R100 tank was modified and fitted on the bike, already baptized The Wasp.
The fork had to be refurbished also as the second hand ones proved to be even more faulty, and a new custom seat was manufactured. Despite the bike being now a true cafe racer, people who have sat on the bike claim the seat is really comfortable. The Wasp is the living (and working) proof that where there is passion, new life can spring out of any bike.
Some guys might disregard older bikes and even think they are so outdated that they simply don't deserve anything but pity. Yet, in the mind of a true bike lover, it's exactly the old machines which can become head-turning beasts for everybody.
Meet Tony Botrall, of Oz. Australia, that is. A guy lucky enough to one day hear a friend ask him: "Hey, would you like to have my old BMW bike? It's in pretty bad shape, but if you want it, it's yours."
With that bike laying around its former owner property for more than 8 years, rain and shine and all, the 1984 BMW R65 was corroded beyond almost any hope. “Almost” because Tony saw the potential of the bike and after removing the nests of wasps which found shelter in the bike, he tore everything down, and begun the laborious restoration work.
Sulphuric acid took away corrosion and repeated polish treatments begun to bring the metal to its former shine. Both engine and frame have received a black paint and an R100 tank was modified and fitted on the bike, already baptized The Wasp.
The fork had to be refurbished also as the second hand ones proved to be even more faulty, and a new custom seat was manufactured. Despite the bike being now a true cafe racer, people who have sat on the bike claim the seat is really comfortable. The Wasp is the living (and working) proof that where there is passion, new life can spring out of any bike.
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