Photo: Kraftrad Noeda
We’ve seen plenty of custom bikes inspired by military aircraft over the years, and the association makes perfect sense if you think about it. Riding a motorcycle is often compared to flying, evoking feelings of freedom and sheer joy for the thrill-seeking folks among us. What’s more, applying stylistic cues from vintage airplanes to bespoke motorcycles is a match made in heaven.
The striking one-off shown above is living proof to support this claim, hailing from a lesser-known garage by the name of Kraftrad Noeda. Shop boss Martin Tzscheuschner has been tinkering with motorcycles for well over two decades, and he is joined by a dedicated team of bike-modding artisans over at Kraftrad. Repairs and regular maintenance are their bread and butter, but what we’re here for are their fully-fledged customs.
Even though this particular build isn’t among their latest endeavors, it most certainly warrants a closer look. The project started with a BMW K 100 RS, which was promptly stripped of all its factory bodywork aside from the fuel tank. Once the teardown was complete, Martin and his crew busied themselves with fabricating a replacement subframe, one that would set the old Beemer up for its new life as a cafe racer.
Next, they shaped a bespoke seat pan and a boxy tail section, with the latter housing most of this creature’s refurbished electronics. A circular LED taillight is embedded into its rearmost portion, too, and there is a striking solo saddle placed further ahead. Up front, we’re greeted by a very interesting fairing topped with a small yellow-tinted windshield.
An offset LED projector keeps the way ahead sufficiently lit, accompanied by a pair of aftermarket turn signals on the fairing’s flanks. The Germans installed a tiny front fender, as well, with the help of an intricate handmade bracket they’ve built from scratch. Of course, the custom sorcery continues in the cockpit area, further enforcing the aircraft theme chosen by the Kraftrad squad.
The coolest feature in that area is a custom-built dashboard, which mimics what you’d expect to see in a fighter jet’s cockpit. It houses an array of analog gauges, switches, and warning lights, but the speedometer comes in the form of a digital Motogadget unit placed further back. The handlebar bends downward ever so slightly, giving the impression of clip-ons when viewed from afar.
Moreover, the unique four-into-one exhaust system is also worth looking at, seamlessly making a U-turn at the back and terminating near the engine's front section. Then there is the bike’s stunning livery, employing a silver base with yellow highlights on the bodywork. A layer of khaki green was applied to the wheels and frame, but the color is also echoed on the seat upholstery.
Even though this particular build isn’t among their latest endeavors, it most certainly warrants a closer look. The project started with a BMW K 100 RS, which was promptly stripped of all its factory bodywork aside from the fuel tank. Once the teardown was complete, Martin and his crew busied themselves with fabricating a replacement subframe, one that would set the old Beemer up for its new life as a cafe racer.
Next, they shaped a bespoke seat pan and a boxy tail section, with the latter housing most of this creature’s refurbished electronics. A circular LED taillight is embedded into its rearmost portion, too, and there is a striking solo saddle placed further ahead. Up front, we’re greeted by a very interesting fairing topped with a small yellow-tinted windshield.
An offset LED projector keeps the way ahead sufficiently lit, accompanied by a pair of aftermarket turn signals on the fairing’s flanks. The Germans installed a tiny front fender, as well, with the help of an intricate handmade bracket they’ve built from scratch. Of course, the custom sorcery continues in the cockpit area, further enforcing the aircraft theme chosen by the Kraftrad squad.
The coolest feature in that area is a custom-built dashboard, which mimics what you’d expect to see in a fighter jet’s cockpit. It houses an array of analog gauges, switches, and warning lights, but the speedometer comes in the form of a digital Motogadget unit placed further back. The handlebar bends downward ever so slightly, giving the impression of clip-ons when viewed from afar.
Moreover, the unique four-into-one exhaust system is also worth looking at, seamlessly making a U-turn at the back and terminating near the engine's front section. Then there is the bike’s stunning livery, employing a silver base with yellow highlights on the bodywork. A layer of khaki green was applied to the wheels and frame, but the color is also echoed on the seat upholstery.
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