Custom BMW R 80 Scrambler Comes in Two Different Iterations, Both Are Phenomenal

For a while, the classic BMW and its owner got to know each other and spent much time on the road together. Kevin was to travel outside Australia with work-related matters for a few months, though, and this provided the perfect window of opportunity for him to commission a custom build. Being from the Brisbane area, it wasn’t too hard for him to decide which shop would be entrusted with bringing his vision to life.

Of course, that firm was none other than Ellaspede. Kevin took the motorcycle to their headquarters along with a set of instructions regarding the future mods, then he left everything in their capable hands and headed overseas. Modularity was to become a huge part of the project, and the final result is more like two bikes rather than one.

To kick things off, the Ellaspede crew did away with the R 80’s factory subframe and proceeded to build a loop-style alternative from scratch. Its rearmost section houses a thin LED lighting strip, but the turn signals are placed lower down on a swingarm-mounted license plate bracket. They’re small but bright LED parts from Motogadget’s range, accompanied by an additional Koso taillight nearby.

A bespoke luggage rack can also be attached to the subframe tubing when needed, offering a place to mount the original hard-sided panniers. The true modularity first came into effect with the seat fabrication. With Kevin’s approval, Ellaspede used a stunning tan leather saddle for their primary concept, but the second interchangeable seat is even more intriguing. It's not just the groovy blue leather upholstery that makes us say this, mind you.

The checkered stitching pattern it features up top is equally rad, and a true testament to this shop’s proficiency in leatherwork. In order to match each saddle, this R 80 scrambler can accommodate two different fuel tanks of vintage airhead origin. One of them is the stock item that came with the donor, now painted in a gorgeous layer of deep blue and black pinstripes to complement the tan leather.

On the other hand, the secondary tank was transplanted from a twin-shock R model and wrapped in a light-yellow base. The modular sorcery ends with two sets of leather fork sleeves matching the seat upholsteries. Ellaspede’s artisans still had a lot of work ahead of them, however, and they continued by attaching aftermarket crash bars to the frame’s twin down tubes.

Not only do they offer a bit of protection for the engine’s cylinders, but the left unit also acts as the support for an auxiliary spotlight. The yellow-tinted lens is a nice touch fit for both styles, while going particularly well with the blue tank and brown saddle. Up in the cockpit area, we notice a wider handlebar from Ellaspede’s proprietary catalog of aftermarket hardware.

It sits lower than stock on a custom triple clamp, right behind a multi-purpose dial supplied by Tumbleton & Twist. Bar-end Motogadget blinkers and Oberon mirrors are also present, but the OEM switches and master cylinders have all been retained. The way ahead is lit by a BMW R nineT’s modern headlight, which keeps things looking retro and was secured in place with tailor-made mounting hardware.

You will still find the R 80’s factory hoops down on unsprung territory, but they’ve been painted satin-black and clad in dual-purpose Heidenau K60 Scout tires. As far as dimensions are concerned, these bad boys measure 110/80 at the front and 130/80 at six o’clock. On the mechanical side of things, all the suspension equipment we see here is the original paraphernalia from Motorrad.

Ellaspede simply refurbished the forks and rear shock, before applying a similar treatment to the Brembo caliper up front. The latter is now mated to a high-grade aftermarket disc and braided stainless-steel lines for improved stopping power. An invigorating overhaul was experienced by the engine and its Bing carburetors, as well, followed by the installation of individual K&N pod filters for ample airflow. The gearbox and driveshaft have also been revamped for good measure.

Kevin wished for the standard exhaust headers to be retained, so Ellaspede had them refurbished, ceramic-coated, and heat-wrapped before fitting reverse megaphone mufflers at the tips. Last but not least, the electrical system was upgraded with things like fresh wiring, a Motogadget controller, and a 12-cell Antigravity battery stashed where the OEM airbox had once been. With this machine awaiting his return, the owner's homecoming must’ve been very sweet, indeed!