Photo: AJ Moller Photography via Ellaspede
For professional custom bike builders, few things are as exciting as a project that gives them free reign over the entire transformation process. Mike, the owner of this stylish BMW R65, was very open-minded in that regard, because he had full faith in what the Ellaspede crew from Brisbane, Australia could pull off. His only request was for them to exercise restraint.
Being a tattoo remover, Mike is well aware of the consequences that an over-the-top design could later bring, and he wasn’t going to make the same mistakes as many of his clients. Thus, simplicity is the name of the game on this reworked BMW, but the motorcycle looks infinitely cooler than it did in stock form. As per usual, the overhaul began with a complete teardown and the removal of most bodywork components.
The R65’s original gas tank was retained, now fronting a bespoke bench seat that’s been upholstered in-house using kangaroo leather. Ellaspede placed this new saddle on a modified subframe, whose underside also carries a discreet rear fender topped with a Bates-style aftermarket taillight. The license plate bracket is attached to the fender, as well, but the turn signals sit on the subframe tubing a bit further ahead.
These bad boys are LED units sourced from Daytona, and you’ll notice an identical pair at the opposite end. In order to get the airhead’s stance just right, its telescopic forks were lowered by about 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) during the makeover. A custom-built fender can be spotted in between the fork lowers, while the bottom triple clamp supports a Bates-style headlight measuring 5.75 inches in diameter.
Up in the cockpit area, Ellaspede’s craftsmen fitted a low-profile handlebar on CNC-machined risers, along with a single Acewell dial and stylish grips matching the seat upholstery. The ignition was relocated to tidy things up even further, and it presently lives on the right-hand side where the fuel tank meets the saddle. Moreover, all the Beemer’s electronics have been refurbished for good measure.
Choosing to retain the OEM wheels, the Aussies simply added fresh bearings and had their rims cloaked in Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 rubber. Those grippy tires measure 100/90 at the front and 130/80 at six o’clock. Once they’d taken care of the R65’s footgear and rebuilt its final drive, the team at Ellaspede proceeded to address the paint job.
A satin-black finish made its way onto the bodywork, frame, and wheels, among other items. The machine’s crash bars and exhaust pipes were polished to a mirror finish, and the fuel tank received a youthful pair of BMW roundels. Simple though it may be, the colorway is a perfect fit for the brown leather upholstery, rounding out Ellaspede’s work in style. As you can imagine, Mike was absolutely thrilled with the result.
The R65’s original gas tank was retained, now fronting a bespoke bench seat that’s been upholstered in-house using kangaroo leather. Ellaspede placed this new saddle on a modified subframe, whose underside also carries a discreet rear fender topped with a Bates-style aftermarket taillight. The license plate bracket is attached to the fender, as well, but the turn signals sit on the subframe tubing a bit further ahead.
These bad boys are LED units sourced from Daytona, and you’ll notice an identical pair at the opposite end. In order to get the airhead’s stance just right, its telescopic forks were lowered by about 40 millimeters (1.6 inches) during the makeover. A custom-built fender can be spotted in between the fork lowers, while the bottom triple clamp supports a Bates-style headlight measuring 5.75 inches in diameter.
Up in the cockpit area, Ellaspede’s craftsmen fitted a low-profile handlebar on CNC-machined risers, along with a single Acewell dial and stylish grips matching the seat upholstery. The ignition was relocated to tidy things up even further, and it presently lives on the right-hand side where the fuel tank meets the saddle. Moreover, all the Beemer’s electronics have been refurbished for good measure.
Choosing to retain the OEM wheels, the Aussies simply added fresh bearings and had their rims cloaked in Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 rubber. Those grippy tires measure 100/90 at the front and 130/80 at six o’clock. Once they’d taken care of the R65’s footgear and rebuilt its final drive, the team at Ellaspede proceeded to address the paint job.
A satin-black finish made its way onto the bodywork, frame, and wheels, among other items. The machine’s crash bars and exhaust pipes were polished to a mirror finish, and the fuel tank received a youthful pair of BMW roundels. Simple though it may be, the colorway is a perfect fit for the brown leather upholstery, rounding out Ellaspede’s work in style. As you can imagine, Mike was absolutely thrilled with the result.
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