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Photo: Stile Italiano (via Pipeburn)
Gianluca and his Stile Italiano team are no stranger to pushing boundaries and trying out innovative ideas, so their custom bikes have no problem standing out from the crowd. The way the workshop has worked on BMW’s GS platform is no exception, and the extent to which this bike has been modified is pretty staggering to say the least. Let’s take a closer look.
The style started with a 1991 model of Motorrad’s R 100 GS line-up, and they quickly removed all of the standard bodywork and a lot of other parts. They then created a new subframe to fit the geometry they were going for, and also changed the mounting points for the rear suspension. In a very clever twist, the lower right subframe tube was split to allow the monoshock to pass through.
The rear suspension hardware itself is a premium STX unit from Ohlins, the same brand as the front end; more specifically, a pair of beefy FG 424 inverted forks with a diameter of 43 mm (1.7 in). New triple clamps secure these new suspension parts; the lower is a reused Triumph part, while the upper is a bespoke module built from the ground up.
Under the sprung section, the R 100 GS was fitted with aftermarket wheels measuring 21″ at the front and 17″ at the rear. To provide ample grip on both dirt and asphalt, the new wheels are fitted with dual-purpose Scorpion Rally knobby wheels at the front and rear. Once the chassis-related work was finished, Stile Italiano immediately got to work on the bodywork.
They came up with a beautiful monocoque structure that integrates the tail, fuel tank, and front fairing into one unit. Its curved contours flow seamlessly from front to back, and are complemented by a handcrafted solo seat that’s covered in standard black leather on the sides and suede on top. Circular LED taillights adorn the rearmost edge of the bike, while a Hella headlight protrudes from the front fairing.
The cockpit features an aftermarket handlebar mounted on billet aluminum risers, with a Motogadget ChronoClassic dial in front of it, located above the gas tank. The handlebar is fitted with Domino grips, a Brembo front brake master cylinder and minimalist switches, but there are no mirrors. A CNC-machined Tarozzi rear set completes the bike’s ergonomics.
Of course, Stile Italiano has not overlooked BMW’s boxer twin, refreshing this engine and fitting it with a 40 mm (1.6 inch) Mikuni carburettor. The intake is covered by a short mesh-covered velocity stack to ensure optimal airflow, and a powerful spark is guaranteed by the latest electronic ignition. At the other end of the combustion cycle, a Virex exhaust system is installed.
