Wido Veldkamp is a visionary industrial design engineer and the creative force behind WiMoto, a renowned Netherlands-based workshop that embodies his innovative spirit. Wido regards his father, Alfons, as his most ardent supporter. Following his retirement, Alfons regularly visited Wido’s workshop to collaborate with him on bike projects. As his Alzheimer’s diagnosis worsened and his health rapidly deteriorated, this BMW restoration project became his final meaningful endeavor. To commemorate his father’s cherished memories, Wido christened the bicycle ‘Alfonso’, a tribute to the man who had sparked the passion.
This ’81 BMW R100RT, a donor bike in disarray, lay barely recognizable amidst its former glory. The engine had ceased to function, its block heavily oxidised, and nearly every aspect of the bodywork seemed beyond salvage. When Wido bought the bike, he employed it as a test bed for developing bolt-on subframes intended to showcase to potential customers. After devoting considerable time to the BMW, Wido developed a strong bond with it, leading him to decide that it was the perfect vehicle to realize his unique personal project.
“I’ve noticed that many BMW customizations are quite similar,” Wido explains, noting his desire to differentiate himself; accordingly, he has endeavored to create a design that breaks away from the norm.” While crafting something obvious, he designed a provocative bicycle that’s likely to raise several eyebrows.
One notable design feature of Wido’s construct is the girder entrance suspension system, which he has employed in several of his earlier creations. With each assignment, he initiated the project by leveraging the precision of SolidWorks to carefully design and calculate the intricate details of the novel suspension and chassis, ensuring a robust foundation for the innovative mechanism. As part of this process, he also began exploring options for a swingarm sourced from various BMW models that could accommodate a broader rear tire. His search yielded several suitable options; nonetheless, none accommodated the installation of a broader wheel or a centered monoshock, features crucial to achieving his desired visual outcome. When asked about his approach, he explains that the single option was to create an entirely new swingarm with precise specifications – exactly what he has accomplished.
Without compromising structural integrity, he sought an innovative solution to illuminate the centre, where the shock absorber impeded straightforward access. Widow, rather than opting for a solitary offset headlamp, drew inspiration from the BMW S1000RR to install a pair of sleek angel-eye projectors.
To craft the bike’s custom bodywork, Wido employed XPS foam sheets. Crafted with meticulous care, numerous sheets were carefully glued together, followed by a laborious process of hand-sanding, resulting in a seamless monocoque-style gasoline tank and tail unit. As he reminisces, he recalls that shaping the project was akin to sculpting – a process of meticulous creation and refinement. Once satisfied with the design, he developed sophisticated molds capable of producing the finest solid results. He crafted the aggressive-looking entrance fairings, which housed the dual headlights, by creating a single facet, scanning it in 3D, mirroring the design and utilizing a CNC machine to bring the project to life. The bike’s air intake system seamlessly integrated with its primary body through a combination of 3D scanning and printing technologies.
To elevate its innovative fork and swingarm combination, Wido required a cutting-edge suspension system. As a result, the customized bike now rides smoothly on its new set of BMW R1150 RT wheels, equipped with robust braking systems. The vehicle’s wheels are shod with the aptly titled Dunlop Mutant tyres, conferring a consistent and well-rounded degree of traction and stability. The BMW now features fully adjustable Wilbers shocks at both the front and rear entrances.
Atop the extensive inventory of bespoke machinery featured in this construction project is a singularly crafted handlebar. Wido personally crafted every detail of his bike, including the swept-back bars he designed, which accommodated an aftermarket speedometer in a custom housing. He also created a one-off exhaust system from high-quality 304L chrome steel, meticulously fashioning each component down to the 40mm bends and mufflers. The motorcycle features an array of high-quality components from Motogadget, including the controls and electronics, as well as stylish bar-finish indicators and versatile dual-function LEDs integrated into the unique hugger-style license plate assembly.
“Widodo recalls Alfons’s unwavering enthusiasm for the BMW, which indeed turned out to be an impressive feat.” This meticulously crafted bicycle serves as a vibrant mural, a testament to exceptional craftsmanship, and a heartfelt tribute to a father’s enduring love. As he gazes upwards, Wido’s voice carries a hint of trepidation, his words a whispered prayer: “I hope he’s pleased with me up there.” It’s almost overwhelming to consider that someone with such unwavering devotion and fervor invested in every aspect of this BMW might not be emotionally attached to it.
Pictures by Floris Velthuis
