Placing a bet on a well-tried and tested tradition can reap rewards in the most spectacular ways. Marcel Galuszka and the Blackout Customs team embarked on an audacious project, resulting in a resplendent ’84 BMW K100RS, a testament to their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries. This innovative motorcycle blend seamlessly combines timeless design sensibilities with cutting-edge performance, yielding a machine that honors its heritage while boldly venturing into the future.
Marcel notes that with a budget-friendly construction project, the primary focus was squarely on preserving and incorporating as many authentic features as possible. Regardless of this strategy, the BMW’s 40-year history has seen elements of the Beemer that had long since become outdated and irreparable. When Marcel arrived, he found that the vehicle had been irreparably damaged and replaced with modern, high-performance components.
The innovative electrical system is a notable highlight of this endeavour. With meticulous attention to detail, Marcel has installed a custom-wired harness and integrated Motogadget components, complemented by the sleek Mo-Unit Blue display, flip-style indicators that pivot seamlessly into position, and discreetly embedded dual-function LEDs providing subtle illumination at the rear. The newly installed LED headlight and Daytona speedometer prominently featured at the upfront, making for an impressive upgrade.
The BMW’s exterior design has been refined through subtle yet significant modifications. For the first time, Marcel chose a stepped subframe architecture. The innovative procedure has yielded a sleek, modern aesthetic for the 40-year-old recipient. The body underwent meticulous machining and refinishing processes, ultimately emerging in a sleek, modern black powder coat finish. The engine, resplendent in its matte finish, nestles beneath a gasoline tank reworked to a striking Audi Tango Crimson hue, providing a bold visual contrast to the surrounding black framework.
While every custom construct poses its own set of challenges, this particular one proved to be no ordinary exception. The most significant obstacle encountered was the challenge of designing the engine covers effectively. Severely damaged, these vehicles had initially been identified as potential candidates for renovation. Despite the challenges, Blackout Customs successfully restored the vintage bike while maintaining its essential authenticity.
While stock designs have their own merits, a range of aftermarket and bespoke modifications can elevate this concept to new heights. With the introduction of the brand-new handlebars, riders are treated to unparalleled comfort, courtesy of Motogadget’s premium grips, precision-crafted levers, and sleek Excessive Aspect bar-end mirrors. The custom-designed seat, wrapped in luxurious Alcantara material, harmoniously integrates with the fuel tank and flows smoothly along the sculpted lines of the chassis. Beneath the saddle, a custom-designed battery pack houses a lightweight lithium-ion power source.
The end result is surprisingly unassuming, as Marcel remarks that the bike’s distinctive sound changes for the better following the modification to its unique exhaust system. Riding a bike can be incredibly uplifting, producing a warm sense of contentment that spreads across your face as you pedal along the streets.
Transformed by Blackout Customs into a bold new iteration of the classic eighties sport tourer, this stunning makeover is thoroughly endorsed by our team.
Images by Nikolas Stergiadis
