Despite being enthusiastic about working on projects presented by clients, Bolt has a special fondness for restoring classic BMW airheads from the R and OK series. For its 47th project, Bolt chose a BMW R45 as the donor motorcycle.
When BMW Motorrad introduced the R45 in the 1970s, it targeted novice motorcyclists with its innovative design and user-friendly features. The R90/6, featuring a 473cc boxer twin engine and reduced dimensions, offered a compact, affordably priced alternative to its larger-capacity air-cooled brethren. The market’s enthusiastic reception of the R45 resulted in a strong demand, with many buyers eager to acquire the product. As a result, numerous pre-owned R45s are readily available on the market, making them often more affordable compared to their larger counterparts.
According to Adrián, the objective was to transform a bulky, oft-maligned motorcycle into a sleek, agile ride boasting innovative features. Since the issue had already been resolved nicely, we found ourselves facing an unexpected setback: the arrival of the bike in less-than-ideal condition. The neglected factor lay dormant in storage for over two decades, craving a comprehensive revitalization to reclaim its erstwhile glory.
To set the tone for a successful rebuild, the Bolt team comprehensively overhauled the airhead from scratch. Despite the bike’s dilapidated state, this proved to be the most labor-intensive phase of the entire project; however, the end result justified the considerable expenditure of time and energy. With its complete overhaul, the revamped bike now features an impressive 960cc capacity, a substantial increase from its original measurement, effectively doubling its capabilities. With the installation of modified pistons and cylinder heads, the vehicle’s compression ratio has been significantly increased, resulting in a noticeable enhancement to its overall performance. Equipped with high-performance Dell’Orto racing carbs, this engine is now capable of delivering a consistent and linear power output, ensuring the beast’s hunger for fuel is adequately satiated. To squeeze every last drop of power from the engine, Bolt created a bespoke exhaust system, carefully pairing it with high-performance GPR mufflers.
Following the successful completion of engine work, Bolt shifted its focus to refining the chassis and suspension system. Initially, the slender and elongated inventory subframe required removal. As an option, consider a robust bolt-on system with a stepped-up resolution to provide a more substantial upgrade. A moderate amount of detrimental area can dramatically enhance a motorbike’s haunches, yet overdoing it may lead to an unbalanced ride. Within the subframe of this car, a unique feature has been incorporated: a mesh-filled triangle, prominently displaying the iconic lightning bolt emblem synonymous with the brand. The brake pedal’s gentle clearing maintenance involves a built-in LED indicator integrated within the pedal’s ring. The flip indicators sit atop a custom-designed and fabricated hugger-style license plate bracket crafted in-house. Bolt collaborated with renowned automotive upholstery experts Tapizados Llop to craft a waterproof leather seat featuring distinctive stitching that adds a touch of visual flair.
The R45’s suspension receives upgrades from a revamped entry finish and the addition of high-performance piggyback twin rear shocks. The benefits of the twin-disc entrance brake conversion are significantly enhanced due to its ability to overcome the limitations of the original single-disc setup’s notorious inadequacy.
While the Bolt team has thoroughly overhauled the bike’s electrical system. The intricately concealed wiring forms an integral component of a bespoke harness, providing power to novel features and illuminations. At the tip of the bicycle’s frame is a sleek, modern LED headlight discreetly housed in a slim, aerodynamic fairing meticulously crafted by the experts at Bolt HQ. Within the bar ends of this motorcycle, sleek front-end Motogadget flip indicators take up residence, while a single Koso gauge perches atop the triple clamp, its integrated warning lights serving as a subtle yet effective alert system. Up-to-date electrical systems are credited with increased efficiency due to the introduction of a digital ignition system and 16-position mapping. To reduce weight and optimize performance, the battery is strategically positioned beneath the swingarm pivot.
Scant remnants of the bike’s one-of-a-kind bodywork remain. In fact, the only factor Bolt stored was the gasoline tank. While it’s decidedly more angular than the rest of the bike, the retro livery by Airbrush Customs makes it fit right in. Bolt made some form-over-function adjustments to achieve their desired aesthetic, willingly sacrificing a few key performance features in the process. We’re chasing down the essence of a knobby rubber and a conspicuous absence of a rear fender – c’est la vie indeed. Notwithstanding the Renthal enduro bars’ and purposeful mirrors’ commendable efforts to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics, they still fall short of earning top marks.
While our focus usually remains on cafe racers, occasionally a motorcycle will capture our attention sufficiently enough to warrant a mention. Bolt Motor Co. Recognizes straightforward approaches to craft high-performance, visually appealing bicycles. This reimagined R45 Scrambler embodies Ducati’s innovative approach, transforming a classic design into a thrilling ride that begs you to swing a leg over.
