When it comes to building a unique café racer, every detail matters. The team at Roughchild has introduced their new café racer at the Bike Shed, finished in a striking black metallic color with green highlights. The project included design choices like a wide rear wheel, custom frame, and new adjustable shocks, reflecting the owner’s personal style and requirements.
Many updates set this bike apart, including special green gauges, a redesigned seat for improved comfort, and details such as brass accents and a custom rear fender.
The controls and lighting have been thoughtfully integrated, and both the riding experience and usability have been carefully considered. This bike blends classic inspiration with practical upgrades, offering a fresh take on café racer design.
Key Takeaways
- The new café racer features unique design touches and custom choices.
- Updates include better comfort, improved controls, and distinctive details.
- Careful changes give the bike both classic and modern appeal.
Key Features of the Latest Café Racer
Approach to Building and Style
The new café racer shows a focus on combining style and performance. The frame and tank are color-matched in a sparkly black shade called Nero Daytona, with bits of green in the paint for a unique look. A 4.5-inch wide rear wheel is used—a rare size for older BMW models—giving the bike a sturdy, bold stance.
Suspension is handled by fully adjustable Ohlins shocks that are designed to look like the original BMW parts but provide modern performance. The instrument panel uses custom green gauges and combines Porsche-inspired styling with a GPS speedometer for accuracy.
Practical details include a small rear fender connected to the swing arm so it moves with the wheel, keeping the design simple and clean. The swing arm itself is a shorter model, paired with a solid drive shaft to increase road feel and rider control.
A variety of custom elements have been added:
- Custom subframe
- Custom seat pan
- Alcantara seat pad with hidden gel for comfort
- Stainless steel and brass details
- Brushed, high-polish aluminum features
- LED lighting designed for both appearance and safety
How the Client’s Ducati Experience Shaped the Build
This café racer was crafted for a customer who leads a Ducati owners club in Northern California. His experience with Ducati motorcycles, especially those with wide rear wheels, strongly influenced the design. He wanted his BMW to appear more robust, and his interest in the wider wheel was a direct response to his other bikes, which never looked thin or fragile.
Feedback from his Ducati test ride days played a role, with certain comfort features and performance cues carried over. For example, the use of a wide wheel, improved suspension, and higher comfort seat took lessons from Ducati’s sportier approaches but kept them in harmony with classic BMW lines.
The result is a motorcycle that blends classic inspiration with specific customer requests for handling and visual appeal.
Key Details and Personalization
Sparkly Black Paint and Matching Frame
The bike comes in a deep, metallic black paint with green highlights. The frame is finished to match, creating a smooth look from the tank to the seat. Every part ties together for a consistent appearance across the whole motorcycle.
| Paint Type | Color Notes |
|---|---|
| Metallic Black | Subtle green sparkles |
| Frame Color | Matches tank and panels |
Special 4.5-Inch Wide Back Wheel
A standout feature is the extra-wide rear wheel, measuring 4.5 inches across. This is not common for BMWs and adds a solid, powerful look. The high-profile tire and 17-inch rim further set this bike apart.
- Wider rear tire than standard
- High-profile tire for added height
- Stainless spokes and anodized aluminum rim
Custom Fitted Rear Mudguard and Tire Hugger
The design includes a rear fender and a close-fitting hugger to keep the tire covered while moving. The hugger is attached directly to the swingarm, so it stays close as the suspension moves. This setup protects the bike without making it look bulky.
Notable Details:
- Tire hugger moves with the swingarm
- Designed to avoid bulkiness
- Carefully fit and mounted
Shortened Swingarm for Tight Handling
The bike uses a shorter swingarm than older models, which brings the back wheel closer and improves control. There is a solid drive shaft fitted instead of one with a spring, letting the rider feel more feedback from the road.
- Original long swingarm replaced with a shorter one
- Solid drive shaft for direct connection to the rear wheel
- Offers a more connected riding experience
Customization touches like these make the bike unique and better fit the rider’s needs.
Performance Upgrades
Ohlins Custom Adjustable Suspension
The motorcycle uses a set of fully adjustable shocks designed by Ohlins. These shocks feature a unique top cap that helps them blend in with the vintage BMW look, but are much more advanced in performance. Riders can fine-tune the suspension to fit their riding style, resulting in improved handling and comfort.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Fully adjustable settings | Customizable for each rider |
| Special top hat design | Matches original BMW style |
| Modern shock technology | Smoother and more stable ride |
Direct Driveshaft Setup
The build includes a solid driveshaft in place of the original cushioned design from 1983. Without the internal spring, power from the engine goes straight to the rear wheel. This change delivers a stronger and more connected riding feeling, ideal for those who prefer direct feedback from the road.
Solid Driveshaft Advantages:
- Unfiltered connection to the rear wheel
- Improved rider control
- Removes extra cushioning
Upgraded Brake Solutions
A custom brake system has been fitted for improved control. The setup includes a stainless steel actuator rod, a polished brass spring, and matching brass and aluminum hardware. These changes offer a strong and reliable braking feel while keeping the classic appearance.
Brake Enhancements:
- Stainless steel and brass components for durability and style
- Carefully designed actuator rod for consistent braking
- Custom parts that mix modern function with vintage visuals
Instrument Systems and Controls
Classic-Inspired Dial Panel
The dial panel on this bike uses bright green numbers, resembling older BMW designs but with clear Porsche inspiration. Each dial is set into a custom aluminum bracket, held down by custom-milled aluminum nuts. The result is a strong mix of vintage looks and modern function, making the panel both stylish and practical.
- Green-numbered dials
- Inspired by Porsche styling
- Custom aluminum mounting
Satellite Speed Reader and Digital Rev Display
The speed display relies on GPS technology, which helps keep speed readings accurate at all times. The rev gauge is electronic and was adjusted with a custom redline, also featuring unique graphics to match the overall look. Both the speed and rev meters offer clear, reliable information while riding.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Speed Reading | GPS-Based, always accurate |
| Rev Counter | Electronic, custom graphics |
| Redline | Specially calibrated |
Concealed Controls and Fabricated Hand Levers
The handlebar controls are hidden within the left grip to keep a clean look. There are four small buttons: left signal, right signal, engine start, and engine stop. The high beam flash feature is located on the back. The brake and clutch levers are longer than standard, made by welding directly onto the bars, which results in a softer touch and lighter feel.
Controls hidden in grip:
- Turn signals (left/right)
- Start and stop switches
- High beam flash on rear
Custom longer levers:
- Welded construction
- Softer, lighter operation
- Allow easy two-finger use
Comfort and Seating Options
Gel-Enhanced Seat Cushion
The seat features an Alcantara pad with vinyl sides. Underneath, there is a gel pad placed exactly where the rider sits. This gel insert helps reduce the impact from rough roads.
It also uses two types of foam for extra support and comfort. Riders have stated that this seat is much softer than most aftermarket or factory seats.
| Seat Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface Material | Alcantara with vinyl sides |
| Cushioning | Dual foam layers plus gel insert |
| Comfort | Absorbs bumps, softer feel |
Slim and Supportive Build
The seat is built with a low profile but designed to be ergonomic. Even though it’s slim, it offers real comfort for longer rides.
This design addresses common complaints about thin, hard seats on cafe racers. The build keeps the bike looking streamlined while still providing a pleasant riding experience.
Focused Craftsmanship
Unique Metal Parts in Aluminum and Brass
Special care went into making custom aluminum and brass details for this build. Many of the nuts and mounts were shaped from aluminum just for this project. All the aluminum pieces were polished until they shined.
Several features stand out, such as the brass spring fitted to the rear brake actuator and the carefully crafted brass wing nut. Brass was also used to create the brake pointer, adding style and a classic look. These touches help give the bike its own character.
Tailored License Plate Holder and Lighting
The rear of the motorcycle got a custom license plate bracket. It was built to hold the plate, a license plate light for street legality, and a brake/tail light. Turn signals are attached at just the right angle so they avoid hitting the rear wheel, even on big bumps.
A helpful list shows what is included:
- Custom plate bracket
- Plate light for visibility
- Brake and tail light
- Turn signals on both sides
LED headlights were used for better lighting at night, while classic-styled auxiliary lights keep the vintage theme.
Vintage Police Storage Box from the UK
One standout feature is a storage box from a former British police motorcycle. This box, which used to hold the walkie-talkie for radio communication, sits on top of the subframe. Bikes with this box were never sold in the United States, which makes this one rare.
The table below breaks down its significance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin | British Police Fleet Motorcycle |
| Usage | Held CB radio walkie-talkie |
| Rarity | Not found on US versions |
| Placement | Mounted above the custom subframe and seat |
Adding this box gives the project a unique touch and ties in with the motorcycle’s theme of blending old and new details.
Recent Advances in Motorcycle Lighting
Modern Optical LED Units
The motorcycle uses an advanced optical LED headlight. This provides strong illumination, making it easier to see in low-light or canyon environments. The design is a significant update from older, traditional headlights and helps improve rider safety at night.
- Brightness: High output for clear vision
- Energy use: More efficient than older bulbs
1960s Style Marshall Add-On Lights
Vintage-inspired Marshall auxiliary lamps are also fitted on the bike. These lights echo classic 1960s style, matching the bike’s overall retro look. The lights have small, distinctive tips and run at all times for extra visibility.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Retro design | Classic appearance |
| Always on | Improved presence |
Built-In Signal and Lighting Combinations
Turn signals are cleverly built into the auxiliary lamps. When turning is signaled, these lamps double as indicators, flashing to alert other drivers. This method keeps the bike looking clean and avoids extra signal housings.
- Hidden wiring: Controls are integrated in the grip
- Space-saving: No bulky add-ons for signals
- Easy visibility: Turn indicators are clear and close to the main lights
Riding Experience and Usability
The riding position is designed to be comfortable yet sporty, with a custom Alcantara seat pad that features both gel padding and dual-density foam. The seat is low profile but manages to absorb bumps well, making longer rides more pleasant compared to many other cafe racer seats. Riders will notice the seat is supportive and avoids the common complaints about stiffness.
A short wheelbase swing arm helps the bike feel more responsive, and the solid drive shaft gives a direct connection to the rear wheel. This setup lets riders feel everything from the road, creating a more involved experience. The rear wheel is unusually wide for a BMW, creating a stable ride and a distinctive look.
Avon Spirit STS tires are fitted for solid grip, and the wide rim, paired with stainless spokes and an anodized aluminum construction, balances the handling.
A table below highlights some of the main features related to the riding experience:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Seat | Alcantara with gel and dual-density foam; comfortable and supports long rides |
| Rear Suspension | Fully adjustable Ohlins shocks with custom look for better performance and comfort |
| Swing Arm | Short wheelbase; solid drive shaft for direct feedback |
| Rear Wheel | 4.5-inch wide, 17-inch diameter, improves stability and visual appeal |
| Tires | Avon Spirit STS, chosen for grip and ride quality |
| Brake Lever | Custom-made with a longer throw for a lighter clutch feel |
| Lighting | Modern optical LED headlight and Marshall auxiliary integration for both visibility and usability |
| Controls | Switchgear is hidden for a clean appearance; all major functions accessible from the left grip |
For everyday use, the bike includes practical features. The custom rear fender follows the wheel’s movement, which helps with splash protection without looking bulky. There’s a storage box that was originally used for a radio in British police motorcycles, now offering a unique storage solution.
The license plate and turn signals are positioned to avoid damage from road bumps, tested from earlier experiences on other bikes.
Hidden turn signals inside the auxiliary lights keep the design clean while staying visible. The longer levers reduce hand fatigue, making clutch operation easier. These improvements focus on making the bike both functional and comfortable, while keeping a classic appearance.
Final Thoughts
This project shows how much careful planning and small custom touches can change a motorcycle. The black metallic paint with green flecks and the color-matched frame give the bike a sharp and clean look. Features like the 4.5-inch wide custom rear wheel, matched with a high-profile tire, stand out—especially since this size is rare for BMW builds.
Custom Features Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rear Wheel | 4.5-inch wide, 17-inch rim |
| Shocks | Fully adjustable Ohlins, custom top |
| Gauge Cluster | Porsche-inspired, green GPS speedo |
| Drive Shaft | Solid type for better road feel |
| Rear Fender | Low-profile hugger style |
| Brake Rod | Stainless with custom brass parts |
| Seat Pad | Alcantara w/gel and dual foam |
| Control Levers | Custom weld-on, longer for leverage |
Many parts were redesigned for comfort and style, like the Alcantara seat padded with gel and foam, hidden switch gear, and a storage box inspired by police bikes. Small, well-thought-out changes, such as brass accents, custom lighting, and integrated turn signals, show a strong attention to detail.
Design Choices List
- Solid drive shaft for a connected ride
- Short wheelbase swing arm for better fitment
- Unique rear fender solution to match design
- Custom-mounted LED headlight for clear visibility
This bike blends old-school inspiration with modern parts. Each modification serves a purpose, from improved control to better comfort. The results reflect a hands-on approach where design stays practical and every detail matters.
