Roughchild 1980 BMW Airhead
The donor was a 1980 BMW R 100 pulled from a Washington dealership with a seized engine and a rust rotted tank. Most builders would have parted it out. Roughchild founder Robert Sabel saw a 1980 model with the heavy flywheel and five speed gearbox that makes the best foundation for a freeway touring build, and started from there.
The client is Gordy, who operates BMW Roswell, the largest BMW dealership in the United States. A repeat Roughchild customer whose first build arrived while he still owned a Triumph dealership. When the customer knows BMWs at that level, the build has to be flawless.
The tank is the visual anchor. Roughchild sourced an authentic BMW R75/5 toaster tank with original chrome panels, refinished in Ferrari Argento Nurburgring Silver Metallic with a hand painted blue pinstripe. The headlight bucket is the original piece from the donor bike, completely reworked internally to house LED componentry and a Motogadget M-Unit that handles all electrical switching from inside the original shell. Old world aesthetics with modern capability hidden inside.
The gauge cluster was designed entirely in house, paying homage to factory BMW clocks while weaving in subtle Porsche 356 influences. Period correct in feel without being a replica. The Wixom saddlebags are one of the build's strongest details. Roughchild shaved the trim, smoothed the surfaces, and integrated turn signals and taillights directly into the panniers. The result looks factory rather than aftermarket, more coachbuilt luggage than bolted on accessory.
The proportions are deliberately stretched. Genuine BMW long wheelbase components add two inches over Roughchild's cafe racer platform, giving the bike a touring stance that matches its intended use. Hoske mufflers complete the silhouette, long, elegant, and aggressive under load.
The engine received a full crank out rebuild with new bearings throughout, bored to 1070cc with European big valve heads and twin spark ignition. SmartCarb SC3 carburetors deliver razor sharp throttle response. As Robert puts it, mechanically as new as they can make it.
The chassis matches the engine investment. Ohlins inverted forks at the front and adjustable shocks at the rear bring modern precision to a vintage platform. Brembo GP4 calipers with dual aftermarket discs handle stopping with superbike authority. Avon Road Rider Mk2 tires keep the bike planted and predictable. An Antigravity battery mounts under the tank and ties into the charging system to keep the silhouette clean without sacrificing electrical reliability.
A handmade black leather saddle, protective crash bars with auxiliary fog lamps, custom front and rear fenders, and a reworked subframe carrying the main taillight and license plate holder complete the build. Every modern upgrade is hidden, integrated, and purposeful. Nothing is loud for the sake of it.
Robert's philosophy is simple. No one wants to be sitting on the side of the road. Vintage bikes need to be faster, more comfortable, and far more dependable than they were new. The number one requirement is that it gets you home. The Erickson Commission does that while looking like it belongs in a museum. That is the difference.
