The original cast “snowflake” wheels and 19-inch front wheel were replaced by a set of lightweight spoked wheels in a 17’’ configuration. Combined with a fully redesigned front end featuring an upside-down fork finished in black and a high-performance Brembo braking system, the result is a motorcycle that feels remarkably agile, precise and confidence-inspiring. The handling is transformed, offering a level of responsiveness far beyond what the original R80RT could deliver.

Like many of our BMW Airhead builds, this motorcycle features our homologated Meister Engineering rear subframe. The client had a very clear vision for the project and guided many of the design decisions. One of the most distinctive elements is the seat. While it follows the classic café racer silhouette, it remains fully upholstered and comfortable, with the rear cowl sculpted directly into the foam rather than using a traditional hard seat hump. This creates a unique balance between elegance, comfort and vintage racing inspiration.

The custom black and red paint scheme, accented with subtle grey pinstriping that echoes the natural aluminium tones of the engine and chassis components, creates a visual identity that is impossible to overlook. Bold yet refined, it perfectly captures the spirit of the build.

The front fender were designed and handcrafted specifically for this motorcycle. Beyond their visual simplicity lies a considerable amount of engineering and fabrication work.

Each fender is mounted using custom-welded stainless-steel brackets, developed to be as strong and durable as possible while remaining visually discreet and exceptionally lightweight. The objective was not only to reduce weight, but also to eliminate any unnecessary visual mass.

At the rear, a pair of Öhlins shock absorbers provides what many riders consider the benchmark in suspension performance, delivering exceptional feedback, comfort and control in every riding condition.

To reinforce the old-school character, the original Series 7 fuel tank was replaced with the more compact and iconic Series 5 tank. Its proportions instantly evoke BMW’s most celebrated motorcycles from the 1970s and give the bike a timeless presence.

At the front, a specially machined headlight housing accommodates a unique bulb design, adding another bespoke detail to the motorcycle. The cockpit is centred around a Motogadget Chronoclassic instrument, while the switches, mirrors and lighting components also come from Motogadget, bringing modern functionality to a vintage platform without compromising its aesthetics.

The exhaust system is equipped with our signature Hattech silencers, for which Meister Engineering is the official Swiss importer. They provide the perfect finishing touch, delivering both the sound and visual presence expected from a premium air-cooled boxer build.

The result is a motorcycle that remains unmistakably a classic BMW from the 1980s, yet rides, brakes and handles like a far more modern machine. It preserves the soul, character and mechanical authenticity of the original Airhead while unlocking a level of performance and riding enjoyment that its engineers could only have dreamed of decades ago.