BMW R80
M-E 141
Starting life as a BMW R80RT Monolever from the late 1980s, this build represents our vision of what a classic air-cooled BMW should feel like in the modern world. The objective was simple: preserve the character, reliability, and timeless charm of the original boxer engine while dramatically improving the riding experience, aesthetics, and overall finish.
The motorcycle was completely disassembled and rebuilt from the ground up. Every major component was inspected, restored, refinished, or upgraded. The engine, gearbox, final drive, and numerous aluminum components were carefully refurbished and micro-blasted to recover the beautiful raw aluminum finish BMW originally intended. Combined with the black chassis and black-painted wheels, the result is a clean and purposeful contrast that gives the motorcycle a distinctly modern presence.
The exhaust system was developed in collaboration with our friends at Hattech. Designed specifically for this project, it provides the perfect balance between performance, sound, and aesthetics. The deep boxer soundtrack remains true to the spirit of the motorcycle while adding a sharper, more refined character.
Attention to detail can be found everywhere. Numerous CNC-machined components have been incorporated throughout the build, including custom BMW emblems, fork caps, brake disc carriers, and other precision-machined details. These parts may seem subtle at first glance, but together they elevate the overall quality and craftsmanship of the motorcycle.
Lighting and electronics have been entirely modernized. At the front, a powerful LED headlight improves visibility while maintaining a minimalist appearance. At the rear, the taillights have been discreetly integrated into the frame tubes themselves, creating an exceptionally clean tail section with almost no visual clutter. The cockpit is centered around a Motogadget Motoscope Pro dashboard, providing all essential information through a compact and elegant display while preserving the minimalist design philosophy of the motorcycle.
One of the most significant transformations comes from the front end. The original fork has been replaced with a modern upside-down suspension system paired with large floating brake discs and Brembo calipers. This conversion completely changes the riding dynamics of the motorcycle, delivering far more confidence, precision, and braking performance than the original setup could ever offer. Combined with the 17-inch wheels, the handling feels remarkably close to that of a modern motorcycle while still retaining the unmistakable character of the classic airhead boxer.
Visually, the motorcycle revolves around a sophisticated Porsche metallic paint finish applied to the fuel tank. The subtle tones of the color change beautifully depending on the light, perfectly complementing the black frame, black wheels, and yellow accents found throughout the build. The shortened rear section and custom seat, finished with distinctive yellow stitching, reinforce the sporty silhouette while maintaining everyday comfort.
As with all Meister Engineering projects, aesthetics are only one part of the equation. The custom rear frame, bodywork modifications, lighting system and chassis alterations have all been tested and certified through the Dynamic Test Center (DTC) in Switzerland. Comparable to, and often considered even more rigorous than, the German TÜV, the DTC approval ensures that every modification is fully documented, legally registered and officially entered into the vehicle registration documents.
This build perfectly embodies the Meister Engineering approach: taking a beloved classic BMW and enhancing every aspect of it without losing its soul. The result is a motorcycle that offers the style and emotion of a vintage boxer, combined with the confidence, performance, and usability expected from a much more modern machine.
A true restomod in every sense of the word—and one of our most enjoyable BMW airhead builds to ride.