Whether or not you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, these two new BMW motorcycles built by Japanese custom shops will definitely make you drool. You may not realize it since they’re so different, but both projects are based on the BMW K 1600 GTL bike with a 1,649cc straight-six cylinder engine.
Built by Kenji Nagai of Ken’s Factory and Keiji Kawakita of Hot-Dock Custom-Cycles, the two custom bikes are part of BMW Motorrad Japan’s Ignite Straight Six project. Besides the large six-cylinder engine, the only elements these bikes have in common with the original are the frame and, in the case of Keiji Kawakita’s creation “Juggernaut”, the BMW Motorrad Duolever front suspension.
Kenji Nagai’s creation named “Ken’s Factory Special” relies on hand-made aluminum girder-type front forks raked out in chopper style using a modified headstock. Furthermore, the K 1600 GTL’s original full fairing was replaced by a small aluminum front cowl housing the headlight, while the stock rear sub-frame and seat were replaced by a low positioned aluminum seat.
“Ken’s Factory Special” uses a 23-inch front wheel and a 20-inch rear wheel, with other striking details including aluminum covers for the fuel tank, as well as aluminum radiator and handlebars.
Keiji Kawakita’s “Juggernaut” has a sinister appearance that reminds of wild Mad Max vehicles. The custom bike’s skeleton of aluminum tubing broadens the naked K 1600 GTL’s chassis, while instruments at each side of the fuel tank fit the military look. Dual fog lights and the front trail-like beak remind of the BMW GS range.