It’s not easy to create a distinctive style in the world of custom motorcycles and to maintain it the way Cafe Racer Dreams has done. The CRD trademark is recognisable in every machine, each with its own personality, and judging by the hundreds of bikes that have rolled out of the CRD shop this is more than just hyperbole. “Skully”, as CRD133 in known in the shop, is an eye-catching machine that stands apart from other creations by CRD. There is no secret to the nickname looking at the skull emblazoned on the tank, an added detail for the owner. This motorcycle has an imposing look due to the combined look of the grey gas tank and matte black parts in striking contrast with the red solo seat, Biltwell grips, shock absorber coils and spark plug caps. The gas tank is a true piece of craftsmanship, taken from an R69 S and reconstructed to fit the “133” with a small and very handy glovebox added on top. As the 133 is a single-seater, the rear of the 1978 BMW R 100 RS de 1978 has been transformed from a vintage sport touring bike with a stylish cowl into a totally radical machine straight out of a comic book.

As for the components, they continue in the same line seen in the latest CRD creations, with Motogadget mini switches and indicators perfectly integrated into the ends of the Renthal handlebars. The yoke in top-quality machined aluminium is designed to house a set of inverted Showa 43 mm adjustable forks. The braking system is a pair of 320mm disks gripped by 4 piston Tokico radial callipers, giving the bike top-of-the-line handling on the front end. There is also an LSL brake fluid reservoir, Highsider rear views and Acewell analogue gauge with a small digital display. The look up front is rounded off with two large headlights and a high fender that is a perfect fit for the studded tires. In the rear there is a matching customised fender with a built-in CRD plateholder and a set of YSS G-Top adjustable shock absorbers in line with the sturdy front end, giving the RS a much more stable ride. The machine also includes a “keyless” type system allowing the owner to stop and start the bike, so the Trumpet pipes roar to life when the owner is nearby. Another example of how to beautifully combine a taste for the classic with the modern…