Cafe Racer Dreams continues to grow with increasingly personal projects, and the CRD138 is a perfect example of that evolution. Created in the wake of the brand’s recent adventure in Mauritania, this build once again showcases one of CRD’s defining strengths: the ability to combine the essence of classic BMW boxer motorcycles with modern components that significantly improve performance without compromising the bike’s original character. At first glance, its exceptionally clean lines stand out, but a closer look reveals the extensive work behind the project. The donor bike was an eighties BMW R80 RT, although very little of the original machine remains after the transformation process. The front end is built around a 43 mm inverted Suzuki GSX-R fork, whose adaptation became one of the greatest technical challenges of the project. In order to retain the original BMW wheel, a bespoke axle was manufactured to make both assemblies compatible, while custom-machined adapters were produced to perfectly align the brake discs. The work continues around the steering area, where further modifications were required to integrate the new suspension into the German chassis.

Particularly striking is the machined top yoke, a component created specifically for this motorcycle and designed to house the compact Motogadget speedometer. Its surface finish and the seamless integration of every element create a level of quality rarely found even on modern production motorcycles. Mounted above it is a Renthal handlebar paired with the familiar Motogadget Mini switches, capable of controlling virtually every function of the motorcycle through just six perfectly integrated buttons.

The dynamic improvements are matched by a major upgrade in braking performance. A Nissin master cylinder works together with an LSL reservoir and four-piston Tokico calipers sourced from the GSX-R, creating a front end that is vastly more effective than the original BMW setup while also giving the motorcycle a more aggressive and contemporary appearance.

The rear section maintains the same attention to detail. The original subframe has been completely removed in favour of an extremely compact tail section centred around a single-seat configuration that reinforces the bike’s personality. The handcrafted licence plate holder remains almost hidden, while the minimalist Motogadget rear light combines tail light, brake light and indicators into a single unit, contributing to an exceptionally clean design. The rear shocks have also received new mounting points to alter their position, while the Tarozzi foot controls have been carefully aligned to optimise ergonomics and improve the riding position, correcting the misalignment present on the original motorcycle.

The wheels are fitted with Continental TKC 80 tyres, whose tread pattern provides the scrambler touch that characterises many CRD creations. The handcrafted mudguards also deserve special mention, reduced to the bare minimum and mounted on supports manufactured specifically for this build. The fuel tank remains the visual focal point thanks to a paint scheme inspired by certain colours used on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, while the three “X” marks on its upper section serve as a personal reference to its owner, none other than the CEO of Blue Banana.

As with every CRD build, the veteran boxer engine has been completely overhauled. All wear components have been replaced, while the cylinder heads, valve guides and valve seats have been refurbished to restore the engine’s original reliability and performance. K&N filters and black-finished SuperTrapp exhausts add a stronger character both visually and acoustically.

The result is a motorcycle that offers far more than good looks. A weight reduction of almost 40 kilograms compared with the original BMW R80 RT completely transforms its behaviour and significantly enhances the riding experience. The CRD138 once again demonstrates that every Cafe Racer Dreams creation is not only visually striking, but also a motorcycle designed to be enjoyed on the road.