As you know, CRD uses a particular nomenclature for its motorcycles, referring to the number of customisation and by now we are up to almost 140 machines since the Spanish company started just over a decade ago. But there are some machines that are even more special and particularly stand out. This was the case with the CRD2020, a tribute to the CEO of Cafe Racer Dreams, and is also the case with this latest motorcycle: the CRD2022.

This 1979 BMW R 100 RS hails from Santander and it was chosen because of its origins and also certain details about its state of conservation to become one of the CRD creations that will stay at home. Aesthetically, for those who have been following the history of the brand and the big step up in quality in recent years, it looks a lot like the CRD121, a motorcycle we referred to around the shop as “the Mustard”. No reason to explain why.

Of course, a lot of work has gone into this motorcycle, starting with the mechanics, which have been completely rebuilt with tender loving care to make it run like 40 years ago. In fact, after giving it a spin around the city and on the highway, it must be said that this machine has the feel of a modern motorcycle. Part of this is from how certain elements have been distributed to configure the ergonomics and the ride position of the driver. The high wide handlebars give lots of turning ability while maintaining an upright posture. The double seat is fairly flat, comfortable and not particularly high. Also, the pegs have been repositioned slightly compared to the original and are more centred since on the RS their position wasn’t exactly the same. So now the feel is even more natural with these changes.

The components were also carefully chosen, especially the eye-catching forks installed on the front end This is the same unit found on the Honda CBR1000RR. A set of Showa 43 mm adjustable forks with the same Nissin four-piston radial callipers used on the Honda, although in this case we have a yoke custom designed by CRD and machined in top quality aluminium. As we have seen in all the latest bikes from Cafe Racer Dreams, it’s fitted with digital instrumentation from Motogadget, in this case a Motoscope Pro, which gives lots of information and can be adjusted using the mini-switches from the same brand. To continue with the style up front, in the rear there are a set of Öhlins ‘Black’ series shock absorbers. These are the best option, both in terms of performance, with three adjustable settings and top quality hydraulics, and aesthetically with a sleek black finish that fits this part of the bike. The motor has not only been completely rebuilt internally, the standard CRD recipe has been added for the owner to enjoy extra style and performance, with a set of SuperTrapp pipes, K&N air filter and carburettors with a Cerakote finish. With these extras, the machine is more responsive and has a touch more growl. But this bike is fully certified to ride on Spanish roads and so it meets all the standards and can be driven anywhere.

The custom parts produced in the CRD shop include the front fender, the subframe, totally different from the original, and the minimalist plate holder. These are part of the Cafe Racer Dreams recipe that make these machines so special, with modern parts mixed with vintage elements and other customised, handmade parts that bring it all together in style. This is a very special motorcycle that is destined to stay in the CRD collection, along with a few other real gems.