BMW R850R gets a French touch with the help of SLCDR

Michelle L.

July 1, 2019

The BMW R850R is an exquisite beauty with a hint of the French countryside delivered by the Sur Les Chapeaux De Roues. Mechanic Manuel Jouan has spent heaps of time and money in refurbishing his workshop with the latest tools and machinery so that the building process can be done in-house. The bike, which is a 1996 R850R, had been purchased new by the owner, still in good shape and in totally factory spec and merely accumulated 32000km on the clock. Manuel had many thoughts in customising this steed and the Boxer was reborn at SLCDR with aims giving the bimmer the form to match its functionality. Manuel ripped off the 3 spoke mag wheels and replaced them with new spoked GS items wrapped in Avon rubber. He also took off the seat, the plastic rear end and all the accessories that covered the barebones. “Immediately he knew what had to be done, the spindly front end needed some brawn,” said Manuel. He incorporated the engines oil-cooler into the structure for a muscular grille effect and installed the headlight into the design so that the whole bike moves as one with the suspension. The front end was then completed with a tyre hugging hand-made front guard in place. The bike transformed with a much more sophisticated exterior, with the upholstered seat and the integrated LED lighting. The electronics under the seat were perfectly hidden behind aluminium covers and lattice steel. It features a four-valve 850cc engine that delivers just enough power and torque. The airbox has been removed to reduce weight and a pair of quality BMC filters fitted. The painting task of the bike was split between Manuel and his friend and painter David. The graphics and logos of the bike were dealt with extreme care and the details of the bike stood out to match the overall quality of the build of the bike.