With its ripped, sleek stance and expertly-finished details, it’s hard to believe this gorgeous cafe racer is the first project of Canada’s Federal Moto newly opened settlement in Chicago. Nicknamed ‘The Five,’ the killer bike is a stellar start for the US team, one that keeps us waiting with high expectations for the next build.
Looking to produce “something trimmed down and simple, and with a small nod to the past,” brothers Mike and Peter Müller of the aforementioned shop started with a 1979 BMW R100 airhead, keeping the massive fuel tank on, but stripping-off the rest of the original bodywork. The guys added a front fender, airbox hole cover & ‘S’ fairing from Boxer Cafe, plus a mesh-covered headlight, and a redesigned subframe with dual shocks and a LED-embedded short leather seat that keeps the rider on a low, comfortable position.
The 2-wheeler also sports a rebuilt motor fitted with Mikuni VM34 carbs, a pair of brass-screened velocity stacks, and twin stainless steel mufflers from Cone Engineering. Rounding up the clean, sporty look, there’s Brookes leather grips, a digital Koso speedo & tacho, mini handlebar switches, and sticky Avon RoadRiders. Skilfully finished in glossy black with fine gold details, mimicking the iconic ‘Number Five’ Lotus 77 Formula 1 car. [via]
