BMW R 100 'Survivor' — Lord Drake Kustoms' One-Off Boxer Blends Bobber and Cafe Racer DNA

Unconventional BMW R 100: The Story Behind the Survivor

Customizing an air-cooled BMW boxer today is a crowded field, but Francisco Manen and the team at Lord Drake Kustoms refused to follow the usual playbook. Starting from a standard BMW R 100, the shop transformed the classic Beemer into the Survivor, a bespoke build that fuses bobber and cafe racer elements into a cohesive, eye-catching package. From the springer front end to the polished chrome and brass detailing, this R 100 is far from cookie-cutter.

Design and Styling Highlights

Front End and Cockpit

The Survivor announces itself with a custom springer fork assembly, a nod to vintage motorcycles yet executed with modern finishes. A retro-styled LED headlight sits high in the springer framework, while brass-plated springs behind it add a distinctive, handcrafted touch. The cockpit features a low-set, clip-on style handlebar fitted with inverted brass control levers and brown leather grips. Centered beneath the bars is a compact Motoscope Tiny speedo from Motogadget, keeping the instrument package minimalist and functional.

Wheels, Brakes and Suspension

At the front, the springer forks terminate with a traditional drum brake finished in brass and laced to a chrome rim by stainless-steel spokes. Rearward, Lord Drake modified the swingarm and installed twin aftermarket shocks positioned closely between the frame tubes, creating a unique rear suspension setup. The swingarm also carries a fender and a discreet LED lighting strip, while the license plate bracket is mounted low and to the left.

Tank, Seat and Finishes

One of the build’s focal points is a chromed fuel tank that appears sourced from a Benelli Mojave, polished to a mirror finish and secured with an elegant leather strap that matches the bobber-style saddle. The seat uses diamond-pattern stitching and rests on a leaf-spring support. Brass accents recur across the build: foot pegs, carburetor velocity stacks, the left rear drum and exhaust tips and heat shields continue the warm metal theme. The frame and swingarm receive a striking white powder coat while extra chrome highlights the seat base, rear shocks and engine components. The original OEM airbox is replaced with a bespoke leather-wrapped cover for a cleaner profile and improved aesthetic integration.

Vehicle Specifications

Base platform: BMW R 100 (air-cooled boxer twin) Engine: 980cc air-cooled boxer twin (stock configuration retained on this build) Drivetrain: 5-speed transmission with shaft drive (original spec) Suspension: Custom springer front end; modified swingarm with twin rear shocks Brakes: Drum front and rear with custom finishes Extras: Motoscope Tiny speedo, custom exhaust with brass tips, bespoke leather upholstery

Performance and Ride Character

The Survivor remains faithful to the R 100’s character: torquey, tractable and ideal for relaxed rides rather than outright lap times. Visual and weight changes—chrome, brass ornamentation and revised suspension—alter handling and mass distribution slightly, but the boxer twin’s low center of gravity preserves confidence-inspiring stability. The modified suspension and damped rear shocks aim to balance classic styling with improved comfort over stock components.

Market Positioning and Comparisons

In the custom motorcycle market, the Survivor positions itself as a high-end one-off aimed at enthusiasts who value originality over trend-driven builds. Compared with mainstream cafe conversions or popular tracker builds, this Lord Drake Kustoms project leans heavier on artisan finishes and materials such as brass and leather. It sits between showroom-restored classics and extreme custom concours pieces, offering both usable performance and standout aesthetics.

Conclusion

The BMW R 100 Survivor is a thoughtful reinterpretation of an iconic platform. By blending bobber cues, cafe ergonomics and bespoke detailing, Lord Drake Kustoms created a motorcycle that honors the boxer heritage while asserting a distinct, modern personality. For collectors and riders seeking a unique custom with both form and function, the Survivor is a compelling example of what careful craftsmanship can achieve.