Ron Dey, a self-proclaimed BMW enthusiast, has a passion for both cars and motorcycles. Based in Arkansas, he has a long standing admiration for the German brand’s four wheeled vehicles and has spent a significant portion of his career working for Motorsports Authority.
During his time there, he was involved in numerous custom car projects, many of which were showcased at SEMA. Nearby car dealerships Dey’s obsession with BMW is evident in his personal car collection, which boasts a substantial number of Bavarian four wheelers.
His passion eventually extended to motorcycles, and he became particularly intrigued by the K series in its various iterations. While Motorrad’s classic air-cooled boxers are generally more popular, Dey’s preference for the “Flying Brick” sets him apart from the mainstream.
True to his unconventional taste, Dey fully embraced the K series and goes into the platform’s intricacies. His prior experience with custom cars quickly led him to explore customization options for his K bikes, resulting in the establishment of K Bike Cafe and fascinating the custom bike community with his unique creations.
One such project, a 1985 K 100 RS, showcases Dey’s ability to transform a classic motorcycle into a modern cafe racer. The build involved stripping the donor bike of its factory bodywork, suspension, wheels, and brakes, and replacing them with components from a 2006 Yamaha R1.
A CNC machined top clamp from Dixon Parts facilitated the front fork conversion, while a Brembo master cylinder and Messner Moto fluid reservoir provided enhanced braking performance. Ron Dey’s K 100 Cafe Racer is a testament to the art of motorcycle customization.
By skillfully blending elements from various BMW models, Dey has created a unique and visually stunning machine that is both a tribute to the original K 100 and a showcase of modern engineering. The bike’s sleek lines, premium materials, and meticulous attention to detail make it a standout in custom motorcycles.