The Escape
Machine
a CUSTOM BMW R100R
made by HOVS & ONEYEDEER
Model: Shaye Murray
It all began with a photograph.
As I walked through the streets of Brooklyn I spotted a motorcycle parked on the street that caught my eye – a modified 1984 BMW R80.
Excited about the bike, I snapped a photo and showed it to an old friend, Matias Corea. Fate intervened when Matias revealed the builder of the motorcycle was his friend, Seba Achaval.
A connection was made, and a vision began to take shape.
Humble
Beginnings
The project started with a running 1984 BMW R80ST (which we ultimately switched to a R100R) – a solid donor bike that would soon prove to be just the beginning of a much grander transformation.
Anyone familiar with me knows I’m passionate about my work: every project must be a designed object, an art piece, a unique concept that performs as beautifully as it looks.
I imagined something that wouldn't feel too fabricated. It had to be handmade, something with charm, something with a unique personality and road presence.
Teaming up with Seba (oneYedeer) marked the beginning of a beautiful project and friendship.
The
inspiration
During the initial research phase, Seba discovered my stunning Mercedes 190E from 1989 with its distinctive warm metallic grey finish. An idea was born.
The car's angular lines, blocky headlights, and tail spoiler sparked an audacious idea. What if we created a "sacrilegious concept" by combining BMW and Mercedes design languages?
The proposal to use a Mercedes color on a BMW was unconventional, but we embraced the creative tension.
The Design
Evolution
The build began with a crucial upgrade to the front end. Rather than modify the original forks, we sourced a 2018 CBR1000RR front end, complete with Nissin calipers and Galfer rotors. This modern foundation would provide superior handling and braking while offering a more muscular aesthetic.
The tank position was modified by slanting it upwards with custom mounting points, creating both an aggressive stance and practical space for the updated electronics.
Seba continued with the experimentation using two 1970s KZ cowls to perfect the proportions. The goal was clear: create a sporty, aggressive solo-seater without leaning too much into common race bike aesthetics.
A defining design element emerged – a bold line running from front to back that inspired the tank's two-tone finish.
The upper section would wear the Mercedes paint code, while the lower portion would be finished in satin black, a theme that would extend to the front fairings and oil cooler.
The stark contrast between the Mercedes-inspired elements and the deep satin black powder coated framework created a sophisticated visual hierarchy.
This wasn't just about aesthetics. Every design choice served to enhance the riding experience, with the machinery receding into shadow beneath the rider's perspective.
Teaming up
with Myth Motors
The engine rebuild fell to our friend Matias at Myth Motors whose expertise with airheads proved invaluable. Matias’ focus when rebuilding engines is in longevity and reliability. The engine was a low mileage donor, but ran fine when the bike was acquired. The piston walls and the cylinder walls had little wear, so we decided to only replace the piston rings and con rod bearings.
All tile end gaskets and rubber parts were replaced. We refreshed the rear main seal, cleaned and inspected the oil pump with its o-ring, replaced the timing chain, crank nose seal, new clutch, and installed a new EME started motor mode more cranking power, less weight and less battery draw.
Carburetors were rebuilt and rejetted to accommodate the switch from airbox to pods.
The transmission was completely overhauled and since it hadn’t seen any abuse, it only requested cleaning, new bearings, gaskets, seals, clips and springs.
Modern upgrades included an airbox delete with a lithium Antigravity 8-cell battery installation, complete with custom cooling solutions and convenient charging access.
Custom
Fabrication
The subframe represents perhaps the most significant custom work, built around a 1½-inch steel main pipe extending from the center spine, reinforced with ¾-inch chromoly triangulated supports.
The riding position was completely reimagined, with the foot controls relocated to the passenger peg position and controls modified accordingly.
The seat base, constructed from fiberglass, was topped with carefully layered memory foam and wrapped in black Alcantara.
The front fairing's centerpiece was produced in collaboration with our friend Marlon who took care of the 3D printing and refinements. We then paired it with a 1980s Jeep Wrangler headlight.
Custom brackets were fabricated to mount both the light and the 3D-printed fairing, which incorporated subtle aerodynamic elements inspired by Mercedes' design language.
The wiring harness was completely stripped out and replaced by a custom Motogadget Mo-Unit, eliminating the original fuse box, breakers, and relays.
A Chronoclassic 2 speedometer in black, M-switches, and fully adjustable billet aluminum clip-ons in anodized black completed the cockpit setup.
Custom controls included CBR1000RR aftermarket levers, braided hoses, and Rizoma reservoirs, all finished with custom machined aluminum bar ends.
In addition, we teamed up with jewelry designer Ashley Keeper on a fully custom tank emblem made out of bronze.
The tail section, featuring integrated LED lighting with running, brake, and turn signal functions, was laser-cut and welded in-house, completing the retro-future aesthetic.
The finished motorcycle represents more than just a custom build – it's a philosophical statement about breaking traditional boundaries in automotive design.
By merging Mercedes-Benz aesthetic elements with BMW mechanics, Seba created something entirely new while respecting both brands' heritage. The bike maintains its clear identity as a BMW airhead, but with an unexpected twist that only those with a keen eye for design might fully appreciate.
Thank you to everyone who's been involved in this project. Thank you Seba, Matias, Marlon, Ashley, Mark (BrooklynMoto), Rares, Andrew, Surya, Lizzy, Shaye, Barron and everyone else who's been involved over the past 2 years.
Thank you for
visiting the house.
