BMW K1600 GTL Custom Project by Ken’s Factory  

Two very special custom motorcycles were created as part of a BMW Motorrad “Ignite Straight Six” contest between 2 Japanese builders, Keiji Kawakita from Hot-Dock Custom-Cycles and Ken Nagai from Ken’s Factory. Here is the one created by Ken’s Factory.

Constraints imposed by BMW Motored were to keep the factory frame (could be modified) and of course the engine. Doesn’t make the customization process as simple as it may sounds. Turning the high-class BMW K1600 GTL touring bike with ergonomics designed for long trips into a Digger required a lot of studying and planning. Not doubt that the K1600 in-line 6-cylinder engine is the most efficient and compact motor ever installed in a production motorcycle series. So, why not make it serve a machine with a completely different personality, one more in phase with what the Ken’s Factory likes to build when dealing with a V-Twin motor.

Nagai performed surgery beyond recognition, ripping away from the factory BMW comfort by chopping anything ornamental and unnecessary, emphasizing only the 6-cylinder engine. Hundreds of pounds were shaved with the bike going from over-dressed to raw and aggressive looking, emphasizing the K1600’s powerplant architecture.

Frame neck was raked to install, chopper style, a one-off aluminum girder-type front end. Bodywork is hand-made from aluminum with a special mention for merit to the fabricated front cowl housing incorporating the headlight, then the rear sub-frame and the low seat. The “Ken’s Factory Special” BMW now rolls on a beautiful 23-inch front and a 20-inch rear wheel. A cool machine proving again that whatever brand and factory model you end up with, anything and everything is always possible to make it to your own taste and purpose. Ken’s Factory.

Source Cyril Huze