The BMW K1100LT is not a motorcycle most riders picture when thinking of cafe racers. It’s large, built for long-distance touring, and known for police service. But one builder in Melbourne saw something different.
This project, named “Twisted94”, takes a 1994 ex-police BMW K1100LT and transforms it into a clean, minimalist cafe racer. It’s a full custom build that combines raw engine presence with thoughtful design choices. The result is both functional and visually balanced.
This article explores the full journey of that transformation, from the original concept to the final ride.
From Patrol Duty to Garage Glory
The BMW K1100LT first appeared in 1991. It came with a 1092cc inline-four engine that produced around 100 horsepower. The motor was mounted flat inside the frame, which earned the K-series the nickname “Flying Brick.” This setup reduced power loss to the rear wheel and gave the bike strong highway performance.
Over time, the K1100LT became popular among police departments worldwide. Its durability, upright riding position, and stable chassis made it suitable for patrol work. In Australia, many of these bikes served in the New South Wales Police Force. They often came fitted with radar systems, lights, and custom brackets.
Despite its size and weight, the K1100LT had real potential for custom work. Its frame could be adapted, and the engine layout gave it a unique visual appeal. Some riders saw the platform as a challenge. Others saw an opportunity to create something original.
Meet the Builder: Twisted Fate Builds
Scott is the person behind Twisted Fate Builds. He lives in Melbourne, Australia. He works as an electrician but spends his free time building motorcycles. His interest in bikes started early. His first motorcycle was a small Honda Z50R. Over the years, his interest grew. He wanted to build a custom bike for himself. Not for show. Not for sale. Just for the experience.
For a long time, he only talked about building a cafe racer. He followed other builders online. He saved ideas. But he never started. Then one day, his wife told him to stop waiting and make the call. That call was about a 1994 BMW K1100LT. It was an old police bike. He bought it. That was the beginning of his first full custom project.
The Vision Behind the Build
Scott had a clear goal. He wanted to build a cafe racer that looked simple, clean, and mechanical. No extra parts. No distractions. His aim was to highlight the engine, the lines, and the form. He wanted the bike to feel balanced from front to back. Every change had to serve a purpose.
He spent time studying other custom bikes before starting. He followed builders like @ditstang from Arizona and @kustom_moto from the UK. Their work gave him ideas. He liked their use of space and how they kept things compact. He used their examples to guide his own project.
Just like many other builders, Scott gathered ideas from the online custom scene. If you are looking for similar inspiration, my website also features unique builds, design ideas, and helpful insights for cafe racer enthusiasts. It is a space to explore different styles and learn from real-world projects.
He planned every part of the bike with care. He chose to keep most of the original structure but change how it looked and felt. His goal was not to copy. His goal was to build a machine that reflected his own taste. One that showed both function and character.
The Transformation: What Makes Twisted94 Stand Out
Frame and Bodywork
Scott started by dismantling the entire motorcycle. He removed every part except the tank, frame, and wheels. These were sent out for painting. The rest he cleaned, polished, or painted himself. He shortened the subframe to support a new single-seat design. A small taillight was mounted inside the seat for a cleaner rear profile. He also designed and built a custom license plate holder using 8mm thick aluminum. It was cut and shaped by hand to match the new rear section.
Performance and Handling Upgrades
To improve ride quality, he installed a YSS Topline rear shock. This upgrade helped the bike handle better under load. He also replaced the original rear wheel with one from a BMW K1200. This change gave the bike a more aggressive stance. The front and rear brakes were rebuilt with new pads and discs. He added HEL braided brake lines for better braking response. He also cleaned and reused the brass brake splitter and mounted it on a new brace.
Tech and Electronics
The dashboard was replaced with a Motogadget Motoscope Pro unit. To install it, he found a compatible top yoke and rewired the system using the original harness. He removed unused cables to keep things clean. Lighting was upgraded across the bike. A Koso Thunderbolt headlight gave the front a modern look. Turn signals came from Highsider and Kellerman, chosen for their size and brightness. Cooling performance was also improved with a low-profile SPAL puller fan, placed inside the original fan housing.
Custom Details That Turn Heads
Scott reused several factory parts in new ways. For example, the footpeg plates came from a K100 but were trimmed and polished to fit this bike. The exhaust was rerouted to the right side. This made the rear wheel more visible and improved the overall balance of the build. These choices helped turn a large touring bike into a refined custom cafe racer without hiding its original identity.
Here is a photo shoot video of the Twisted94. This ex-police BMW K1100LT has been fully transformed into a custom cafe racer. Watch it to see the details, lines, and craftsmanship up close.
What It’s Like to Ride
Twisted94 rides with strength and control. The engine responds quickly. It pulls hard in every gear. For a large bike, it feels lighter than expected during movement. The upgraded suspension helps it stay steady on different roads. The brakes work well, thanks to the modern components and clean setup.
The riding position is lower than the original model. It matches the café racer style but still feels comfortable. The handlebars sit in a neutral spot. The foot controls are close and direct. The bike feels tight and balanced at moderate speeds.
Scott used to ride a BMW S1000RR daily. Compared to that, Twisted94 is slower to react but more satisfying in a different way. It feels mechanical. It feels personal. People look at it when it passes. Some stop to ask questions. It attracts attention for its shape and sound. Not for volume, but for character.
What This Build Means for the Community
Twisted94 is more than a one-off project. It shows what is possible when a builder works with clear goals, patience, and basic tools. Scott did not have formal training. He used a manual, online videos, and help from other builders. This method made the project real and honest.
The build also reflects the value of shared knowledge. Scott followed other custom builders for ideas. He also asked questions and joined conversations. These small steps helped him solve problems during the process. The result shows how strong the community can be when people support each other.
For new builders, this project is a strong example. It shows that a first build does not need to be rushed or perfect. It only needs a clear plan and steady progress. Twisted94 helps others believe they can also start and finish a complete café racer using their own approach.
Final Thoughts: Why Twisted94 Deserves the Spotlight
Twisted94 stands out because of its careful design and honest execution. The builder did not hide the bike’s original form. He used it as a base to create something personal. Each part was selected or modified for a reason. Nothing was added without purpose.
The build keeps the strong engine as the main focus. It shows how a touring bike can become a cafe racer without losing identity. The final shape is balanced. The parts work together visually and mechanically. The result is simple but complete.
This project matters because it shows respect for the process. It proves that custom bikes can be built with time, planning, and effort. Twisted94 is not just a finished motorcycle. It is a working example of what one person can achieve through learning, discipline, and passion.
Disclaimer
This article is based entirely on publicly available information and media provided by the original builder and published by BikeBound. I do not have direct experience with this motorcycle or the builder. The purpose of this content is to highlight the work of Twisted Fate Builds and to share it with fellow café racer enthusiasts. All technical descriptions and build details are credited to the original sources.
