What do you get when an Italian custom builder wants to launch his shop with a radical bike design, using most of a German BMW R 1200 Boxer components and engine, but want to inject his creation with some English Cafe Racer/Italian sport bike DNA. The contraption seen here, displayed for the 1st time 3 weeks ago at the Milan EICMA show. Language barrier with Roman builder Giulio Paz didn’t permit me to gather a lot of information about this unusual custom motorcycle, but I hope that the pictures will do the talking for me.
When you ask BMW fans, the BMW R 1200 is considered a naked bike (of course as naked as BMW bikes can be…) mostly used for adventure riding after addition of bags! Something to let me confused… What I know for sure is that while keeping all basic BMW components of the original twin-cylinder 1170 cc engine, Paz was able to create a great looking machine, getting very close to winning Best Of Show in Milan when competing against some of the best European builders.
I was assured that Diva can be serviced by a BMW dealer, maybe leading Paz to create and offer a kit to all BMW 1200 owners. All body parts are carbon fiber for a total weight close to 350 lbs, a very light machine by BMW standards For looks, gas tank has been narrowed and shortened, still keeping a 4-gallon capacity, enough for an about 135-mile stint. Front end and seat are the most striking visual sport components. All the rest is a successful attempt at creating an eye catching motorcycle where educated eyes will easily recognize Italian styling. Giulio Paz Design.
Most unusual in a long time. At least the builder can’t be accused of copying anyone,
Interesting approach.
A good design concept.Why the fender doesn’t actually stop any junk hitting the rear shock has me beat.
To Terence Tory…After looking at a bike like this, your best comment is why the fender doesn’t actually stop any junk from hitting the rear shock. REALLY?
This is a magnificent bike! I’d love to take it for a spin some time!
Not bad looking at all
Tom Maioli, well you asked.Between the sidecovers there could have been a box for gloves and cheap thin rain pants,bike cover,lock,etc.The knee dents need a front contour to lock the knees in position when braking hard without the usual tank hump directly in front of the rider.The minimalist design is a good use of the essential components of a motorcycle.Looks good.
My first first comment was a minimalist comment on a minimalist bike.
Magnificent hot rod.
Whats the lever protruding from the end of the throttle grip? Is it a shield of some sort?
Graeme,the guard on the end of the throttle bar stops the front brake from operating if hit by another rider or bike.They are fitted to motoGP race bikes.
Different is good.
Its certainly not another “over-done-trend”…..
-nicker-
I am just struggling a bit to figure our exactly which of the “R1200 Boxer” models the original donor was. Looking at the principal frame it may in fact have been a GS (the all terrain one).
The reason I am interested is to get an idea of the power and/or torque to weight ratio. At 350 lbs ~ 160 kg’s (assuming dry weight), assuming it is a 2007 model GS (for no particular reason) = 100hp and 85 lb.ft (@ 5500 rpm) then = 75kW and 115Nm, so 75/160 ~ 0.5 kw/kg and 115/160 ~ 0.7Nm/kg – both VERY respectable figure. In fact the R1200 GS is a massively underrated donor for this kind of thing – you can get a very decent one (2nd hand or so) for a steal (there are so many for one).
I can just imagine blasting past Flavian Amphitheater and into a back alley, saluting a local traffic official, with a looooong middle finger…
Taking absolutely nothing from this build – I like it a lot – mine would have a bit more of a drop-seat (with a small rear cowl/fender) and clip-ons, ie keeping more in line with the classic “café-racer” stance.
PS – check out ‘ZEN’ on his website – I think it is even more impressive.
Wild!….def would love to ride it