"The Shark" BMW R75 by Titan Motorcycles

The BMW R75 custom built by Titan Motorcycles and named "The Shark" is one of the most distinctive cafe racer builds to come out of Austria. Created at the Graz workshop of Michael Siebenhofer and Thanh Ho Ngo, it uses parts from a BMW R45 and R75 to build a motorcycle that looks unlike anything Bavarian Motor Works ever produced.

The Shark: Starting Point and Frame

The build began, as all Titan projects do, by stripping the donor bikes to the bare essentials and identifying what could be kept, what needed replacing, and what should be invented from scratch. The original subframe was discarded in favour of a custom leaf-spring unit that doubles as the seat support structure. The leaf spring retains some movement, providing minimal but real suspension compliance at the tail.

The frame itself carries an applied patina finish, giving the BMW R75 custom a raw, organic surface that contrasts with the precision of the machined components, as documented by Pipeburn.

Bodywork, Seat, and Details

The tank and front sections were custom-fabricated by Blechmann, a specialist metal fabricator. The seat is upholstered in sturgeon fish leather, a material chosen both for its durability and its unusual texture. The same leather wraps the clip-on handlebars, maintaining a consistent tactile identity across every touch point.

Lighting is handled by Kellerman LED units. The instrument cluster is a Motogadget Motoscope Mini, keeping the dashboard minimal. Rear-sets are from LSL. Every component choice prioritises function, but the aggregate effect is unmistakably aesthetic.

Engine and Performance Upgrades

The boxer engine received a Siebenrock Power Kit bringing displacement up to 860cc. Supporting the increased output is a two-into-one exhaust system, a K&N air filter, and Ducati Monster 696 rear shocks for improved suspension. Brembo M4 calipers manage braking, providing the stopping force appropriate for a machine of this performance level. Full build details are available on the Titan Motorcycles website.

Custom BMW Motorcycles at TheArsenale

The Shark represents a philosophy shared by the finest custom builders: that a motorcycle's potential is only partially expressed from the factory. TheArsenale carries several custom BMW motorcycles built with the same discipline, including the BMW K75 Scrambler by The Foundry, the BMW R100 Scrambler by Herencia Custom Garage, and the BMW K100 Sir Ulrich by NCT Motorcycles. Browse the full motorcycle collection to find your next custom build.