BMW K100 Z17.4 "Barni"

The BMW K100 cafe racer "Barni" by Z17Customs is a Siberia-commissioned custom built on a foundation of trust: the client, based 3,400 kilometers from Moscow, never saw the bike until one week before completion. The result is a machine that balances modern performance with classic proportion.

The Concept

Every build at Z17Customs earns its own name, and Barni came to life during the process. The name nods to Barney the bear and to Barnaul, the Siberian hometown of the client, Konstantin. The brief arrived as a photograph: a build Konstantin admired, based on a BMW K100, which is the house specialty at Z17. What followed was a two-day negotiation to acquire the right donor bike near Moscow. The seller refused at first, then agreed on one condition: Z17 would also build him a Honda Gold Wing. They shook on it.

The Build

The reference image was designed as a showpiece, not a daily rider. Mike and Sergey adapted the design for real-world use. The front end received an upside-down fork for improved maneuverability in urban conditions. The rear disc was replaced with a wider unit to add the modern flair appropriate for a contemporary cafe racer. High-performance Pirelli tires were chosen for their balance of grip and style. Old headlights gave way to LED units. The seat was rebuilt as a double unit upholstered in Alcantara. Turn signals were integrated into the clip-on handlebars for a clean cockpit. Rizoma mirrors and a custom gas cap complete the surface details.

What Makes It

Removing the fairings and bulky original components produced a lightweight, agile K100 that handles with precision its original form never allowed. The absence of a rear fender is made practical by the slick tires, which deflect water and mud rather than lifting it onto the rider. The Alcantara seat and Rizoma hardware give Barni a premium finish that rewards close inspection. Konstantin flew 3,400 kilometers with his family to see the bike in person before it shipped. That journey says everything about what Z17Customs built.

Specifications

• Builder: Z17Customs
• Base bike: BMW K100
• Front suspension: Upside-down fork
• Tires: Pirelli high-performance
• Seat: Double, Alcantara upholstery
• Mirrors: Rizoma
• Lighting: LED headlights and integrated turn signals
• Gas cap: Custom

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