MeGa1 is a BMW cafe racer based on an early 1972 R75/5 salvaged from beneath a porch. It was built over a period of three years at the MotoEuro Garage West in Middleburg, FL. Barely completed in Fall 2006, we took it up to Barber Motorsport Park (AL) for their vintage weekend where it was selected as the Best European motorcycle at the Motorcycle Classics Magazine concours. 

The following year it won the European Specials class at Riding Into History and in 2009 took part in Dennis Gage's Riding Through History video. During the past several years the bike has been featured in a number of magazines, and was included in a book on cafe racers. 

Today it gets occasional airings but serves mainly as a reminder of what two old guys can do with simple garage tools in their first ever full build. Proving its staying power, despite bring an older design and having some miles on it, the MeGa took a solid third place in a strong class at the 2020 Dania Vintage Motorcycle Show.

 
Here's a before and after set demonstrating how much restoration, modification and fabrication was required. 

For a more detailed look at the  build click here.
In the years since our build there has been great resurgence in cafe racers. On The Level magazine has been continually featuring BMW cafes. Virtually all have been professionally built.

 I felt the MeGa had a unique story in its design and build. Finally, after some prodding, I submitted an article to Will Guyan, OTL's editor. It was published as a five page article  in the May/June 2015 issue.

The full text can be found here.