LATHSPELL

Láthspell, a 1991 BMW K100 ex-police bike destined for the scrap yard makes its reappearance as the white rider; a modern leaning retro cafe racer with a completely electric engine, power matched and hidden by facias mimicking the contours of the combustion engine. With most of the work going into the electric drive system, the design was heavily inspired from RetroRides, Powerbrick Performance and Christian Gill of ZiggyWorks; all of which have created their own world-class K100 cafe racers and have parts directly featured on Láthspell.

Automation engineer Marshall Hewitt built this bike with the goal of maintaining the stock and iconic look of the K100 engine aka The Flying Brick; intently deceiving those from even knowing it was electric. Having previously built and passionate about cafe racers from vintage motorcycles he thought: “there had to be a way to get electric benefits without giving up the look”. All of the optional features 3D printed from glass impregnated ABS, designed from 3D scans of the combustion engine are there to honor the removed internal combustion engine; engine block, covers, oil pump, radiator, air boxes, intake system, ignition coils and exhaust.

This basketcase of a bike was rescued from Jeff and his son, also Jeff, from the backwoods of Taylors South Carolina. With the engine almost seized completely, it was the perfect candidate for an electric swap. It was disassembled down to every last component and meticulously made new again rebuilding the forks, steer tube, transmission, wheels and final drive with new seals and bearings. Any features necessary for the internal combustion engine were removed and saved. The ABS was also deleted and the brakes were rebuilt fresh.

The frame was cleaned up, removing any unnecessary features and strengthened to support the new rear suspension and subframe designed by RetroRides. New progressive springs were upgraded in the front suspension and lowered 75mm for a more aggressive stance. The seat and mount was beautifully handmade by Manchester UK builder Christian Gill. The headlight fairing (inspired and reformatted from Powerbrick Performance’s design), tank and cowl were painted matte white and adorned with custom badges, also supplied by Powerbrick. The custom tank lid conveniently covers the charging port with the tank covering the onboard charging system and the completely rewired harness controlled by a Motogadget M-Unit Blue. The M-Unit acts as the interface for the hand and foot controls and communicates with the electric controller and power safety system.

The front controls sport a Brembo master cylinder and Domino clutch, which for this bike maintains its stock riding philosophy, keeping the ability to trim or remove power altogether with a spring loaded electric clutch. M.button switches control the signals, horn, contactor for high voltage power (starter) and setup for the Motoscope Mini. Integrated into the top fork clamp are two BMW style buttons toggling sport mode and charge enable. A Domino electric racing throttle delivers the right feel and feedback for laying down the DC motor’s power.

An elegant set of Powerbrick rear sets can be found on the rear controls, with the shifter locked in place just for show. The stock transmission now acts as a fixed gearbox receiving an optionally beefy 5th gear as this bike no longer needs the 1st through 4th gears; 5th gear provides the required gearing from the motor to the rear wheel. Coupled directly to the transmission and attached to the stock frame mounts is the heart of this build; the Electro Motorworks K100 electric engine package.

No permanent desecration took place to install the electric engine package by Electro Motorworks; the electric conversion company owned by the bike builder Marshall Hewitt. EMW’s goal is to provide the least abrasive electric motorcycle conversion options functionally and aesthetically; offering a direct combustion engine replacement package that requires no permanent modifications to your motorcycle that utilizes all the existing engine mounts, and mechanical and electrical connections. The K100 electric engine package will be available for purchase at the end of 2024.

Under the engine mimicking facias hides the motor and controller with the 8.2 kWh CATL battery pack, boasting bursts of 35kW of power pushing past 100 mph in sport mode and delivering over 100 miles eMPG in eco (but still sporty) mode. Capable of Level I and II onboard charging, this bike can be charged quickly at any industrial charger via the J1772 port. The fake engine covers house the power distribution, controls and safety system keeping the rider as safe as possible. The system display showing battery charge level and component temperatures is optionally and easily hidden for the ultimate electric stealth machine.

Electric is here and has solidified its space as a viable option for modern motorist. More than just their sustainability claims, electric drive systems provide a unique driving experience with advantages towards serviceability, reliability and safety.

Donor Bike: 1991 BMW K100

Frame: Stripped, cleaned and powder coated

Body: Refinished and modified tank, subframe and cowl from Retrorides design, seat from ZiggyWorks, fairing 3D printed: design inspired by Powerbrick Performance

Engine: Electro Motorworks eK100 electric engine package w/ 8.2 kWh CATL battery

Brakes: Front and rear full brake rebuild with Venhill brake lines

Controls: Brembo master cylinders, Domino clutch and electric throttle, Motogadget mirror, Biltwell grips, Powerbrick Performance rear set kit

Wheels: Powder coated stock wheels, Avon Roadrider MKII Tires (100/90-18 front, 130/90-17 rear)

Front Suspension: Shaved fork legs, lowered (3in) with progressive springs

Rear Suspension: Retrorides design with YSS Topline shock

Electronics: M.unit blue controller, Koso thunderbolt headlight, M.blaze disc front turn signals, Honda CBR 600 tail light with integrated turn signals, M.button switches, Motoscope mini, Electro Motorworks integrated BMW buttons

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Non-electric builds

Showcasing additional services provided by Electro Motorworks: Minimization of components, modern controllers capable of fuse elimination, controls safety and power isolation, GPS functionality, keyless start, and more.