Bike Builder Profile: Moto Rebuild

We are starting a new item here at BikeBrewers, where we take a closer look at the people that build the motorcycles instead of focusing on 1 specific bike, we call it: Bike Builder Profile. And for the very first edition of Bike Builder Profile, we have a very special candidate from the Netherlands: Moto Rebuild

You may have come across some very good-looking BMW R-series custom motorcycles on the internet or Instagram. The dynamic father-and-son duo, Mari and Maarten Bressers are at the heart of the Netherlands based Moto Rebuild. We’ve asked Maarten a few questions about their business, here’s what he had to say.

BB: How and/or why did you get into motorcycles?
MR: My dad made me addicted, he has been riding motorcycles for 40+ years and has often told me stories about his adventures when he took a road trip. Until one day I wanted to get my driver’s license myself and I always dreamed of building a BMW scrambler. New ones are too expensive, so what do you do when there is an expensive price tag? Build it yourself!

BB: When did you start riding (illegally or legally)?
MR: In 2014 after getting my driver’s license, before that I already owned my first bike, a BMW R1100GS so I couldn’t resist taking it for a spin from time to time… As a matter of fact, my father and I (Maarten) started converting the BMW before I even had my license!

BB: Since the R1100GS, what other motorcycles have you had?
MR: I’ve owned and modified a number of bikes, but mostly Honda’s and BMW boxers:
1981 Honda CB400N, 1980 Honda CX500, 1981 BMW R80RT, 1979 BMW R100RS, 1993 BMW R80R, and 1985 BMW R80RT

BB: Which of those bikes brings back the fondest memories?
MR: I think one of the last 2 motorcycles I’ve owned, both BMW R80’s. That’s because I’ve owned these longer and have ridden them more that any of the other bikes I’ve had. Now that we also ride more often and the summer is approaching, we get to meet more people. The bikes are always an interesting point of discussion with fellow bikers, but it always gives a great sense of satisfaction.

BB: Would you say that you have a brand preference? And why?
MR: Absolutely, BMW Boxers. The reason for that is the way the bike vibrates and shakes when it’s idling. It has a real nice character, very old school.

BB: Do you prefer riding or wrenching?
MR: Both! Our goal has always been to convert motorcycles for ourselves and that we can enjoy them ourselves. If we start feeling that itch to build again, we sell the bike we have, and buy another one to modify. This is the main difference between us and most other custom builders.

BB: What would you like to accomplish as a builder?
MR: I want us to be an inspiration for others, riders, builders and non-bikers. That is why we work on establishing our Instagram presence at the moment. But definitely being an inspiration to others who dream of building their own motorcycle.

BB: With an unlimited budget, what kind of motorcycle would you build?
MR: I think I would continue doing what we are already doing. It’s not about how much money you put into it, it’s about the vision and the number of hours of labor and love you put into it. The aim should always be to showcase the original characteristics of the bike.

BB: One of your latest bike builds is the BMW R80R. Could you tell us a bit more about this bike?
MR: I’ve had the R80R for some time and decided it was ready for a make-over again. I’d lke to think that this model has all the ingredients to create a fantastic custom motorcycle. I had a clear idea of how I wanted the bike to look. Furthermore, it already had wire-spoked wheels, which I absolutely love. It has a mono shock at the rear where we could weld a floating saddle, to give a bit more of a futuristic feel. My inspiration came from the fact that I didn’t wanted an old motorcycle to look and feel old.

BB: Did you face any challenges during the build?
MR: There were a few minor challenges. Coating the wheels took me the most time. I work together with my father on the bikes, we do most of the work together. Besides the electrical work, we do most of the stuff ourself. Some of the notable changes we’ve made are the tank swap, and the front fender. They really finish the bike off.

BB: So, now for the most important question of them all: how does it ride?
MR: It rides like a typical BMW: proper. It handles well, the power delivery and torque are smooth, and it sounds phenomenal.

Photo credits: Maarten Bressers

Builder details:
Moto Rebuild
Instagram