Description
Additional photos of the Hutchbilt Skyway are available here for your perusal.
Built in the style of a “boardracer” by Jeremy Hutch, this interesting 1979 BMW R80 custom is now known as “Skyway”. Skyway made the rounds in 2017 on the usual websites focused on custom motorcycle builds (such as Pipeburn), but it also transcended to general interest sites like HiConsumption, DesignBoom, Men’s Gear, Sharp Magazine, and more.
The original plan was for minimal modifications, but as Hutch told Pipeburn: “we’ve all seen customised BMW airheads, but to me they were starting to look a little clichéd. Not being one to conform, I wanted to create something totally different.” We’d say he’s succeeded, with a motorcycle that looks like nothing else we’ve seen. Jeremy says his inspirations included board track racers, California culture, and the Skyway BMX bike.
It’s an impressive build cosmetically and mechanically. Note the Mexican blanket-inspired tank livery in BMW racing colors, the walnut tank emblem, and custom billet fuel cap. The seat/tank cover is made out of suede, and it includes elastic and rare earth magnets to keep it tight to the tank. One of our favorite touches is the custom exhaust.
Tucked away in the above photo is another fascinating piece – two master cylinders operated from the rear brake. Jeremy wanted completely clean handlebars, which required a front brake lever delete. So he created a system that allows the rear brake pedal to operate both brakes (the rear drum has been replaced with a disc, to boot). The clean bars also required a twist clutch and internal throttle, both of which were sourced from Exile Cycles.
Other highlights of the work include a Yamaha R6 front end, custom shocks, custom rotors, and an incredible percentage of the Motogadget catalog. There are just 106 shakedown miles on this bike since the work was performed.
One of the most interesting builds from the 2010s, Skyway is a rare custom that you can comfortably enjoy – now it can be yours!
