This 1976 BMW R75/6 was customized by Tim Harney, a trained product designer and long-time motorcycle-enthusiast based in Brooklyn. Taking a request for a low-maintenance ride, Harney delivered this no-nonsense airhead. He exchanged the original carburetors and air intake chamber in favor of Mikuni VM32s, installed a smaller battery and a diode board, custom-wired a fuse box, and converted the ignition to electronic. Moving forward, Harney swapped in a custom 2-in-1 exhaust system crafted from 304 stainless steel and an Arrow muffler, then went for Suzuki DR650 forks and chose a custom chromoly unit for the subframe. He hand-rolled the aluminum fenders, added low-rise bars and Renthal grips, updated to a Brembo master brake cylinder, integrated a braided hose, and chose to contrast a little red taillight with a Harley-Davidson Sportster headlight. Additionally, he softened the seat with brown cow-hide leather, refurbished the battered tank and painted it blue-gray, and sealed the job with a playful logo. What’s more—all modifications were done in Harney’s New York workshop.

Photography © Adam Lerner

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Holly

Holly is a poet from Kentucky. She grew up first in a Sears house, then on a farm. She studied English and Gender Studies at Mount Holyoke College and moved to Manhattan for love. As an occasional jewelry-maker and museum patron, Holly favors wearable and functional design but is eager to see work that challenges her aesthetics. Read more and connect by visiting her blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

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