BMW

Spitfire R1200R by VTR

In the "high tech" era we are going through it is gratifying to note that certain models of motorcycles continue to include technology and know "old school". This is precisely the case with this wonderful "piece" of art, recently prepared for "Drag" races by Atelier VTR Customs.This fantastic preparation is based on a BMW R1200R, supplied by the brand itself and is also a partnership with the well-known Dutch watch brand TW Steel, which recently launched a new collection of watches nicknamed ACE Spitfire.We all know of the famous World War II aircraft, which made history in the skies of England, in fights that have inspired to this day numerous filmmakers, who have seen their glory days end in the year 1954 when the Royal Air Force decided it was time to replace him.

Inspired by the construction technology of these times, VTR partners are even familiar to the builders of the famous Spitfire fighters. And in this process there is no cutting-edge technology or computers to design the components. All the work is done from drawings and sketches made on paper and passed to the metal at the expense of hammering, sandbags and the so-called "English Wheel".

The whole effort in the development of this project has been largely compensated because the final result is extraordinary. The whole work of rivets is in fact remarkable and executed in exactly the same way as it was in the 30's.From the beginning it was defined that the bike would not be a motorcycle exhibition nor to be placed in any museum. Another reality contemplated was that Spitfire (the name means "spitfire") was intended to literally spit fire by its escapes, living up to the name with which it was to be baptized.



The initial design project was born in a French studio called Barbara Design, and featured a huge, torpedo-shaped showcase fully lined with aluminum to make the old aircraft look.According to Dani Weidman, the owner of VTR Customs, the most cost was to be able to finish drawing the air intakes and decide where to cut the various aluminum plates, as well as all the work around the front wheel in order to maintain the appearance of the total involvement of the same without impairing its functionality.

The drag competitions in Sultans of Sprint also value the work done in the construction beyond the speed so in that aspect the Spitfire of the VTR would gain some advantage. However the regulation sets limits on power / weight ratio so that the BMW boxer motor can not be changed or increased its power. They were only able to work at the admission and exhaust level and gain 10 hp having the boxer engine passed to debit about 135 hp.

To achieve the "Spitfire" effect they developed an ingenious system by placing a spark plug in the exhaust tips and a tube connected to the tank that with a pump injected gasoline vaporizing it into the exhaust, which through two switches explode the same creating the effect of "fire sprinkler", but only before and after the races and with the aim of "impose respect" on opponents.
To gain more stability and keep the BMW Spitfire as close to the track as possible during the race the VTR worked at steering column level by increasing the angle to the maximum allowed of 20º. Usually it is in the rear moto that intervene by increasing the length of the swingarm and the wheelbase by moving the center of gravity further to the front of the bike. However, the transmission shaft of the boxer engine limits this possibility.

In the preparation were used top components such as Magura radial disc brakes but also used original controls of the control panel of the Sptitfire fighter, acquired in the company that precisely produces these instruments still today for the recovery and maintenance of the old aircraft.VTR Customs now has 2 BMWs fully prepared for the Drag Race in the Sultans of Speed ​​competition: the TW Steel Spitfire and the BMW R80 Polizei. For those who have the opportunity to watch live on one of the TW Steel Spitfire races remember to keep a safe distance before the start of the same because the monster "Cospe" even fire ...

Pedro Rocha-Sportauto, direto de Portugal
Source:Bike Exif