How an '83 BMW R100RT Became "Winnie the Pooh"

Originally a tired and neglected 1983 BMW R100RT, Scott Gercovich of Melbourne’s Twisted Fate Custom has fully restored this vintage air-cooled Boxer. What started as an almost unrideable project that barely survived the ride home, turned into an impressive custom build.

When Scott first discovered it in Melbourne, the 1983 BMW R100RT was in bad shape, with missing bolts, a dry sump, and a broken crankshaft. In his own words, “She earned the name ‘Winnie the Pooh’ because, frankly, she looked and rode like a mess, barely making the short trip home.”

But, where most would have seen a lost cause, Scott saw an opportunity for something unique. Within hours, she had been stripped down to the last nut and bolt, ready for a full rebuild.

Falling down the R-Series Rabbit Hole

Scott Gercovich, an electrician by day, long-time rider and short-time garage bike builder, had recently finished his first custom build, a 1994 BMW K1100LT. But while building that bike, he discovered the world of R-series motorcycles and became drawn to it right away. Seeing Boxers stripped and the creation process sparked a new passion. By the time the K1100 was finished, he knew his next project had to be an R-series.

When Winnie arrived, it was clear she had a long way to go which was also part of the experience.

Stripped Down and Built from Ground Up

Within hours of arriving at the garage, Winnie was stripped done to the last nut and bolt. The bottom-end was sent for professional restoration and when it returned, Scott took over all the details.

All the rings, seals, gaskets, nuts, and bolts were replaced. The engine block was finished with Duplicolor wrinkle coat, and the cylinder heads were professionally reconditioned and capped with new peanut covers. The frame was fixed in certain sports and realigned before rewelding it and installing new shock mounts to add strength and geometry. After this process, Winnie’s frame was coated with Armor Black Cerakote giving her a clean and durable finish.

Brakes, Carburettors and Hidden Details

The Brembo callipers were completely taken apart, rebuilt, and finished Tequila Sunrise Cerakote, with carbon-look HEL brake lines. A Tequila Sunrise finish was also applied to the starter motor, in Scott ’s words, it’s “a little surprise for the next owner under the cover”

The Bing carburettors were repaired and coated with Cerakote Titanium, giving the engine a more refined, mechanical feel. Additionally, Scott had a custom top yoke built to support the motogadget dash, along with unique billet grips to create that streamline look. Small details like these bring the project from restoration to a custom creation.

Modern Electrics, Classic Character

As an electrician, Scott paid careful attention to the wiring. His highlight was that Winnie received a complete Motogadget Mo-Unit Blue rewire, including Rebel Moto switches, a motoscope pro dash, a Koso headlight, Highsider turn signals, and a lithium regulator/rectifier.

Winnie is powered by a small LiFePO4 Aliant lithium battery that sits in the airbox cover, which also has a CTEK trickle charging port. The end result is a 40 year old Boxer with modern electrics while keeping its classic character

Position, Seating and Final Touches

The forks were rebuilt and shortened by 25mm, and a YSS Topline rear suspension set improved the stance. Additionally, a MessnerMoto seat bracket and a Silvermachine surede bobber seat improved the rear end.

Lastly, the BMW Frozen Dark Grey fuel tank with custom pinstriping was the finishing touch.

From Wreck to Winnie

What makes Winnie special is not just the parts or finishes, but the thought and care that went into each choice. Scott Gercovich’s Twisted Fate Custom led the repair, rebuild and redesign of all the components.

What started as a barely working, neglected R100RT has evolved into a fully functioning, upgraded Boxer. It demonstrated that even the most challenging job can become something enjoyable if you are ready to reconstruct every inch with vision and patience.

“Absolutely nothing was left untouched and it has been an absolute joy bringing this rough girl back to life”