From big Bavarian globe-trotter to sleek urban street tracker…
The BMW R1200GS is one of the most successful adventure bikes ever produced, an 1170cc boxer twin that’s conveyed riders around the globe since its introduction in 2004. Notably, Ewan MacGregor and Charley Boorman rode a pair of R1200GS Adventure BMWs for the TV Series Long Way Down, documenting their trip from Scotland to South Africa. The R1200GS was 66 pounds lighter with 19% more power (109 horsepower) than the bike it replaced, the R1150GS.
Enter Tony Calasso of Milan’s Tony’s Toy Custom Motorcycles. Tony, a former European supersport champion and instructor for BMW Motorrad’s own Italian riding academy, decided to strip down and streamline the overengineered Bavarian behemoth, creating one of the most robust urban enduros / street trackers we have seen. Swathed in camouflage, the bike is appropriately nicknamed “Army.” Truly, the bike looks like a bike the special forces would ride into an urban street battle!
Below, we get the full story!
“Army” BMW R1200 Street Tracker: Builder Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
Tony’s Toy Custom Motorcycles is a brand created by Tony Calasso, former national and international renowned rider. TTCM builds special bikes of every kind and our idea is to have fun and to involve the owner like if the bike were a toy.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
It is a BMW R1200GS (2007) “The Army”
• Why was this bike built?
For a custom-project and for sale
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build
The idea it was to build a motorcycle that no one has ever made, based on a BMW iconic boxer engine and to create a new style unknown to the public.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
We made several changes eliminating the telelever, building our handcraft frame and returning to traditional forks. Now, the motorcycle is much more compact and aggressive than the original one.
We also changed the headlamp surrounded by a small frame of our production, and the tank, similar to the Aprilia RXV 450 Enduro one, is done in aluminum and it has a larger gas capacity.
All the backside of the bike, considered by many a “Bad ass”, has been totally modified, including the frame.
• How would you classify this bike?
Street Tracker
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
We were very proud to have created step by step a unique bike and the feeling that the public expressed when they saw the “Army” was our greatest satisfaction.
Follow the Builder
- Website: www.tonystoy.net
- Instagram: @tonystoy87
- Facebook: Tony’s Toy
BMW R1200GS Street Tracker by Tony’s Toy - From big Bavarian globe-trotter to sleek urban street tracker… The BMW R1200GS is one of the most successful adventure bikes ever produced, an 1170cc boxer twin that’s conveyed riders around the globe since its introduction […]
BMW R1200 Supermoto by Tony’s Toy Custom Motorcycles - The BMW R1200ST was the sport touring version of the venerable big Bavarian boxer — a “long-distance sprinter” sporting a 110-hp flat twin and controversial vertical headlight. Though the bike received high marks for power […]
Honda CBX1000 Streetfighter by Tony’s Toy - “The Vincent Black Shadow of 1979” — Cycle Guide The Honda CBX (or CBX1000) had one of the most incredible engines ever produced, a 1047cc air-cooled inline six that offered 105 horsepower at 9000 rpm. […]Source...
