FIELD NOTES / 001
THE DIAMOND
JOURNAL
Motorcycles, engineering and the decisions behind every detail. Technical answers and original perspectives from Diamond Atelier.
01 / THE PLATFORM
THE BMW
AIRHEAD
REIMAGINED.
R100R, R100GS and the two-valve Boxer: a guide to the motorcycles behind the Diamond Atelier approach.
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WHERE DOES THE BATTERY GO?
Frame tube, beneath the tank or another carefully engineered location: the packaging decisions behind a clean build.
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THE GEOMETRY OF CONTROL.
Handlebar shape, rider position and control placement shape how a BMW Airhead feels before the engine even starts.
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MONOLEVER OR PARALEVER?
A clear guide to BMW two-valve rear suspension and the custom-build choices it changes.
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R100R OR R100GS?
Which classic boxer makes the right starting point for a custom build?
READ THE STORY ↗WHERE DO THE ELECTRONICS GO?
How Diamond Atelier packages the mo.unit, ignition components and regulator in a clean BMW two-valve Boxer build.
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COMPACT POWER, CLEAN BUILD.
A practical guide to compact BMW Airhead starter batteries, frame-tube and under-tank packaging, and charging-system checks.
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THE BALANCED BOXER.
When crankshaft lightening and fine balancing may fit a BMW two-valve boxer engine project, and what is assessed first.
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THE RIGHT GEARING.
BMW two-valve Boxer gearbox rebuilding, longer or shorter ratios, and the questions to answer before choosing parts.
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17-INCH CROSS-SPOKE WHEELS.
What matters when specifying a 17-inch cross-spoke wheelset for a BMW Airhead, including the Mark II Evo approach.
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WHY DOES THE BATTERY DRAIN?
Battery draining or charging lamp changed after a BMW 2V instrument conversion? Check the circuit before buying another battery.
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OIL IN THE AIRBOX.
Oil in the airbox of a BMW R100? Understand the crankcase breather, common checks and when an open filter needs careful design.
READ THE STORY ↗A SIGNATURE SUSPENSION.
Sag, load, wheel choice and geometry before choosing the Wilbers × Diamond Atelier Signature shock for R100R or R100GS.
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THE PISTON SURFACE.
Why a piston-skirt coating may be considered during a measured BMW Boxer engine rebuild.
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TWO SPARKS, ONE SYSTEM.
An individually engineered dual-ignition conversion for BMW two-valve Boxer engines.
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THE RIGHT R NINET DONOR.
Compare the classic R nineT, Pure, Scrambler and Urban G/S as custom-build starting points; keep the R 12 generation separate.
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A SHORTER TAIL, DONE RIGHT.
The Urban21 short rear section is a separate part for pre-R 12 R nineT models; installation and lighting need model-specific review.
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DESIGNED FOR THE RIDER.
A model-specific route from sag and riding load to Wilbers × Diamond Atelier suspension for R nineT and R 12 riders.
READ THE STORY ↗WHEN THE IGNITION CUTS OUT.
Intermittent BMW R100R ignition shutdown with a mo.unit calls for measured diagnosis of supply, grounds, signals and ignition.
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LOWER BAR. BETTER FIT.
Before fitting a flatter R nineT handlebar, check rider position, controls, cables, brake lines and the exact Urban21 bar fit.
READ THE STORY ↗THREE FUNCTIONS, ONE LIGHT.
A functional checklist for R 12 nineT three-in-one rear lamps, model-specific wiring and diagnostic messages.
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WHEN A BOXER RUNS HOT.
A loose carburetor or uneven hot running on a BMW 2V needs inspection of intake stubs, rubber sleeves and air leaks.
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