Brian Kates (@MotoBrix) on hand-built BMW R100 RT perfection, welding craft, Toronto moto culture...

Brian Kates of @MotoBrix, a custom bike builder from Toronto, Canada, discusses his craft and his BMW R100 RT custom build. Kates, who has been building bikes for about 10 years, was invited to the first MotoCraft show at Base 31, Hangar 6, for this particular build. He explains that his interest in BMWs began through friends, despite his initial preference for sport bikes.The BMW R100 RT custom features a European style, and Kates highlights his dedication to fabricating parts by hand, emphasizing his skills as a welder. He shares that his first BMW build was commissioned by a client introduced through a friend, which led to more opportunities and requests for similar custom bikes. While he appreciates the client-driven nature of some projects, he notes that it can limit pushing creative boundaries.Kates expresses pride in his work, stating that even though some aspects like paint and upholstery were outsourced, the majority of the build was done by him. He views the bike's polished, almost OEM appearance as a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and perfectionism. He estimates a potential price point of around $50,000 for such a high-end, labor-intensive build, acknowledging that it's a challenging price to justify in the current market.Discussing his daily rider, Kates mentions his fondness for his 1999 CBR900 Fireblade, a bike he has a strong personal connection with. He also touches upon the motorcycle community in Toronto, describing it as vibrant despite the shorter riding season. Kates notes that the winter months encourage builders to focus on projects, ensuring bikes are ready for spring. He also briefly discusses vehicle theft in Toronto, contrasting it with his perception of safety in the city. The conversation concludes with plans for dinner and Kates preparing to pack up his custom BMW.