The BMWerks Journey
As a child of the 60’s, growing up on a farm near Canberra, Martin’s mechanical curiosity developed from time spent with his Dad, Harry. Harry was an engineer, a toolmaker and a tinkerer who repaired his own bikes, cars and old machinery.
Martin’s quest for adventure started during a season as a jackaroo in mid NSW, at the age of 15. Thrown in the deep end, he quickly learnt to drive, and ride bikes, and when he returned to suburbia, he bought his first motorbike, a Yamaha RD250 to ride to school.
Joining the army seemed like a good idea for an independent teenager, and for the next 14 years, Martin was a career soldier serving in various units including Special Forces. As a member of a vehicle mounted troop, his ability to do running repairs and be self-sufficient was invaluable. Motorcycles were a big part of his life throughout.
A career shift to the IT industry in the mid ’90’s marked the “sensible” phase of Martin’s life, where he pursued a range of competitive sports including bicycle racing. After 13 years of human powered wheels, it occurred to Martin that there was an easier way to get up hills. Motorbikes beckoned again.
He’d always loved Ducati’s, so a Sport Classic 1000 was the logical choice, followed by his prized Paul Smart version. Not long after, when a neglected 1984 Ducati S2 came up for sale, he sought guidance from local legend, Graham to commence his first restoration project. It was a labour of love that also gave Martin the bike restoration bug.
Hungry for more, Martin’s next few projects were an eclectic mix. Keen to experiment on a single cylinder Italian bike, Brisbane motorbike enthusiast (now friend and trusted advisor) Neil suggested starting with an Aermaachi, as he had enough parts to build a 350 model. This project involved significant fabrication and re-design, which gave Martin ample opportunity to learn new skills, and much-needed patience. It was also from Neil, who had previously raced historic bikes, that Martin developed a new appreciation for vintage BMWs. It was fitting therefore, that his next project and first BMW project, would be a 1956 BMW R50. This bike had a lot of ‘patina’ so a partial restoration was appropriate to maintain its character.
His subsequent project was purchased ‘accidentally’ on an online auction. Apparently some deals “just cannot be ignored”. A 1960 R60, in good condition, this bike came with a complete history of its previous owners. After noticing the handmade nuts and bolts didn’t match the era of the bike, Martin’s simple replacement exercise quickly escalated into a full-scale bike restoration. Nothing less than perfection for this piece of art.
Martin’s creative passion was ignited, as was his love for classic BMW. He was lured by the uncomplicated mechanical design and their vintage aesthetic, and gained immense pleasure from returning a neglected or discarded bike to its original glory. As part of the Queensland Historic scene, he was surprised to receive a number of bike show Awards in recognition of his quality workmanship.
As an avid learner, and always in pursuit of a challenge, Martin devoted a lot of effort to learning new skills after his initial projects. He built a workshop, invested in specialised tools and established great relationships with talented, local specialist craftsmen, as well as suppliers and bike restorers globally. BMWerks was born.
One of the unexpected outcomes of Martin’s odyssey is the wonderful Community that has evolved. The BMWerks “Werkshop” is not just a place where bikes are transformed but also where ideas are shared, skills are transferred and creativity flows, it is also a place where neighbours gather, bike enthusiasts drop by, and friendships are made.
Recognising how many people helped Martin pave his path, he is keen to encourage others to pursue their passions, hopefully with some learning BMW vintage restoration skills.
Unsurprisingly Martin also loves to ride motorbikes. In his own words, “I associate bikes with freedom, on many levels. Whether it’s the simple flexibility and ease of getting around the city, a Sat morning ride and coffee with mates around South East Qld, or a multi-day on or off road adventure, I enjoy it all. I am lucky to live in a climate where I can ride for most of the year.
For longer adventures and road rides with mates, I ride a BMW 1250GS, I ride an 1980’s R80GS PD for off-road adventures, and for a more “relaxed” pace, I ride a BMW R69S with my Vintage Riding mates or for a quick trip to the city for dinner with my <very supportive> wife Dyane. My current project is a rare (only 1400 built), Australian delivered, BMW 1953 R68”.
Make life a ride, and enjoy the journey
Riding through Life
Martin and his wife Dyane, are a great team. They both have an intense passion and enthusiasm for vintage motorcycles and that shines through in their work ethic as well!
“I have two great loves in life, motorcycles and my wife. They’re both a lot of fun to ride through life with.”
