1979 BMW R45 custom

It's hard to believe that Louis Nel is only a part-time builder. The bikes that roll out of his South African garage are a testament to his passion and keen eye for detail. Until now, most of his builds have been personal projects—this 1979 BMW R45 is his first commercial build. The owner had been following Nel's progress on a R65, and wanted his bike customised in the same vein. Nel was reluctant at first—he'd had carte blanche with the R65, despite it being a friend's bike. This proposed R45 was to be a near carbon copy, limiting his creativity....