like father like son: roel van heur designs inspired BMW K75 balance bike

like father like son, says roel van heur as he creates an inspired BMW K75 balance bike. previously, the dutch designer crafted a custom K75 cafe racer for a friend and now, after he heard this same mate was expecting a baby, he decided to make the child a matching design – but with a more appropriate model. whilst the father rides his motorbike, the kid can learn to ride in mirror image on his balance bike.

all images courtesy of roel van heur

built from stainless steel tubing, roel van heur’s BMW K75 balance bike has a bent frame and forks that were welded before being hand-brushed. it created a slim, smooth and highly sculptured design ready for more details. a green faux fuel tank was 3D-printed, a velo mini seat was added, and his and BMW logos were etched on to the body – all while it sits on standard 12’ balance wheels wrapped in kenda tires, chosen of their minimalist double 6 spokes.

sitting in front of the bicycle-like handlebars which are finished in soft black tape, the BMW K75 balance bike borrows a 3’ yellow glass headlight from a classic car. the single spotlight’s halogene bulb was removed and replaced with a LED flashlight. its batteries were then hidden in the steering tube.

‘I had a blast building this bike. I hope the little boy will enjoy it as much once he is big enough to ride it,’ adds roel van heur. ‘if this doesn’t help him to grow up to be a bike, I don’t know what will.’

product info:

designer: roel van heur

model: BMW k75 balance bike