The Custom FED-015 “trashhand” bike

A custom bike specially designed for one of the best-known photographers in Chicago.

When Chicago-based photographer trashhand bought a ‘79 BMW R100/7 bike on eBay, he realized that the half-completed café racer required a lot of extra work to make it safe to ride. After researching local custom motorcycle workshops, he found Federal Moto; the owner, Michael Muller, was familiar to trashhand’s work. By chance, the photographer received a commission from a motorcycle gear brand during the same period; he contacted the workshop for a collaboration which led to a talk about his BMW over a couple of beers. As trashhand and Mike Muller became friends, they decided to work together on the build. Thus, the FED-015 “trashhand” bike came to life.

The photographer gave the workshop complete freedom on the design only specifying the type of handlebar he wanted for the build. The FED-015 “trashhand” bike features both scrambler and bobber-style elements in a compact build. To create a bike that would fit trashhand’s style, Federal Moto changed almost everything about the base bike. From the original bodywork, only the fuel tank remained, but with new details like CNC-machined emblems and a pop-up cap. Improvements include Suzuki GSX-R forks and twin disk brakes as well as a new front hub and triple clamp. The team rebuilt the carburetor and installed a new exhaust system with Cone Engineering mufflers.

Apart from installing a new wiring harness, the workshop also added a Bluetooth-enabled Motogadget control box, a Lithium-ion battery, and a Motogadget keyless ignition system. The 19F/18R rims feature AV54 Trailrider tires and Buchanan’s spokes, while the bobber seat boasts suede and leather upholstery with custom detailing. A matte black finish with red accents and some glossy details complete the build, along with laser-etched Federal Moto logos. Photographs© trashhand.