Based in Centerport, New York, Hellgate Moto built its reputation on a deep, fundamental understanding of German engineering. Founded by Nick Rovello, a 23-year BMW master mechanic and dealership shop foreman, alongside his friend Anthony Lohalbo, the shop grew from a modest garage in Astoria, Queens, during the COVID pandemic into a sanctuary for vintage BMW K-series Airhead boxers, classic Hondas, and Vespas.
Now, as the fourth installment in the BMW MOA Road to Barber Series, Hellgate Moto steps into the spotlight as an invited builder for the Builders Best Show at BMW Motorrad Days America, at the Barber Vintage Festival this October 9–11, 2026.
The project began when a 1994 BMW K 1100RS arrived at the shop following a garage fire at the previous owner’s home. Although the motorcycle was never directly touched by flames, radiant heat inside the garage melted and warped every plastic body panel on the machine. Beneath the distorted bodywork, however, the mechanical core remained unscathed. The 1,092 cc liquid-cooled inline-four engine and factory wiring harness were fully intact, offering a solid 100-horsepower platform to start with.
Rather than attempting a traditional café racer, Hellgate pursued an OEM+ streetfighter aesthetic. “Our goal for this bike was to make a stripped-down naked-style K 1100 with modern suspension and upgraded electronics,” explained Rovello. To preserve clean factory lines, Rovello modified the rear subframe section to flow parallel to the bottom edge of the stock fuel tank.
Up front, Rovello drew on his extensive background with modern BMWs, installing a complete S 1000RR front end onto the frame. The conversion was made possible by a Powerbrick triple-tree kit paired with a Powerbrick K1200 front-axle conversion.
The S 1000RR forks were upgraded internally with a Traxxion AK-20 cartridge kit, while S 1000RR Brembo calipers clamp down on the brake rotors. The rear end relies on an Öhlins shock absorber to keep the chassis balanced. The bike rolls on freshly powder-coated BMW K 1200RS wheels wrapped in Pirelli Angel ST tires.
The 1,092 cc engine received a full mechanical service, along with new intake boots, seals, O-rings, and a Powerbrick DNA air filter kit. The throttle bodies were rebuilt and finished in high-temp Cerakote, and connected to a Domino throttle assembly.
Hellgate collaborated with friend and fellow Invited builder Marek Kruszynski , who fabricated custom rearsets and torque arm, as well as helped fabricated a custom 4-2-1 stainless steel exhaust system. The header snakes along the left side of the engine before turning upward, eventually terminating in a carbon-tipped silencer mounted directly beneath the custom seat unit.
The 30-year-old factory wiring harness was replaced with a custom, ground-up wiring loom. Like Jay Beier’s R 100, the electrical system is anchored by a Motogadget M-unit, Motoscope Pro digital display with Breakout Box, and a keyless Mo.Lock NFC ignition switch.
The cockpit features Woodcraft clip-on handlebars with a 35 mm rise and Motogadget Mo.Switches, Mo.Blaze Pin turn signals, and CRG lane-splitter mirrors. The starter button and lighting controls operate seamlessly through the streamlined bars.
For bodywork, Hellgate fitted a fresh stock fuel tank finished in Cacti Green paint by Coach Autobody in Syosset, NY. The radiator side covers were color-matched to the tank, while gloss-coated carbon-fiber front and rear fenders provide contrast. A custom one-off seat pan and tailored upholstery cap off the re-engineered tail section, complete with integrated LED tail, brake, and turn lighting.
Want to see this Cacti Green Flying Brick in the metal? Nick Rovello and Hellgate Moto will showcase the build live at the Builders Best Show presented by BMW MOA during BMW Motorrad Days America at the Barber Vintage Festival, October 9–11, 2026.
Best of all, the show isn’t just for invited builders; it belongs to the entire community. If you’re a BMW owner, bring your machine into the dedicated BMW Motorrad Days display area on Friday or Saturday. Whether you’re rolling in on a pristine vintage Airhead, a high-mileage daily GS, or a heavily modified K-bike of your own, park it right in the heart of the action, swap stories with Nick and fellow owners, and be an active part of the experience.
Photo Credit: Greg Zastawny