The BMW K1 is a controversial machine. Looking like Buck Rogers crossed with a “Pimp my ride” paint job, the K1 was produced in limited numbers and bought by even fewer buyers. Despite the fact that they were not sought after by the BMW faithful (or anybody else), those that have owned or ridden the…
The BMW HP2 Sport sounds slightly insane in concept: take an air-cooled 180° twin with shaft-drive and an innovative suspension designed more for touring than sport, then throw as many high-spec parts at it as you can in a serious effort to make it as fast as possible. It’s sort of the Porsche 911 story,…
The term “sportbike” isn’t really one that has an absolute definition. It’s more of a loose set of parameters intended to capture an idea, and while most of us generally understand what we all mean when we use the word, there’s still plenty of room for interpretation. Ducati thinks a sportbike should be something ruthlessly…
Today we have a very interesting offering. Typically, non-exclusive bike models that are mass produced cannot be considered rare. However celebrity ownership sometimes can make a non-rare bike considerably more notable. It helps if the celebrity in question is related to the motorcycle world. In this case, the owner was well-known AMA Superbike contender Larry…
Update 8.5.2014: First posted in December of last year, this unique bike is back on eBay and a few thousand cheaper. Thanks for the heads up Mike! Links updated, -dc Back in the late 70’s/early 80s, BMW motorcycle’s were not exactly “sportbike” oriented. Enter Mike Krauser, president of Krauser Inc which was at the time…
The BMW K1 was one of the Bavarian company’s earlier attempts to move into the sport bike/tourer segment. While the paint scheme may at first look like it was done by some primary school students after a trip to McDonalds, it was still a BMW product which meant under the bodywork was some serious engineering.…
What you are looking at is a 1978 BMW R100RS – but that is not what is key. The big deal here surrounds the Krauser parts. For those of you not in the know, Krauser is a Bimota-like company creating products exclusive to BMW. Think frames, think bodywork, think performance parts, and think expensive (and…
One of 300 sold in the U.S., these were meant to replicate the one make Boxer Cup racing series. The enhancements are subtle and limited to a taller ride height for better clearance with the cylinder heads when leaned over, a throatier exhaust, a wider rear wheel, shorter windscreen, a steering damper, and of course…