Posts by tag: Boxer

MV Agusta June 4, 2019 posted by Mike

Aged Art: 1978 MV Agusta 850 Monza

Let’s close out the recent spate of very beautiful MV Agusta models we’ve been posting in the last week or so with this beautiful example of the old school art. Designed before the days of Tamburini involvement, this classic 850 Monza has a look all its own, without the #metoo styling that seems more common today. This was the stuff of legends, the scoot of choice for riders such as Phil Read and Giacomo Augustini. Alas the glorious MV Agusta factory was already in financial free fall when this beauty was built, and plans were in play to exit the motorcycle space entirely. That makes the model among the last of the original MV Agusta line to be built. It took until 1980 for the last of the inventory to go, and with it went the hopes and dreams of the Agusta family. MV Agusta lay in dormant slumber until 1991, when Cagiva swooped in on trademark ownership rights, and set out to revive it with a bang – the new F4 models being introduced fully 20 years after this 850 Monza made its swan song.

1978 MV Agusta 850 Monza for sale on eBay

From the seller:
MV AGUSTA 850S MONZA 1978, ONE OF THE LAST 27X TO BE BUILT BEFORE THE FACTORY CEASED PRODUCTION OF MOTORCYCLES. ORIGINAL FULL FACTORY FAIRING. BIKE FULLY RESTORED 9 YEARS AGO WITH VERY LITTLE MILES SINCE. BEAUTIFUL CONDITION. COMES WITH ORIGINAL OWNERS MANUAL AND FULL DOCUMENTATION OF AUTHENTICITY

Powered by an 837cc air-cooled, inline four cylinder engine with DOHC, the Monza had but two valves per cylinder (while the Japanese competition offered four). The cylinder block was situated atop sand-cast cases that also housed the 5 speed transmission. Final drive was via shaft – a novelty in the sport bike world. Power was estimated to be in the 80-ish range, while weight was approximately 570 lbs. Perhaps the most interesting part about the 850 Monza is the last-gasp aspect of the design. History shows that the Monza bikes were actually unsold Americas which were tuned and and fitted with optional extras in order to move them. Originally based around the 750cc base design (check out the serial number), the Monza was also sold as an 832cc. Only the final 27 bikes carried the 850 moniker. Nomenclature also varied, as these were known as Boxers in the UK, and Super Daytonas in Germany, while being referred to as Monzas in the rest of the world. From an auction perspective Monzas are rare and valuable. The 832 variants are reliable high five digit sellers. This 850 Monza – the last of the original breed – is located in Australia and bidding begins at $110,000. That is very strong money, but considering this is one of 27 of the final model line, it just might be worth checking out. Pictures are few and with low resolution it is difficult to make out detail; serious bidders might want to request additional images. A fitting close to the flood of MV Agustas posted as of late, this is a nice example of old school art done right. Good Luck!!

BMW April 7, 2019 posted by Aaron

Featured Listing: 2007 BMW R1200S

Somehow, weird isn’t exactly the adjective that leaps to my mind when someone says, “BMW.” I mostly picture skinny European men in their late 40s designing ergonomics with a supercomputer, getting every detail down to its most efficient and sensible form. But, then I look at the 2007 BMW R1200S and I have to wonder whether those buttoned-down engineers weren’t enjoying one hell of an acid flashback when they designed this thing.

It’s an incredible machine, and a shame that there are so few of them knocking around. The 1,200cc twin-cylinder boxer engine is both antiquated and a technological marvel, generating 122 horsepower and 83 torques out of architecture nobody but BMW would dare still use. Then there’s the fact that this sportbike, which tipped the scales at 482 pounds ready-to-ride, wears a single-sided swingarm that contains a shaft final drive. Up front, there is BMW’s excellent but odd telelever suspension set up. All this on a bike that ze Germans drew up as a track and canyon carver.

The R1200S bowed in 2006 to replace the long-serving R1100S, and came in substantially lighter and more powerful than the older bike. Power was up thanks to a compression bump and some fueling and timing tweaks, and weight was down thanks to an entirely new steel trellis frame. Despite all that, the R1200S was a tough sell, since it rode somewhere less comfortably than a true sport tourer, but lacked the all-out aggression of an R1 or similar. In ’08, Bimmer replaced it with the even more ludicrous HP2.

This R1200S has been ridden enough to show enthusiasm, but is in absolutely impeccable shape, as you would expect from something this rare and special. It is equipped with a quick-turn throttle, smoked windscreen and tank pads, but is otherwise as it left the dealership.

From the seller:

Grey 2007 BMW R1200S, 14900 mi, Clean Canadian title. Heated grips & ABS. All original except for Techspec tank pads, RRRapido Quickaction throttle pulley & light smoke windscreen. The bike is in extremely good shape. The Pirelli Angels have approx. 25% wear on them.

The bike will come with some specialized tooling; valve adjusment shims, spark plug removal tool, Carbtune Pro synchronizer.

If you are looking here I don’t have to explain how rare and how good this bike is.

Located in Montreal, Canada.

Asking price, 6900 USD.
Contact Steve: stevemongrain74@gmail.com

For $6,900, you’re paying Suzuki DRZ money for a very rare, very fast and very cool and entirely out there machine. If you’re looking for a long-term do-it-all bike, here’s your mount.

BMW July 19, 2018 posted by Donn

Three-Tone – 2005 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika

BMW developed and supported the Boxer Cup series in the 2000’s to showcase their R1100S, and had a special edition Boxer Cup Replika available toward the end of the run. Special livery, suspension and components set the editions of 300 apart from the normal -S. This Jersey native is spotless with low miles for a Beemer.

2005 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika for sale on eBay

Using BMW’s well-known 1085cc twin, the R1100S has 98 hp available, with Bosch fuel injection and dual catalysts keeping everything legal. The “Cup” used extended fork tubes and shortened Paralever torque arm to provide additional lean angle for the track. Laser provided the dual underseat exhausts, and other Replika parts included a slightly lower 6th gear, 5-1/2 inch rear wheel, carbon head covers, and pillion seat cover in body color.

This BCR looks very nice indeed, without even the usual right boot scratches on the seat cover. Not sure about the whereabouts of the lower fairing, or as BMW likes to call it, the engine spoiler, maybe home in a box. Nothing in the way of upgrades or options seen or claimed, in the eBay auction:

2005 BMW R1100S Replica of the Boxer Cup BMW racing bike
Only 1 of 200 built in perfect condition
11,000 Miles
No Reserve

Time didn’t stand still for the R1100S and it was soon eclipsed by the R1200S, HP2, and of course the S1000RR and its special editions. But it was a re-introduction of the -S for BMW, powerful and neutral handling if not light weight. The Cup ran from 2001-04, sometimes in support of the GP or Daytona, and sometimes an endurance race of its own, and has been re-incarnated this year on the R nine T. At least on a more technical circuit, the original BCR would likely dance away from the newer machine…

-donn

Three-Tone – 2005 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika

BMW July 11, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

One for the Road: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport for Sale

These days, when someone says “BMW sportbike,” two things happen. First, the squinty, asymmetrical S1000RR immediately springs to mind. Second, you don’t immediately burst into a fit of laughing: not long ago, “BMW sportbike” would have been something of an oxymoron. But people forget that, sandwiched in between the sporty-toury R1100S and the game-changing S1000RR, BMW introduced the very trick, limited-production HP2 Sport.

It was really intended to set the stage for the S1000RR, to show that BMW could be taken seriously as a sportbike manufacturer, that they had the technological chops to make a world-class machine. Of course, in the case of the HP2 Sport, they were applying that technology to a platform that would seem to be the anti-sportbike at first. It uses the same basic layout as the R1100S: horizontally-opposed twin with a longitudinal crankshaft, shaft drive, and BMW’s Telelever front end that used a traditional shock and A-arm set up, along with some fork tubes that aren’t actually fork tubes.

That setup has some advantages over a conventional fork, but is generally heavier and more complicated. It also makes the location of a radiator difficult, something that’s not such an issue here, since the flat-twin is oil and air-cooled. Speaking of that classic BMW engine: in the HP2, a whole catalog of exotic parts have been thrown at it to increase performance. New dual overhead cam heads, radial valves, and titanium connecting rods all add up to a claimed 128hp, and a 9,500rpm redline you could chase with the very first-ever, factory-equipped quickshifter.

In an R1100S, that power might not be much to shout about, but the HP2 has added lightness: carbon-fiber panels, a self-supporting carbon-fiber subframe, and a generally Lotus-like attention to detail meant a claimed dry weight of 392lbs. Not especially impressive in the sportbike world, but the package was sufficiently light to legitimately compete in terms of handling. And that was another surprise: the BMW Telelever system doesn’t always “feel like it should” and is sometimes criticized for offering vague front-end feedback, but a sportier front shock from Öhlins seems to have cured that. Unlikely layout aside, the HP2 was an excellent handler, and the Brembo monoblock calipers provide ferocious retardation for the lightweight machine.

From the original eBay listing: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport for Sale

For auction is my 2009 BMW HP2 Sport. It is in very good condition with 20,532 miles on the clock. It is a great running machine and has been maintained well. It has no known mechanical defects and needs nothing. It has been ridden as it was meant to be, but never abused or track ridden, but has not been stored in a living room. If you want a museum piece with zero mileage then this particular bike isn’t likely for you. If you do however wish to own and ride the ultimate BMW boxer sport bike then this bike is for you and at about half the price of new or some recently posted here on eBay. This machine is serial number 79 as seen in the photos. No one really seems to know for sure how many HP2 sports were produced for the world market, much less the USA market, but it seems about 250 or so. This is the last of my collection of seven BMW motorcycles that I have decided to sell. I have accepted a new job in another state and so all but one of my bikes and cars are going to be sold in the next two months. I work a lot of hours and weekends as well so I don’t have time to ride any of them. These bikes need to be ridden, as opposed to sitting here on a trickle charger gathering dust. I have been on eBay for many years and have great feedback and represent things as they are. Thanks for the interest and I will try to respond to questions as quickly as possible.

There are actually several HP2s up for sale at the moment, but while most are treated like museum pieces, this one has been ridden extensively, although mileage is still low for a BMW twin. Keep in mind that the service schedule calls for those titanium connecting rods to be replaced at 30,000 miles, but at least engine access is easy and you’re only looking at a pair of them… There isn’t much time left on the auction, and bidding is up to about half what HP2s usually go for. It looks like it’s in excellent condition and would be a great choice for a BMW fan looking to ride the ultimate twin in the way it was really intended.

-tad

One for the Road: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport for Sale

BMW March 28, 2017 posted by Donn

For a Beemer – 2004 BMW R1100S

After a 20-year break since the R100/S, BMW’s re-entrance to the more sporting side was thoughtfully considered, with lots of new engineering, and as they approach classic status, a great success. This nicely-updated R1100S looks excellent and fans of the brand would say, just broken in with 22,000 miles.

2004 BMW R1100S for sale on eBay

The R1100S arrived with concepts new to sportbikes – the four-valve 1085cc boxer, Telelever front and Paralever rear suspension with shaft drive, single-plate clutch, ABS, and some things newer to BMW – clip-on handlebars and underseat exhaust. BMW kept their vaunted build quality and usual Bosch fuel injection, but tried to leave the weight behind. The engine is a stressed member of the aluminum chassis, and the supersport fairing flows from the beak, over the tank to the pillion cover. Great power at 98 hp with 72 ft.-lbs. torque, and with a dry weight of 505 lbs. it’s light for a BMW.

Offered by an Illinois dealer, this R1100S looks well taken care of and has the optional grey / orange checkerboard. A more sporting build since the ABS, centerstand, and heated grips were left off. The owner has upgraded to Ohlins dampers on both ends, and added conspicuity lights on the fork legs. The bags look like they just came out of the closet where, handy as they are, they should be returned. From the eBay auction:

This 2004 BMW R1100S has only 22,370 miles and has had all of its maintenance performed by Cycle Werks in Barrington, we are an authorized BMW dealer. This bike comes with BMW Saddle Bags, Ohlins suspension, Aux. Driving Lights, and much more!

For a BMW it’s sporty, light, and this one with low miles, and though succeeded by the R1200S, the R1100S is regarded as the better track machine. The bike was the source of many years of the Boxer Cup, a single marque support series, resulting in the special edition Boxer Cup Replica. But you can find an R1100S at almost any track day or racing school, just look for the guy with no trailer, he’ll be riding it home…

-donn

BMW October 23, 2016 posted by Donn

Don’t Arrest Me Red – 2007 BMW R1200S

Every supercar manufacturer has their adult red, a deep metallic indicating adulthood and serious investment. This 1200cc BMW sportbike is one of the company’s best, a repaint in McLaren’s Volcano Red, nicely upgraded with low miles.

2007 BMW R1200S for sale on eBay

Updating their epic R1100S, BMW saw the writing on the GVWR sticker, and took steps to raise the power to weight ratio on the new machine, using bigger valves and throttle bodies, and forged pistons while reducing the weight with a new frame. 122 ponies find their way through the 6-speed and Paralever shaft drive. Below the Telelever front end, dual 320mm unlinked EVO brakes are followed by 265mm rear, and ABS has track disable switch. The sculpted supersport fairing cuts through the wind for the rider, and most -S’s had a pillion seat, though this one has gone monoposto.

Offered in Connecticut, this example has received many upgrades, as the owner states in the eBay auction –

Original options include heated grips and ABS

Painted January 2016 in McLaren Volcano Red – a show quality $3,500 paint job completed by authorized McLaren body shop this spring, the paint alone cost me $1,200.

Tank and tail section protected by premium 3M clear bra.

New carbon front and rear fenders and engine timing cover all by Ilimberger in Germany – not the cheap knockoffs

New Carbon fiber license plate bracket

New Ohlins Suspension front and rear

New headers by Sandbar composites in England with Akropovic titanium muffler – cost $1,800.

New AF-XIED adjustable oxygen sensor calibration which allows for mixture adjustment throughout RPM range in both open and closed loop. ($325)

Corbin seat

New Tinted windshield

Heli-bars with approx 3/4″ rise

New CNC clutch and brake levers ($200)

New PIAA dual horns hidden behind the fairing. Loud as hell!

New Clear turn signal lenses

New Parabolic mirrors

Completely serviced this spring -1,500 miles ago. Brake and clutch fluid flush, engine, transmission and final drive oils changed, drive splines lubed, new tires front and rear, valves adjusted, throttles synchronized, new K&N air filter. New spark plugs

Rear wheel flange and fuel pump both replaced ( recall )

Not often an owner would re-paint the factory option livery, but it’s inkeeping with the rest of the bike – low miles, premium upgrades, impeccable condition. Not sportiest of bikes, but big torque straightens a lot of roads and the cockpit is somewhat more comfortable than the average superbike. Would look good in the garage with an Arena Red Porsche 993 and the Montalcino Red Rover in the driveway…

-donn

BMW September 3, 2016 posted by Donn

Candy Cane – 2007 BMW R1200S

Built for only two years as BMW approached the flat-twin summit, the R1200S was significantly lighter and more powerful than the R1100S. This adult-ridden example has low miles, dealer service, and the nice factory option paint.

2007 BMW R1200S for sale on eBay

Sporting a single overhead cam and four valves per cylinder, the R1200S uses electronic fuel injection to extract 122 hp from its 1170 cc’s. Almost expected from a BMW twin, torque is an outstanding 86 ft.-lbs. The engine is an integral part of the new trellis frame, whose lighter weight helped bring the bike in under a theoretical 400 lbs. Proprietary suspension designs front and rear, the Telelever leads the Paralever shaft drive using Öhlins adjustable dampers. Brakes are 4-piston 310mm fronts with 265mm rear, and BMW commissioned a special version of its EVO braking system for the R1200S, unlinked and with more linear feel than usual. ABS with a disable switch was an option, not sure it’s on this bike though. The half-fairing is nicely integrated with the tank and solo-plus-afterthought seat.

Showing just break-in miles for a BMW, this R1200S looks good, though the limited photos invite a closer look. It looks substantially stock with a Laser cat-back exhaust and new rubber. The owner is a reluctant seller and says this in the eBay auction:

Previously listed but withdrawn because I thought I could not let it go but I have to move on. Beautiful and rare 2007 BMW R1200S “Candy Cane” in excellent condition. Always maintained with recent fluids change and complete inspection at MAX BMW in NH. Very recent Michelin PR4s. Beautiful bike with speed and stability. It has a titanium full Laser system ($1,200). Always gets attention. This is a fast sporty bike and not for novices. Low mileage at 13400 although I still occasionally ride it.

Though bag racks are always available for a BMW, most -S’s are seen without them, so someone’s at least trying to extract the sport from the sport-touring. The R1200S reviewed as very sporty for a BMW, which is about as high as the praise generally gets. The bikes have to carry the remarkable suspension, reliable drivetrain, and servo-assisted ABS brakes, which for many road riders are worthy compromises for sport riding…

-donn

BMW July 21, 2016 posted by Donn

Featured Listing – 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

Mid-2000’s BMW knew the air-oil cooled line had to come to a close, and developed a brilliant 4-valve engine to cap their 90-odd years of boxer twin development. Though the engine was built into an enduro and supermoto model, the HP2 Sport received the most overall development and every detail of the bike is superlative in design and construction. Featured here is an excellent low-mile example with some significant upgrades.

One of the very few air-oil cooled four-valve engines for the road, the HP2 has a respectable 130 hp available, and the 85 ft.-lbs. torque makes the Sport a road weapon. The blue steel trellis frame supports the Telelever front end and Paralever shaft drive rear, both with adjustable spring dampers. Brembo monoblock brake calipers are radially mounted over 320mm front disks and 265mm rear. Stainless two-into-one exhaust makes its way to an underseat canister muffler and stays out of the way. Carbon-fiber fairing and seat console provide their own monocoque structure requiring no tubular sub-frame and helping keep the dry weight under 400 lbs. Completing the sport picture are a full-featured digital dash, forged alloy wheels, and shift-assist system, the first time such a system has been factory equipment on a road bike.

The 2008-11 production only resulted in a few hundred machines here in the states, many of those only intermittently ridden. This one has just under 6,000 miles, and is without any road or hangar rash. The owner has made some nice improvements as well as kept maintenance up to date. A lightweight battery pays dividend every time you ride, and the rear monoshock protector is a nice touch for the road.

From the owner:

For sale is my meticulously cared for 2008 BMW HP2 Sport, Non-ABS model. Very few imported into the United States between 2008-2010. 5925 miles, second owner. Always garaged and covered, with regular maintenance carried out by regional BMW dealer. Engine oil, final drive oil, as well as brake and clutch fluid changed frequently. Never dropped or tracked. All stock with some exceptions: LED turn indicators, Ultrabatt ultra-light lithium battery, and Öhlins rear shock cover installed. Also included in the sale are a few items seen in the photos: A very nice Baxley front sport chock; a Wunderlich rear paddock stand; a very handy HP2-specific small removable tank bag (great for phone, keys, etc.); a brand new standard BMW battery, and a BMW cover for the garage. Also included are the original owners manual, one ignition key, and one bench seat key (to remove security torx bolt on seat for battery access, etc.). Will be happy to answer any other questions by email or phone. Asking $14,500.

Reviewed as BMW’s ultimate canyon carver, the HP2 was developed in the crucible of European endurance racing and single-marque series. Though the brand focuses more of the touring side of sport-touring, this HP2 strongly favors the sport side, and leaves no details un-planned. A very special project by a leading manufacturer, the HP2 Sport could be the pinnacle of their boxer motorcycles, and this particular bike is a very fine and well-tended example. Riders know it’s a plus that the bike is currently ridden and well maintained. The owner asks $14,500 and can be reached here.

-donn

BMW July 4, 2016 posted by Donn

What If ? – 2008 BMW HP2 Megamoto

BMW developed three variants of their HP model – enduro, sport, and motard, in that order. Each has the 4-valve 1170 cc engine, blue trellis frame, and two-bike price tag – but strangely without BMW’s Telelever front suspension. The Megamoto is more similar to the enduro, with the step-stool-required seat height but smaller front wheel and chassis tuned for turn-in. A solution in search of a problem sure, but in a big fun way.

2008 BMW HP2 Megamoto for sale on eBay

The HP2 engine is the culmination of BMW’s near century of air/oil-cooled boxer-twin development, the blueprinting with exotic materials helping dual overhead cams deliver 105 hp and 85 ft.-lbs. torque. 45mm upside-down forks complement the more usual BMW Paralever shaft drive rear, this time with Öhlins damper. BMW’s own brakes are dual 305mm fronts with 265 mm rear. ABS was available but not seeing it on this bike. Bodywork is reveals more than it covers, but the bikini fairing and tank cover are nicely detailed. Smashing forged wheels are finished in blue.

Without even break-in miles, this is an as-new HP2. Maybe dump the fuel, put some fuel system treatment in the fresh tank, change the oil and brake fluid, and off you go. The owner added Touratech travel cases but you can leave them in the garage and the racks don’t hurt the looks badly. From the eBay auction:

Only one owner; always stored in a dry and warm garage. Used once. Incredibly low mileage. Good as new. No other bike like it on the market right now (with that mileage).

Comes with a few spare parts and accessories(pictures will be added once we sort the parts and accessories out.

For those who think a water cooling system is needless complexity or just un-BMW, the HP2 in any variant is the final word. A little too much for an actual urban gymkana, the oversized motards from BMW, Ducati, and KTM have faded from the spotlight. But if you were a huge BMW fan, and a very skilled rider, this almost unused and quite rare Megamoto might be just the thing for local riding.

Happy Independence Day ! -donn