Posts by tag: flat twin

BMW November 26, 2019 posted by Donn

Tiger ( but not ) Beat – 1999 BMW R1100S

As often happens, the early years of option paint designs for BMW’s R1100S were some of the best. This striped example has been somebody’s baby, low miles and dealer serviced.

1999 BMW R1100S for sale on eBay

Largely adapted from the earlier R1100RS sport tourer, the R1100S was introduced for the 1998 model year with the 1085cc engine, which used a single overhead cam driving four valves on each side, resulting in 98 hp. The innovative front Telelever transferred braking force more horizontally than a typical fork, reducing front end dive. The Paralever rear combines maintenance-free power delivery with a parallelogram-ish linkage which checked a shaft driver’s tendency to push the bike up under acceleration. Brakes are factory standard 320mm disks, and the optional ABS is present. The upper-only fairing flows over the tank and all the way to the seat, which offers a covered pillion.

Not sure this is the original owner, but all service records are apparently available. Whoever ordered this R1100S went for the nicer paint, ABS, and heated grips. Not seeing the bag racks but they are still available if you insist. Looks very stock and undamaged, though I’d keep it on the concrete and out of the rose garden. From the eBay auction:

RARE Yellow and Silver Combo BMW R1100S in mint condition! Regularly serviced at Bloodworth BMW all records available! Heated Grips ! Extremely low miles and pampered it’s entire life! Absolutely beautiful and runs excellent , no issues! Not a finer one available this year! Normal wear on Grips and Pegs !

BMW had a good run with the R1100S and had a few race paint replicas and race-prep limited editions. The model jumped the 1150 motor and went right to the 1200S, which soon gave way to a more conventional sportbike in the S1000R. With a stable ride and enough chops for a once-a-week rider to have a blast, but still not be a maintenance hog. Kind a high starting bid, this one might be for a rider who has to have this livery, or wants a perfect example.

-donn

Tiger ( but not ) Beat – 1999 BMW R1100S

BMW October 28, 2019 posted by Donn

Just Broken In – 2004 BMW R1100S

Almost a lightweight by BMW standards, the R1100S was available without all kinds of bells and whistles. Luckily for us, the owner of this example was thinking long term, and specified ABS, heated grips, and nice option paint. Phenomenal for nearly 68,000 miles, this might lower the bar for a transition over from cruising or touring.

2004 BMW R1100S for sale on eBay

BMW showed the R1100S in late 1997, and it met a rousing reception as a ’98 model. Not so many changes were required over the years, and the 2004 edition makes just under 100 hp using a novel single cam method to open four valves per cylinder. Always pushing the suspension envelope, BMW equipped the R1100S with the Telelever front end, the fork tubes more of a locator with spring and damping done with a conventional-looking shock absorber. The shaft-drive rear is classic BMW, via the Paralever monoshock. The package is compact if not underweight, with a generous supersport fairing protecting the rider.

Looking like it might have done all those miles around a carpeted room rather than west Texas, this R1100S shows nicely. Though photos without the bags would’ve been nice, there’s no evidence of scuffs from keyring, tankbag, or boots. The selling dealer invites a look at the service records in the eBay auction:

This is a rare two owner BMW that is a remarkable find… it has been meticulously maintained… we have a maintenance log from the owners that will blow your mind…great color, immensely loved and ready for the road. The miles on this bike will fool you, you won’t believe how nice it is in person.

BMW’s first /S in many years did well, and had their own BoxerCup race series mostly in Europe. Stateside they sportily piled on the miles, stable and comfortable, and signature reliable. Part of my pre-purchase inspection would be a listen for any bottom end noises, since even BMW rod bearings don’t last forever. But if the dealer hasn’t set the reserve too high and the new owner is handy, this R1100S could be a nice bargain and surprise the inspectors at the next coffee stop…

-donn

BMW September 6, 2019 posted by Tad Diemer

Silk Purse: 2009 BMW HP2 Sport for Sale

Before the introduction of the class-breaking BMW S1000RR, the company wasn’t really associated with cutting-edge sportbikes, unless you go back a few decades to the R90S. After all, an air-cooled, 180° ” flat” twin with shaft drive is a pretty inauspicious foundation for a true performance machine. A flat-twin is obviously very wide, which presents aerodynamic issues and limits cornering clearance unless the suspension is jacked way up. Air-cooling is simple and reliable, but the high compression needed for competitive horsepower generates heat that usually requires a radiator to control, and shaft drive is inherently heavier than a chain, making the BMW HP2 Sport a very unlikely sportbike, looking at the spec sheet anyway.

But German companies seem to have a knack for working around this kind of thing, as if they view it as an entertaining challenge. “Oh ja? Heir, halte mein Bier…” It’s been said that the Porsche 911 is “a triumph of development over engineering,” as it has a similar problem: sticking the entire powertrain out behind the rear axle is only marginally better than putting it all up front. But we know Porsche managed to make their ass-heavy car work brilliantly and, even though the HP2 Sport didn’t achieve quite that level of success, it did the job for which it seems to have been intended: it showed the world that BMW was serious about updating their image and competing head-to-head with rivals in Italy and Japan.

The engine may not have been blessed with a radiator, but temperatures were kept under control using a hybrid arrangement, with the heads cooled by oil, and the barrels cooled by air. It has radial valves, and four of them per cylinder, operated by dual overhead cams, while lightweight titanium connecting rods let the 1170cc engine spin up to 9,500rpm and produce a claimed 128hp. Liberal use of carbon fiber reduced the weight to a claimed 392lbs dry, so weight was on par with class competitors, even if power wasn’t. Adjustable ergonomics and the self-supporting tail section are very trick, quality touches in keeping with the bike’s very exclusive nature: just 500 were built.

It’s interesting that the biggest complaints about BMW’s alternative Telelever front suspension is a lack of feel, but that seems to have been eliminated here with higher-spec Öhlins shock and a matching unit out back. Forkless front ends are naturally very stable under braking, an asset for a bike with a pair of stout Brembo Monoblock brakes on the front wheel.

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

I am the original owner of this rare 2009 BMW HP 2 Sport. I bought it brand new in spring 2010. The bike has always been stored in climate control garage, never ridden in rain, and meticulously maintained. All maintenance records from new. Last fluid service approx. 1000 mi ago. Tires replaced in 2015, due to age at 4700 mi. All factory recalls performed. Runs perfect. Showroom perfect condition. Part of multi-bike collection, selling collection because I can’t ride them anymore.

listed for sale locally, I reserve right to end auction early if sold.

reserve price set below market value of recent sales

one of approximately 118 in US, 500 worldwide

sure to be a collectors item

clear/clean MD title

The BMW HP2 Sport is quirky and at the original list price of over $25,000 couldn’t really compete directly against natural rivals like the Ducati 1098, but it handled well and was quick enough in isolation. These days, prices are much lower and it’s a very rare and exclusive machine, with plenty of exotic materials inside and out and the high quality you’d expect from BMW. Bidding is very active, but up to just $10,000 with several days left on the listing.

-tad

BMW June 9, 2019 posted by Donn

Unretouched – 2005 BMW R1100S BoxerCup Replika

The BMW BoxerCup had just a couple of appearances at Daytona but sparked a lot of interest in the Replika, an R1100S with a nice factory option package. This is number 504 of a around 550 made, and looks excellent with under 13,000 miles.

2005 BMW R1100S BoxerCup Replika for sale on eBay

BMW developed the R1100S for the 1998 model year and equipped it with their 1085cc four valve boxer, good for 98 hp. The 2004-5 iteration has a second spark plug which makes for a smoother running engine at Euro 3 leanness, though torque and power numbers haven’t changed. The BCR sports longer fork tubes allowing greater lean angles, and Öhlins dampers on the Telelever front and Paralever rear. House brand 320mm front brakes have 4-piston calipers. A Laser underseat exhaust is part of the Replika package, as are the carbon head covers and engine fairing. A special factory ECU chip was generally installed by the servicing dealer.

The one owner was evidently unimpressed by BMW’s list of optional goodies, looking very stock with excellent cosmetics. The limited pictures are at least a conversation starter. From the eBay auction:

2005 Ultra Rare BMW r1100s Boxer Cup Race Replica. There were only 550 of these motorcycles produced in the world, and only 300 of them were shipped to the United States. This motorcycle is number #504. The motorcycle is a single swing arm, drive shaft driven motorcycle. The odometer reads 12,849 original miles. I am the original owner, since I bought the motorcycle new. This listing will also include the owners manual, a leather riding jacket, two sets of gloves both cold weather and summer, and two helmets. One needs a new visor cause a clip that holds it in broke from the visor. It has relatively new tires, the original seat has been recovered by Sargent Seats, and it has a fresh oil change. This bike is crazy fast and so much fun to ride. It handles like a dream.

A pretty nice run for the R1100S, though the BCR came toward the end and the R1200S was introduced in 2006. Replikas are most often well maintained and lightly ridden, and demand a premium. Here again the ask draws attention to the “Make Offer” button. If a detailed inspection and maintenance records pan out, it could be a nice value.

-donn

Unretouched – 2005 BMW R1100S BoxerCup Replika

BMW May 28, 2019 posted by Donn

Portion Control – 2004 BMW R1100S

Showing less than 1,000 miles per year, this rather stock R1100S looks excellent in the option paint, and appears to have ABS and new tires. Might be a sensible entreé to the sporting side.

2004 BMW R1100S for sale on eBay

BMW’s R1100S was their re-introduction of the -S model, not seen since the R100S. Ever the flat twin, the R1100S used oil-cooled heads and four valves to percolate 98 hp and 71 ft.-lbs. torque. Suspension is of course BMW-centric, with the anti-dive Telelever front and Paralever shaft drive rear. 320mm front disks do their best with the 505 lb. dry weight. The painted cover hides a generous pillion, and bag racks are not installed but of course available.

BMW’s are born for farkling with great aftermarket support, but this owner has hardly been tempted. The overall factory look shows off the carbon mudguards and pebble-grain seat, and a stray bracket and smudge on the handlebar betrays a gadget or two. From the eBay auction:

Pristine bike. Less than 12k miles. Brand new Michelin (2ct Two Compound Tech) Aftermarket Seat, Ceramic coated exhaust, performance chip.

Try as BMW might, the R1100S didn’t fall very far from the sport-touring tree. Often seen with a jillion miles, this one looks fresh and the condition reflects the Beemer demographic of multiple bike ownership and shall we say, an experienced rider. The option paint and late year makes this one interesting, and unless your looking for something very sporty, the robust mechanicals and top craftsmanship should make it a nice value.

-donn

BMW December 2, 2018 posted by Donn

Fan Fave – 2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika

While BMW’s wide-ranging catalogue didn’t justify a MotoGP campaign, their sport division had a proper bike and its own support race series. With the brand ambassador Randy Mamola’s signature in paint on the fairing, this R1100S BCR has 20K miles and a spotless presentation.

2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika for sale on eBay

BMW put its then most powerful engine in the R1100S as early as 1998, with a single cam for each cylinder actuating four valves, resulting in 98 hp at just 7,500 rpm. The engine was a stressed chassis member, with front and rear subframes attached top and bottom. The Telelever front uses a compact monoshock, as does the Paralever shaft-drive rear. The staggered 17 and 18-inch wheels help the heavyweight turn in sharply. Special parts for the later BCR include dual-spark heads, longer fork tubes for greater lean angles, Laser exhaust, and carbon head covers and mudguards.

Despite some miles, this Replika is in outstanding shape, and offered by a Bay Area dealer. Pictures are mostly overall views but indicate none of the usual brushes with reality. From the eBay auction:

This is a track version of the R1100S, (albeit this track machine is shaft drive and comes with heated grips) and is the mostly unadulterated BCR version of the R1100S and retains everything that makes it a fantastic sport tourer including an upright riding position that allows for the ample leverage needed to wrestle the heavy machine from side to side.

Aside from the blatant difference in livery, rear-solo cowl, and carbon fiber valve covers – complete with sliders – there aren’t many differences between the regular R1100S and BCR-spec models. The Boxer Cup Replika (BCR) bikes were equipped with Ohlins suspension, a Laser exhaust, and a special paint livery with Randy Mamola’s signature. The BCR’s 1085cc twin makes 98hp at 7,500RPM and 71.5 ft-lbs of torque at 5,750RPM. A top speed of 140 mph is nothing too special, granted it does weigh in at just over 500lbs. A 31.5-inch seat height allows for surprisingly sporty riding (when you’re not scraping that ridiculously wide engine) and it’s 4.75 gallon fuel capacity is said to be good for a cool 150 miles.

Randy Mamola might be the winningest Moto-GP rider without a championship, having placed 2nd four times in the series and 3rd twice, all in the 500cc two-stroke formula. He went on to test-riding and race broadcast commentary, and hosted BMW fans in the Grand Prix paddock for Boxer Cup races. This Replika is a highlight, at least among fans of the marque, and is a nice example for the miles…

-donn

Fan Fave – 2003 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika

BMW November 15, 2018 posted by Donn

The Venerable – 1976 BMW R90S

BMW attempted to put some pizazz in their stodgy 70’s reputation with their first S-bike in a while. The R90S had an improved powertrain, the usual excellent BMW build quality, and design by the up-and-coming Hans Muth. This example looks original but has had the works restored.

1976 BMW R90S for sale on eBay

Wanting to thrill and retain their existing customers, BMW stuck with the flat twin and bored the engine to 898cc’s and built cylinders for 9.5:1 compression resulting in 67 reliable hp. 38mm Dell’Orto carbs helped breathing through the two-valve heads. A second hydraulic front disk was added with the master cylinder still under the tank, and a steering damper is mounted on the triple clamp. A comfortable ride was afforded by the long chassis with typical shaft drive. After many years of black with white pinstripes, the factory “smoke” paint highlights were a revelation.

This S looks to be complete and pretty original, with 43K-plus miles there’s some patina, but more desirable than a new almost correct re-paint. The crash bars are a bit much but the engine and chassis re-build is what makes this a standout. A neat two-into-one exhaust, oil temperature and pressure gauges are a nice addition. Not mentioned in the notes, I think the cast wheels are a period update. From the eBay auction:

The bike is offered in excellent mechanical condition, fresh from service to ready the bike for sale. At 41,000 miles the bike was thoroughly mechanically restored. A full engine rebuild was undertaken with lightened flywheel, oversized pistons, new valves and guides, and dual plug heads were fitted. A deep oil sump was also installed. For added reliability a Dyna3 electronic ignition system was added with new upgraded coils.

The front suspension was rebuilt and progressive shocks were installed at the rear. The steering head bearings were replaced and a new steering damper fitted. The brakes were overhauled as well, rebuilding the master cylinder in the process. The electrical system was gone through and new switchgear installed on the right, powered by a fresh battery. Even the clock works! Heated grips were installed for some added comfort.

The original paint shows some blemishes here and there, most noticeably on the tank where the wearer’s jacket zipper has made contact and rubbed through a small patch. The paint is good, though, and showing nice patina rather than needing restoration. The side panels aren’t correct. The whole bike has an air of a super well-maintained and cherished machine, with no signs of neglect or abuse.

Revered for the boxer’s smoothness, the R90S had sporting aspirations and the importer’s race team took it all the way to the AMA Championship in 1976. Most were ridden more gently and burnished the reputation for reliability. Because of updates to the crankshaft and block, and drilled brake disks, the ’76 model was worth the wait. The combination of condition, originality, and maintenance might make this the R90S to go for…

-donn

BMW September 14, 2018 posted by Tad Diemer

Replika Racer: 2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika for Sale

Before the BMW S1000RR rocked the sportbike world, fans of Germanic sportbikes had to make do with stuff like the BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika. Not that this is a particularly bad thing: the Boxer Cup Replika is a pretty great roadbike, although it wouldn’t really hassle a GSX-R or R1 or even a Ducati 1000SS on track. But does a ZX-10 have heated grips and ABS? I think not.

Handling was very good: the Boxer Cup had an increased ride height for improved cornering clearance, the Telelever front’s usual lack of dive helped the bike under braking, and the upgraded Öhlins shocks at both ends helped to dispel the forkless system’s sometimes vague feeling at the limit. The biggest issue with the R1100S is the sheer mass of the bike: the sportier S saved a lot of weight over the older RS, but the Boxer Cup was still pretty heavy compared to more aggressive rivals at 505lbs wet.

The other problem is the engine. The updated flat-twin incorporated plenty of modern technology but, at the end of the day, you’re still dealing with just two cylinders lugging all that weight around, a sport-touring engine tuned for a bit more sport. Engine width is kept to a minimum by eschewing overhead cams: the pair of cams actually live in the heads, and operate the engine’s eight valves via a set of short pushrods. A clean burn of the fuel-air mixture is helped by the twin-plug heads, and the cylinders themselves are cooled by air passing over them, while oil-cooled heads allow the bike to make pretty decent power and, presumably, help the bike meet ever-rising emission standards. The twin’s displacement of 1085cc means great bottom-end torque and a strong midrange with a 98hp peak, but it does run out of breath pretty early.

Although the R1100S was the sportiest BMW at the time, it didn’t really look all that competitive when pitched head-to-head against rivals. So to promote it, BMW sponsored a one-make race series, the Boxer Cup, as a support race for MotoGP at the time. The series managed to attract such luminaries as Kevin Schwantz and Randy Mamola, whose signature adorns the Cup Replika, and was supposedly plenty of fun to watch, with the close racing you’d expect with everyone riding the same machine.

From the original eBay listing: 2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika for Sale

After long deliberations, I am putting my 2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika #245 on the market. In 2004, just 300 Boxer Cup Replikas were offered for sale in the US, making this a very rare and collectible motorcycle. With less than 3900 miles on the clock (not a typo) this is one of the lowest mileage and cleanest BCRs that can be ridden daily or shown at events. Currently registered in California until July 2019 with a clean California title in hand.

The oil head Boxer twin engine powering this bike is legendary for its reliability (will easily cover 100k miles with just regular maintenance). The Cup is one of the rare collectibles that can be ridden as much as desired without worrying about breakdowns or high cost of maintenance.

Boxer Cup #245 is a non-ABS, non-heated grip model which equates to lower maintenance costs (ABS service at the dealer will cost over $400 by itself) and increased reliability (ABS are prone to malfunction over time). Deleted equipment also contributes to overall weight saving.

It is equipped with a very desirable and hard to source full Remus exhaust system. The sound is amazing compared to stock exhaust. Ilmberger carbon fiber rear tire hugger is another desirable upgrade.

Up until 2016 this bike was part of a collection and was not ridden. It was recommissioned in June 2016 with 3076 miles on the clock by San Diego BMW and included the following:

Gel battery

Replacement of entire fuel system including fuel pump, lines, etc.

Spark plugs

Tank professionally cleaned

Front Metzeler tire 120/70R17

Rear Metzeler tire 180/55R17

Oil service

Safety inspection

TOTAL $2631

Detailed service receipt from San Diego BMW will come with the sale. Bike is garaged in upright position (not on side stand) and is never ridden in rain or adverse weather conditions. There are few tiny rock chips on the belly pan, the largest is in the photo gallery. Otherwise this Boxer Cup looks a like it just rolled off the showroom floor. Bike comes with keys and books. I will include a BMW Front Pit Bull stand at full asking price.

This is a rare opportunity to buy perhaps one of the lowest mileage Boxer Cups in the US.

The $8,200 Buy It Now price is on the high side for a Boxer Cup, but this is a very clean, low-mileage example that has obviously been fastidiously maintained. 2005 and later bikes came with Laser cans to match the logo on the fairings, but the full Remus exhaust seen here is a desirable option and should give the flat twin a nice, throaty drone that will sound sporty but very different from a Ducati. As the seller mentions, this is a collectible you can actually ride.

-tad