Posts by tag: flat twin

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

Replika Racer: 2004 BMW R1100S Boxer Cup Replika for Sale

BMW September 11, 2018 posted by Donn

Past Dream – 2008 BMW HP2 Sport

The mid-2000's saw BMW put their flagship 1170cc DOHC twin into three very different motorcycles - a big super-motard, a hare-n-hound off-roader, and this, the HP2 Sport. While both the motard and off-road machines were mega-size compared to the mainstream, the HP2 Sport fit better into the superbike genre and can show and go. This 2008 is just ready for it's second oil change mileage-wise, but has been a collector's gem, farkled and serviced to a high level.

2008 BMW HP2 Sport for sale on eBay

Never giving up on the flat twin, the search for four valves led BMW to a complex chain-driven cam arrangement, and achieved 130 hp with 85 ft.-lbs. with the compulsory Bayerische reliability. Instantly recognizable as part of the brand, it of course uses shaft drive, and the recent Paralever monoshock. Up front is their newer Telelever suspension, with empty "fork" tubes and conventional shock absorber above the wheel. Elsewhere it's all new, trellis frame, carbon fairing and self-supporting seat console. The 2-1-2 exhaust darts under the engine to the catalyst and then underseat to the canister muffler.

Just shown by the original purchaser, the current owner has curated some nice mods and taken care of some maintenance concerns for the next owner. The RR mirrors look less automotive than the stockers, and the SW Motech tank bag is a great no-mar solution. New rubber might be considered if the buyer intends to push things hard. From the eBay auction:

This bike is in immaculate condition with only 3,507 mile since new. Bike needs nothing as has just had the front forks redone with new seals and oil and both cylinder heads resealed with new BMW gaskets and new cylinder head sliders for good measure.

I am the second owner and purchased the bike from the original owner who had it in a collection thus the low miles. I have ridden it and done a few tasteful mods which are all simple bolt-ons and can easily be removed by the new owner as all original parts are included:

Ilmberger Carbon Fiber rear wheel hugger

BMW S1000RR mirrors with Sandbar Composites adapters (original mirrors included)

Puig windscreen (original windscreen included)

SW Motech quick release ring and tank bag (original fuel ring included)

Osram Nightbreaker headlight bulbs

Pitbull rear stand

Everything else is stock the way it rolled off the production line—perfect. Bike comes with two keys, owner’s manual, factory repair manual, factory training booklet, tool roll, and fanny pack.

Most often seen with few miles, the HP2 was a $erious commitment when new. The secrecy around total production numbers warrants investigation by Wikileaks, but stateside imports for the 2008-10 years should be no more than a couple of hundred. Glad to see such a special machine undamaged, but the low miles just scream missed opportunity. Five days to run on the auction and bidding has been brisk but no challenge to the reserve. Unlike trains, there won't always be another. An epic ride for any fan of the brand or big twins in general...

-donn

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 July 8, 2018 posted by Donn

Footloose – 1983 BMW R65LS

BMW's R65 was introduced as a junior model to the R90 and an update to the R60. Hans Muth was enlisted to style the LS, with his signature triangular fairing and orangey-red bodywork with enigmatic white alloys. This one has been hidden away and revived a couple of times, with an extraordinary 4,629 miles and show-bike condition.

1983 BMW R65LS for sale on eBay

Not really much new mechanically, with the moderately oversquare two-valve twin pushing just 50 hp through the automotive dry clutch, 5-speed, and of course shaft drive. Conventional forks and dual rear shocks are traditional, though black exhausts and dual front disks note a sporting intention. Fairing, tank and side covers are trim, accented with black details and bare aluminum castings.

Every bike of this age will have some stories to tell, and for this example, most involve long periods in the garage and an occasional return to service. Expected white wheels are unpainted on this one, perhaps an update to the color scheme as the model was halfway through its life-span in 1983. So clean it's displayed with mirrors underneath, the deep sump sparkling. Sacrilegious though it would be to replace them, the faded rondelles are a distraction. From the eBay auction:

The bike has given 45-55 mpg for the last year’s fuel economy at altitude. The finish on the original paint that draws eyes and comments wherever I go. The paint ...THE PAINT... this Hennarot Red is so perfect you’ll have to put on sunglasses from the shine , just never exposed to the elements or left in the sun ! This bike has only 4627 original miles on it and is in a perfect state of tune. In the last 100 miles I’ve adjusted the valves, balanced the carbs , this puppy just purrs like a sewing machine, not a wisp of oil leakage anywhere ! The original Continental tires still have great tread left on them and can probably go another 3000 miles before replacement , or leave it in it’s Concours shape and bring it to Pebble Beach now ! This LS has great handling with a glassy ride in the 60’s and 70’s mph , a 5.5 gallon tank gives plenty of range.

Never really compared to leading supersports of the day, R65LS was a nice handling gentle-person's machine. The scale of the R65LS suited smaller riders, and the weight was less than other Beemers. Engineering and build quality was of course for the long haul. Muth's design was a flash in the pan for BMW but has held up well. Even for a gorgeous example, the owner has named a serious starting bid and it will be interesting to see how it goes...

-donn

BMW April 8, 2018 posted by Donn

Ab Fab – 1975 BMW R90S

Lots of young men had Farrah Fawcett posters on their walls in the mid 1970's, while those with the two-wheeled affliction might've had one of a sexy R90S. The bike was BMW's return to /S machines and was made only for a few years, but won Daytona and the inaugural AMA SuperBikes championship in 1976 under Reg Pridmore.

1975 BMW R90/S for sale on eBay

A descendant of BMW's venerable R75, the R90 was bored out to 898cc's and the helpful addition of Dell'Orto carburetors brought home 67 hp. The first production year retained the Type 247 engine's kickstarter, but the 1975 update deleted that and added drilled brake rotors and a strengthened crankshaft. The R90S was an early design of Hans Muth, who went on to many machines at BMW and then for Target Design.

This Tennessee /S has been comprehensively restored, every part NOS or newly painted, polished, or plated. The owner started with a tired example with a rusty tank and missing its fairing, but has achieved a rare level of mechanical and cosmetic completeness. From the eBay listing:

Bike was completely taken apart down to the bare frame and ever component rebuilt, restored or replaced. The complete motor, transmission, forks, wheels and carbs were rebuilt by Guenther Wuest in Indiana. He is a well know BMW motorcycle restorer. Almost ever part replaced was replaced with parts from BMW thru Max. I have all the receipts and most of the packaging they came in.

The only parts that are not BMW are the rear shocks and exhaust. I have all the original parts that were removed and replaced including all fasteners and are included with the sale. Bike did not have a fairing or mirrors and had some kind of custom seat pad when I received it. It also only had three aluminum blinkers with no internals. The original gas tank was rusted beyond use so I went searching for a tank and came across a complete set of Daytona Orange body parts including a fairing. The parts were re-painted some time ago but are in very good shape. There are a few small chips on the tank and a couple small cracks on the fairing.

Front wheel was rebuilt with a new rim from Max and stainless steel spokes. The rear wheel was replaced with an original rebuilt Weinmann wheel I bought from Guenther. Tires are new and wheels are balanced. Every cable, nut, bolt, clamp, hose, seat, blinkers, bulbs, wires and complete brake system including the master cylinder is new. Also found a NOS tire pump that is included along with some new BMW tools. Bike has only been ridden maybe 2 miles since completion and it starts right up and runs very smooth.

The R90S reviewed as a great all-rounder - not the fastest or most powerful, but handled well and was comfortable to ride through the 6 gallons of fuel on board. The bikini fairing was borrowed widely though most did not include the thoughtful clock and oil pressure gauge. The design was soon superseded with fast-paced engineering updates leading to the R100S and RS. Likely this one will be for show only, though the restoration has prepared it for the road as well...

-donn