BMW R 1200 GS Special Edition

BMW Motorrad UK have announced the release of a very special limted edition BMW R 1200 GS to celebrate 15th year of the 4-valve GS boxer twin. This limited edition GS comes with a mind boggling array of GS extras as well as Alpine white paintwork contasting with a dual coliur seat and black front beak. The uprated specification for the SE version includes black cross spoke wheels, protective aluminium head covers and a tinted screen, free panniers until 30th September and Dynamic and Premium specification packages.

These packages include ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Tyre Pressure Control, Enduro Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA II), heated handlebar grips, an on-board computer, chrome exhaust pipe and LED indicators.

Some package!

The R 1200 GS SE is built to order at a cost of just £11,400 OTR. BMW Motorrad dealers are taking orders now, with the first bikes being delivered to customers in July 2009.

Ride safe.


Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Memorial Day 2009

Remembering

It's okay to have a good time (that's what they fought for too), Just don't forget what today is about.


Had to throw a bike in. You sure don't see many WLA's with a buddy seat and foot board extensions. Don't know what that stuff is (behind the blackout light), on the top front fender. Also, note the high mounted head light and the early tail light set up.

For comparison, here's a typical WLA sans gun scab bard, ammo box, and bags . Note headlight and horn position and side by side rear tail lights. It also has later style oil bath air cleaner and rear ultility rack.

1915 5 Ball FR Update

Yesterday I took some art over to Keith Ball's and checked on the progress of his 1915 5 Ball Factory Racer.

My original concept drawing as based on our conversations. Keith has made some changes from his initial ideas as he goes. The bars were originally going to be mounted upside down. The square oil tank and front fender probably won't be run.


The pipes position has changed too. Keith plans to ride this contraption to Sturgis with a group of antique bike riders. Is that cheating?

The frame and tank came from the US Choppers prototype and I had reservations about it's height and length. Keith's use of 23" wheels helps balance out the scale. The overall size shouldn't bother Keith. Standings at 6' 5", he needs a big bike to feel comfortable.

Raising the pipes meant putting the tool box on the left side. I'd like the bike to stay black( it probably won't). I'd also paint the primary black.

Keith's usage of vintage items such as the foot controls, boards, and tool box add to the old time flavor. I like what he's doing better than the antique/board track style bikes that some of the pro builders have built. They seem to loose sight of the old look and use too much billet on their bikes. Some of Keith's other vintage style touches include the mounting of the speedo and the electric box on the top of the tanks.


A narrow Paughco springer adds to the 1915 look. That's an auxiliary fuel tank up on the bars.


Keith's added a antique oiling device mounted to the top of the chain guard. In theory, it would drip oil on the chain.

Keith's thinking of changing his original color choice. He was going to paint the frame and tanks orange with black panels. Now he's thinking about using a dirty white instead of orange. If it was mine, I'd keep it all black with orange stripes/accents. I might even consider giving the whole bike an old worn patina treatment.

You can follow Keith's latest progress on Bikernet.com
To find the earlier articles you'll have to hunt in his Tech and Bike Builds dept.