In 1923, BMW introduced the R32, the company’s first foray into the motorcycle manufacturing business. The 500cc 8.5 horsepower boxer, set the design and styling cues that BMW still follows in many ways. A lot of enthusiasts love the look of the original, but let’s face it, as an every day rider today, it’s simply inadequate. So, what if you could take that original model and reinterpret it with modern technology and power, not just stuff a big modern engine in the little antique bike, but instead, scale it up and build one from scratch? What might result? Enter Jean-Luc Dupont.
Jean-Luc thinks of Harley Davidson this way, new bikes with a firm foothold in the past, so, in the same spirit, why not build a BMW with a vintage look and modern engineering. Since Jean-Luc is from the French BMW Motorrad dealer Panda Moto 89, a dealer with some interesting specials already under their belt, it was a logical step to get his team together and begin work on this extremely impressive project.
The tube frame carries a 9.5 liter (2.5 gallon) fuel tank for the 1200 boxer engine. Unlike the original air cooled engine, this one needs a radiator which is well hidden up front. The engine, shaft drive and rear disc (disguised to look like a drum) were installed and fitted with a left side hand shift, with 6 speeds instead of the original 3.
All instruments but the speedometer are mounted on the tank with cables hidden inside the handlebars. The handmade seat and panniers are leather and all necessary switch gear is hidden but easy to access.
The bike was built with only a rear brake, like the original, but after some road time, Jean-Luc decided he better do the right thing and work up something for the front.
The bike took 16 months to build and cost over €70,000 ($101,000) by the time it was done. Although this bike is now on the show circuit, it’s destined for display at Panda Moto 89. Jean-Luc hints at very limited production should there be a demand, and while the price is pretty steep, there are those who might be interested.
While looking at this, I kept thinking of another beautiful build from France, the Warboy 883 XWL, taking the design and idea of an old Harley and building it with new technology and components. With this new BMW build, as noted several times here recently, the German marque seems to be a growing presence among custom builders, and with stunning examples like this, there’s every reason to believe we’ll be seeing more in the future.
A big Thanks to Pat Castel, BMW MOA Ambassador for sending along the details.
Link: Panda Moto 89
Photo credits: Panda Moto 89
Kachunk says
Its curious how you see these kinds of transplants in hotrod cars all the time, but very rarely do you see them with motorcycles. In this application, I think it works pretty well. The radiator is well hidden which is key to pulling off a pleasing aesthetic….
I think the major hurdle of these kinds of transplants is hiding the water cooling, and all of the hoses and wires. Its rare to see a bike that is integrated so well, I guess that’s what $100k gets ya!
Penectomy says
No way that is water cooled.
Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" says
radiator… oil coolerRon says
Fantastic and very inspiring! I would buy one!
Oldtimer says
I love new bikes.
I love old bikes.
I love new bikes that look like old bikes.
I love this bike.
BB says
Air cooled oilhead motor is what I see. Nice looking machine, though.
Phoebe says
I like this a lot. They should put one of those 360 Brakes in the front to keep the brake-less look:
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2007/05/16/360-brake-by-baldwin-wilson-development-corporation/
Razor says
Interesting build….but not at $100,000. Mass produce it and lower the cost to $12-$15,000 and you may have something.
Tim says
I very much doubt that could be done.
and lose the uniqueness?
and how practical is it really? (even with a front brake, which it has to have to be registered: its a new bike not an old bike) its still a hardtail.
I love it, by the way.
Wave says
I think that asking for this bike to be mass-produced for $12k is kind of missing the point. It’s a full custom one-off.
I like the look of it, but I think it would look even better with a slightly older style of engine. Retro-tech is nice but I think it would be even nicer without that engine cover on the front.
spectator says
seems like this one is a bit stretched out compared to the original; if one were to attempt such a thing, why not remake an R7? seems to better fit the nosebleed price here.
Smith Motor Works says
Very thought provoking
Mike says
It provoked me to think… What a bloody waste of money!. I can`t believe the over analysis of some of you guys.
Jose says
I quit serious thinking a long time ago, but, ‘ain’t that front tire mounted bakards?.
Dawg says
No
Gerry says
Modern technology? Girder fork and a rigid rear not only looks retro, but rides it too. No thanks.
B50 Jim says
Nice job of reverse retro engineering; very Teutonic-looking for a French design. It looks as it the French are doing some great work in out-of-the-ordinary custom bikes these days. I wonder if that front end and rigid rear are up to the output from that 1200, but it’s mostly for show. Still, good work!
Klaus says
Yep, as a show piece I’d give it ten points out of ten! Very beautiful and cleverly done. But with that suspension and the upright seating position I wouldn’t want to go faster than 100 km/h; puttering around at lower speeds would be nice but a waste of the big engine. For a more practical application I could imagine a ‘retro’ styled R69S which would be able to make use of the engine. VW built the New Beetle, the Japanese build their retros, and BMW has a lot of history it can be proud of. Mass produce a naked retro R69S, kind of like the Bavarian answer to the W 800. lots of riders who had a R69S 30 or 40 years ago would buy a modern one now.