My attempt at a BMW R100RR (or, why should desert sleds have all the fun)

i have had my BMW R100R for a few years and after getting a Ducati 900ss 1992 if began to feel less exciting. But with 6 month of no riding due to a ski crash, i began to make plans. Not for a cafe racer, but for a street racer!

After seeing all the great R100GS conversion i decided i wanted performance rather than looks. I want to get to a stage where i have 2 bikes in one:
1. An R100RR with an S fairing
2. A supermoto with high bars and high front fender

i am thinking that whilst getting around London the bike will be in Supermoto mode, when heading out of town or doing track days, with a swapping a few parts, i'll have my street bike.

I'll be asking lots of questions along the way but to get started are a few photos.

Where it all began
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/r100r5.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/r100r5.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo r100r5.jpg"/></a>

My first mod
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/Wilbers.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/Wilbers.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo Wilbers.jpg"/></a>

Sharpening up the handling..... compromised by reducing ground clearance
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/38mmdrop.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/38mmdrop.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 38mmdrop.jpg"/></a>

My first trip to Cadwell Park, befor i learnt to hang off the bike!
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/cadwell201102-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/cadwell201102-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo cadwell201102-1.jpg"/></a>

More to follow when i can load up photobucket!

That looks faster than the indicated 32 mph !!!

Seriously, love these threads

I'm in!

Looking good keep it coming.

Keep on postin' buddy..

That looks a feck size more interesting that those poncy 1/2 leaning knee and elbow down shots in the bike rags...

We should have an Airhead track day.

PW Cymru said:

We should have an Airhead track day.

Click to expand...

Phew!! The smell of wee combined with the smell of shit -ugly

fayeslane said:

Phew!! The smell of wee combined with the smell of shit -ugly

Click to expand...

Why? Is there a 1200 speaking engagement planned for the same time...

OK so where were we

So, i am part way along the journey and the bike currently looks liks this.... with the main changes being:
zx6r master cylinder which has tranformed the brakes, it is 1mm smaller in diameter and the brakes now have fantastic feel, much better than the woden feel as standard.... and i think it looks cool!oh i have replaced the bent bit of alloy since the picture...
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/1618550_10153737280965075_1198143344_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/1618550_10153737280965075_1198143344_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1618550_10153737280965075_1198143344_n.jpg"/></a>

I also put an acewell dash and motogadget flasher wich reduced so much wire and relay boxes that it was amazing. Along with the new switch gear there is not a huge amount or BMW wire left! And more will go when i fit the motogadget M-Unit and M-Button
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/1618550_10153737280950075_334904825_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/1618550_10153737280950075_334904825_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1618550_10153737280950075_334904825_n.jpg"/></a>

Here is the zx6r clutch lever and Ducati 900ss (1992) left hand switch gear that i borrowed from my other bike.
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/1545121_10153737280955075_280694916_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/1545121_10153737280955075_280694916_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1545121_10153737280955075_280694916_n.jpg"/></a>

I also moved the key to the headlight as i didn't know where else to put it. i used some connectors from the local plumbing store which looks a bit different but i think sort of works.
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/1536455_10153737280960075_596256041_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/1536455_10153737280960075_596256041_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1536455_10153737280960075_596256041_n.jpg"/></a>

I also hacked around with the tail, removing the passenger handle as it looked too bulky.
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/1560554_10153737280710075_986337923_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/1560554_10153737280710075_986337923_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1560554_10153737280710075_986337923_n.jpg"/></a>

The bike is still used as a b it of a work horse so i still need to have panniers and a place to tie things.....
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/GetAttachment.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/GetAttachment.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo GetAttachment.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/photo.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo.jpg"/></a>

So what's next.

I have two points of inpiration, especially after testing a R100GS before i bought this bike. Woeful brakes but lots of fun with the high wide bars. I am sure everyone has seen these but so you can see where i am coming from......
For the R100RR / R100 Boxer Cup sort ot thing (more on that later).
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/1-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/1-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1-1.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/01InspirationTestScheffBMW7-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/01InspirationTestScheffBMW7-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 01InspirationTestScheffBMW7-1.jpg"/></a>

And for the london commuter and shopping carrier / Super Moto sort of thing:

<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/i-xX6XzsR-M.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/i-xX6XzsR-M.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo i-xX6XzsR-M.jpg"/></a>

I especially like the way they put the swingarm on the other side with this bike
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/01Inspirationgsstylee.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/01Inspirationgsstylee.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 01Inspirationgsstylee.jpg"/></a>

Big plans .... but what is in store.

The basic changes will be a KTM front end with radial brakes (i so hope they fit!). I also have a front R1100GS hub and the brakes from an 1150 Rockster as they are a bit thinner than the other 1150 discs. at the rear i have an 1100 spoked wheel from a GS. This is where it gets interesting. I am going to fit the 1100 4 inch rim to my current hub so i can use a 150 tyre. This may need a little offset but i am going to try the fit in the next day or so. This leaves me with a 2.5 x 17 inch rim.... guess where that is going to go!! Yep i am going to be able to fit moder tyres to my bike. as much as i have loved my BT45s, which have gone faster on track days than i ever will and are awesome in the rain, i am going to go for the change.

The only regret i have is pulling the 1100 rim off the hub as it would be cheaper to add a rear disc than get 2 wheels built. I could also have used the very cool R1100S wheels, but i have read somewhere that the drum set up is lighter so i will pretend that i am OK with the R100 hub after all on the back.

Here is a picture of the goodies i have so far.
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/photo12.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/photo12.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo12.jpg"/></a>

As i start to put this stuff together i am going to have lots of questions, some stupid so i am going to ask for patience as i go through this process.

Oh i also have an R80ST/GS tank that Rex from Victory had in his back shed. It is a little rusty but i think it looks great, especially with the indents on the sides.
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/1526630_10153737280705075_716740776_n.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/1526630_10153737280705075_716740776_n.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 1526630_10153737280705075_716740776_n.jpg"/></a>

I will be asking for advice on what white to paint it all shortly but i am not quite to that stage yet.

Oh and i mentioned the R100 Boxer Cup thing above. Here is what i am thinking. I cannot afford yet to raise and move forward the engine, so i am going to cheat and just give my bike longer legs! I have a tricky little bracket made by Jim Cray to raise the back to almost GS height and i have forks i can play with the lengths of. So with going from 18 to 17 inch tyres but keeping the forks longer than standard, i am hoping i can raise the bike overall but change the angles to steepen the angle of the front forks, at least in Boxer Cup mode. I am not sure exactly how this will all work out as an R100R already has forks 38mm longer than the older RS so pratically steers like a GS, so i'll be getting thoughts on how best to manage this rather than do my normal trial and error!!

OK, i think that is about it so far. But watch this space for the ongoing saga as it unfolds.

You're an ideas man -good stuff. Makes my project bike look a bit simple by comparison but a man's got to know his limitations Will be watching with interest.

Nope they mirror imaged the picture

I noticed the Logo back to front first then the badge on starter cover

I was trying to work how it was possible up until then ? :-D

yep, the WM8 on the engine gave it away amongst other bits.... and that it would be an amazing nutty way of spending lots of money just to have people to point at your bike and say WTF

and while i was on here i thought i should add another pic. As part of having a Super Moto and road bike, i will build up 2 tails. one with the GS sub frame and one with the 100R subframe. not sure yet how to most easily get the old school seat cowl on but there are a few examples on the interweb showing some nice options.

<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/photo3-1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/photo3-1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo3-1.jpg"/></a>

i forgot a few other bits already done on the bike in its current state:

replaced whimpy "rubber on tiny metal pins" that hol the fork brace with some hefty bolts, definitely made a diference!
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/bmwbits3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/bmwbits3.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo bmwbits3.jpg"/></a>

put on a complete supertrapp exhaust, i weighed the old and new systems and the supertrapp was exactly 437KG lighter!
<a href="http://s297.photobucket.com/user/andrewinuk_photo/media/BMW%20R100R/bmwbits1.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm223/andrewinuk_photo/BMW%20R100R/bmwbits1.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo bmwbits1.jpg"/></a>

and don't laugh, but i put on a steering damper. i only use it for track days as the front end would get a bit light and wobble, and long trips to keep things on the straight and narrow at 100mph. the R100R does is not as wayward as my old R100RS, but it does make a difference.

oh, and it has been twin plugged and had the heads shaved by Jom Cray. i know Mr Moore has a more complete and high performance approach to Jim, but at the time this suited the budget and intended use.

OK, my first question, be great to get people's thoughts

how do i use the 30mm hollow ktm axle, can i machine the 1150 gs hub to fit appropriate bearings..... or should i add big shims to the forks and use the 1150 axle?!?

thoughts appreciated!

andrewinuk said:

oh, and it has been twin plugged and had the heads shaved by Jom Cray. i know Mr Moore has a more complete and high performance approach to Jim, but at the time this suited the budget and intended use.

Click to expand...

I know its a bit late but you don't have to wire up the second set of plugs. If you want performance the twin plug setup works against you. You end up with two flame fronts that need the ignition retarding at higher rpm it's also a nightmare to get the ignition to work properly. Moorespeed get over 100bhp at the back wheel with a single plug in each cylinder.

andrewinuk said:

OK, my first question, be great to get people's thoughts

how do i use the 30mm hollow ktm axle, can i machine the 1150 gs hub to fit appropriate bearings..... or should i add big shims to the forks and use the 1150 axle?!?

thoughts appreciated!

Click to expand...

I'd have a look and see if there's a standard bearing that fits your needs. failing that I'd personally favour a spacer so you can use the bmw axle. I did a similar thing years ago for a swinging arm spindle when fitting a Laverda swinging arm into a 900 Ducati, it worked very well.

thanks Rob,

and i may well go with the Moorespeed option at some stage in the future.... but am focusing on the handling at this stage.

and sounds sensible re the bearings, i am going to start playing with the front end once i install my moto gadget m-unit to clear up my first attempt at buidling up my own loom. i learnt a lot to say the least! having made the loom bigger and the kill switch not working when the brakes are on are the main issues..... but not not the only ones :-/