Revamping a Classic: The 1960 BMW Motorcycle with a Twist
Picture this: a classic BMW motorcycle, lovingly restored and completely transformed. This ride hails from the craftsmen at Boxerworks in Watkinsville, Georgia, completed in the stylish year of 2020. It’s not just a regular upgrade; it’s an *art deco* of sorts in the world of motorcycles. We’re talking about a powder-coated frame, the installation of a Ural sidecar and an Earles fork, and a moody black-and-cream finish that will make you do a double-take.
Under the Hood (or, Over the Frame)
This beast isn’t all looks, though. Underneath that stylish exterior lies a 980cc opposed twin and a manual five-speed transmission, both poached from a BMW R100GS. With headlight, instruments, and wiring borrowed from a /5 model, it’s a real Frankenstein’s monster in the best way possible—where the parts blend as if they were always meant to be together.
Is it a Fiat Panda in disguise, or could it match a Bentley in stature? No, it’s the perfect blend of elegance and raw power.
- Driveshaft
- Stainless-steel two-into-two exhaust
- Denfeld solo saddle
- Rear parcel rack
- Hella bar-end turn signals
The Sidecar That Steals the Show
The sidecar isn’t just an afterthought; it’s a highlight. A sleek chrome lighting arrangement, a locking trunk for your top-secret cargo, a folding windscreen, and black leather seating that ensures comfort even during the wildest of rides. And let’s not forget that spare tire, mounted ever-so-cleverly under the luggage rack as if it’s awaiting its own James Bond moment.
Previously listed as a charming artifact of the past (here’s looking at you, November 2023), it was acquired with gusto in 2024. And now, this BMW sidecar rig is yours for the taking, conditionally titled in the great state of Georgia.
The Aesthetic Makeover
Take a walk around. The fuel tank and fenders? Dipped in a stunning cream and finished with crisp black accents. The frame itself—powder-coated black as night, with internal seals to match. A Denfeld saddle as black as a raven’s feather, and a chrome-rimmed headlight that feels both old-school and futuristic. And then there’s the cargo rack, ready to carry all this…and a bit more.
- 18″ wire-spoke wheels
- Metzeler tires
- Polished drum-brake hubs
- Enclosed shocks paired with an Earles fork
Behind the Wheel: The Technical Marvel
You want performance? This rig has got it. Those wire-spoke wheels laced to shimmering drum-brake hubs aren’t purely for show, and that pair of shocks—enclosed and oh-so-adjustable—take care of your wildest rides. Wheel bearings, steering stem, fork linkage, swingarm? All meticulously replaced as part of this masterpiece.
“A ride like this changes you. It’s the difference between seeing the world in color versus black and white,” said every ecstatic owner ever.
The sidecar doesn’t just look good—it performs brilliantly, too. Painted to match with cream and black hues, it’s affixed with adjustable crossbars to stay rock solid in the fiercest conditions. Features aren’t limited to a matching aesthetic; it has a black tonneau cover, headlight, and drum brake, plus an extra tire to keep you rolling no matter what the road throws at you. Step inside, and it’s lined with comfort, complete with a lap belt, grab bar, and folding clear windscreen for a splash of both safety and style.
Behind the Speedometer: Data and Style
The chrome cross-brace handlebar up front isn’t shy, touting a 120-mph speedometer that dares you, just dares you, to push limits. Want to know how far this beast has travelled? The five-digit odometer currently shows 34,237 miles—little more than a kilometre when you consider what this BMW is capable of.
Power? Oh, there’s plenty. The 980cc OHV opposed twin was slotted in during the overhaul of 2020, breathing fire through a pair of Bing carburetors and singing sweet melodies via the stainless-steel exhaust. You’re dealing with a power transfer through an R100GS five-speed transmission that’s all about precision, peace, and power.
Fun Fact: The frame number, 564276, ties this bike to a period between 1960 to 1962, a true window into the golden age of motorcycles.
On a side note, the Georgia title calls this motorcycle a 1959 BMW R100, albeit with a note about “Conditional title—May not reflect all liens or other encumbrances.” So, live on the edge, but maybe do a little paperwork.
