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BMW R65 café racer by Gas&Retro
Last year, Žiga Petek did something truly refreshing—he built a custom BMW boxer that bucked all custom BMW boxer trends. With sharp lines and not an inch of pipe wrap in sight, it turned heads wherever it went, and it planted the seed for Žiga’s latest build.

Based on a BMW R65, this one is just as creative as his previous effort, while also being totally different. The story starts a few years ago, when Žiga became an ambassador for Flex Tools via Gas&Retro—his custom bike workshop in the Slovenian town of Notranje Gorice. Before long, Žiga and the head of Flex Tools Slovenia, Boštjan Vidrajz, became friends.

BMW R65 café racer by Gas&Retro

Then Žiga built the aforementioned BMW, and Boštjan was hooked. “He fell in love with BMWs,” Žiga tells us, “so it wasn’t long before he bought himself an 1983 BMW R65.”

“He drove it through the summer, and then he brought it to my work shop with some pics of custom BMWs. I asked him ‘do you trust me?’ He said ‘yes,’ and that was it.”

BMW R65 café racer by Gas&RetroRead More

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By: Wesley Reyneke
Title: Think Different: A hopped-up BMW R65 café racer from Slovenia
Sourced From: www.bikeexif.com/bmw-r65-cafe-racer
Published Date: Thu, 04 May 2023 17:52:22 +0000

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2023 BMW R 1250 RS Review

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7 hours ago

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June 4, 2023

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1945-ish Boeing C-97G Stratofreighter, meet 2023 BMW 1250 RS.
1945-ish Boeing C-97G Stratofreighter, meet 2023 BMW 1250 RS. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Really or Rather Sporty?

BMW’s RS concept has existed for more than 40 years. Beginning with Hans Muth’s legendary RS100 RS of 1976, the RS has been shorthand for boxer-powered sport touring, as opposed to the more refined RT (Reise Touring) concept. The RS certainly didn’t invent a new riding genre, but it was a groundbreaking improvement for the nascent sport-touring community. Muth’s beautiful (and effective) fairing was fixed to frame with a 980cc boxer helping push both envelope and airspace.

Editor’s note: we test rode the ‘20 version during the 2020 BMW R 1250 RS MC Commute Review article and video.

Joining the 1975 Honda Gold Wing, the RS pushed the envelope of luxurious and sporty touring. Currently, the Kawasaki Concours 14 ABS and H2 SX SE, Suzuki GSX-S1000GT+, Yamaha FJR1300ES and Tracer 9, and the KTM 1290 Super Duke GT are all valid alternatives. But arguably, they exist because of BMW’s Sport Touring concept from way back when. The RS is the OG, so to speak.

The R 1250 RS, sandwiched between an R 50/5 and R 80/7. Note the glaring lack of similarities.
The R 1250 RS, sandwiched between an R 50/5 and R 80/7. Note the glaring lack of similarities. (Anders T. Carlson/)
The 6.5-inch TFT, minus integrated Navigator GPS mount.
The 6.5-inch TFT, minus integrated Navigator GPS mount. (BMW/)

German grammar rules aside, BMW’s site plainly states that the R 1250 RS is a “Sport Tourer,” or “Reise Sport.” Travel Touring motorcycles are in the “Tour” section, but the RS gets a spot in the “Sport” section, alongside the S 1000 RR. The only boxer among BMW’s stable of sporting 1,000cc inline-fours, the RS runs with fast company. Is it legit or just a marathoner sneaking into the sprints? Look past the fairings and you’ll see a humanely tall handlebar, sensibly placed winglets, and an adjustable windshield that make for pleasurable 400-mile days. Slimmer fairings, an extra 1.6 inches in the wheelbase, and 79 fewer pounds turn the RT into an RS.

But does it do all the “sporting” well? That’s a really dumb question. It’s obviously one of the best ways to employ triple digits in service of two-wheeled vacationing. But Motorcyclist earned the only North American test ride for the 2023 R 1250 RS. So we smartly said yes to answering a stupid question over two weeks and 700 miles of Wisconsin countryside.

The Milwaukee Art Museum and BMW R 1250 RS offering a visual clinic on visual synergy.
The Milwaukee Art Museum and BMW R 1250 RS offering a visual clinic on visual synergy. (Anders T. Carlson/)

Specs and Specifics

The oil-and-liquid-cooled 1,254cc opposed-twin motor is the spiritual heir to the beloved air-cooled /5 and /6 twins of the 1970s. “Spiritual” is shorthand for little shared DNA. But hit the starter, and you get that tractorlike wobble that defines boxer love. The counterbalance shaft means you get approximately 1,500 rpm’s worth of idling nostalgia before ShiftCam variable intake camshaft control ensures silky-smooth torque all the way up to 6,000 rpm and beyond.

The example kindly provided has the 29.9-inch low seat, which works great for riders 5 feet, 8 inches and shorter. Not so much for those of us with 5-foot-10 frames. This made for very cramped touring. It also turned various reproductive organs into load-bearing stressed members. But using imagination and creative writing, we’ll simulate a ride review with the standard 32.3-inch seat. While we’re at it, we’ll fake-review the 33.0-inch sport seat and optional tubular handlebars, which are wider and a tad higher. They’re also way easier to attach farkles to.

The view aboard the BMW R 1250 RS.Read More

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By: Anders T. Carlson
Title: 2023 BMW R 1250 RS Review
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/bmw-r-1250-rs-review-2023/
Published Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000

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The Barber Motorcycle Museum Comes to Los Angeles

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1 day ago

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June 3, 2023

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A pristine 1909 Merkel-Light Model A (back) greets you at the starting point of the “Around the World on Two Wheels” exhibit.
A pristine 1909 Merkel-Light Model A (back) greets you at the starting point of the “Around the World on Two Wheels” exhibit. (Andrew Cherney/)

If you’ve been to the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, you already know what an impressive collection of meticulously restored metal is housed in that sprawling 250,000 square-foot compound. In fact, it’s been recognized as the world’s largest motorcycle museum, at least according to the Guiness Book of World Records, circa 2014. But Leeds, Alabama–based Barber is also situated a pretty long ways from the West Coast, so when we heard an exhibit of select bikes curated from its two-wheel trove was opening at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, we hightailed it down to Southern California to settle in for some serious gawking.

Related: Inside The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum’s Restoration Shop

Not all the bikes are show queens though; the 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT—built to compete in the Isle of Man Junior TT class—is displayed in its fully unrestored original condition, warts and all.
Not all the bikes are show queens though; the 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT—built to compete in the Isle of Man Junior TT class—is displayed in its fully unrestored original condition, warts and all. (Barber Museum/)

This exhibit, which is laid out in the Richard Varner Family Gallery on the Petersen Museum’s second floor, draws from the Barber Museum’s extensive holdings to trace and highlight the development of the motorcycle, from its earliest beginnings as a method of personal transportation to its more modern interpretations as a racing machine, workhorse, commuter vehicle, and of course, a styling and design statement.

With that in mind, it’s easy to see why this grouping of bikes is so mind-bogglingly diverse; machines that run the gamut from one-off Grand Prix racers to popular production streetbikes to century-old examples of a simpler bygone era.

This 1950 Norton International Clubman, known as the Inter, could be configured to compete in everything from trials to roadracing. In roadrace form it eventually evolved into Norton’s Manx model.
This 1950 Norton International Clubman, known as the Inter, could be configured to compete in everything from trials to roadracing. In roadrace form it eventually evolved into Norton’s Manx model. (Andrew Cherney/)

Of course, the Petersen itself is no slouch when it comes to world-class museum venues, but these days most of the vehicles inside are of the four-wheel variety. Nevertheless, the stroll up to the second floor where the Varner Gallery is located is still an eye-opening experience for any motorhead, two-wheel or four.

Related: Electric Revolution Takes Over The Petersen Museum

A beautifully restored 1919 Harley-Davidson Model J, featuring a 989cc V-twin, hardtail rear and no front brake.
A beautifully restored 1919 Harley-Davidson Model J, featuring a 989cc V-twin, hardtail rear and no front brake. (Andrew Cherney/)

After running the gauntlet of 1932 Ford Roadsters and classic Studebakers, you arrive at the Barber exhibit where bikes are perfectly arranged in a semblance of chronological order, complete with info plaques displayed below. Kicking off the early years up front are examples like the 1905 Indian Single, a 1909 Merkel-Light, and a 1928 Sunbeam Model 80 TT, with latter-day bikes represented by Jake Zemke’s ripping Honda CBR600RR race machine and other championship-winning superbikes.

When art inspires real life, you get something like this 1952 Triumph Speed Twin custom, built by Jared Weems and based on renowned moto-artist David Mann’s “Dog Gone Hot Dogs” painting.Read More

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By: Andrew Cherney
Title: The Barber Motorcycle Museum Comes to Los Angeles
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/news/barber-motorcycle-museum-comes-to-los-angeles/
Published Date: Thu, 27 Apr 2023 20:19:00 +0000

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2023 Yamaha TW200 Review

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1 day ago

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June 3, 2023

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Despite the adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” it’s hard to believe that the Tuning Fork brand has been manufacturing its TW200 dual sport, with one careful, but modest set of updates for over three decades. But that’s the beauty of Yamaha’s 2023 TW200 ($4,899). A simple and affordable street-legal, dual sport motorcycle, the “Trail Way” last saw an revision for the 2001 model year, adding a disc brake and electric start.

Editor’s note: Readers asked for it, and we delivered. Find out what other new motorcycles our US community wants us to ride this year in the Top 5 Motorcycles You Want Us To Review 2023 article.

Readers asked for it, so we penned a review of Yamaha’s tried-and-true TW200 dual-sport.
Readers asked for it, so we penned a review of Yamaha’s tried-and-true TW200 dual-sport. (Adam Waheed/)

The reason why these TW200′s are cool is because of its now retro styling. It offers a handsome ‘80s vibe reminiscent of other popular rectangular headlight bikes from that era (think Suzuki’s DR-Z). What’s old always becomes new and these bikes are back in style.

Yamaha’s TW200 is not only a great learner motorcycle, it’s also a worthwhile addition to the garage for motorcyclists seeking a fun and affordable mini-bike for errands and local riding.
Yamaha’s TW200 is not only a great learner motorcycle, it’s also a worthwhile addition to the garage for motorcyclists seeking a fun and affordable mini-bike for errands and local riding. (Adam Waheed/)

A classic dual sport, the TW200 can be ridden on and off-road. Oversized Bridgestone all-terrain balloon-style tires (18-inch front, 14-inch rear) and a surprisingly peppy 196cc four-stroke SOHC two-valve engine gets it moving. An air-cooled design is nothing fancy, but it is reliable, and the engine has enough pep for freeway-legal speeds.

Instrumentation is simple but effective. It is also a reminder of the past with its swept face speedometer and rolling odometer and resettable trip meter.
Instrumentation is simple but effective. It is also a reminder of the past with its swept face speedometer and rolling odometer and resettable trip meter. (Adam Waheed/)

Getting the single fired is as simple as twisting the old-fashioned but signature Yamaha Motor mechanical key. Flip the ignition switch and let’s go for a ride. This engine features a counterbalancer but it certainly doesn’t quell all of the engine’s vibes, especially at high running speed. A five-speed manual transmission with a cable-actuated clutch puts back the power to a 14-inch rear wheel via chain final drive on the left-hand side of the vehicle.

The TW200 is an original dual-sport. It’s a simple and affordable motorcycle that can be ridden on road as well as off.
The TW200 is an original dual-sport. It’s a simple and affordable motorcycle that can be ridden on road as well as off. (Adam Waheed/)

It drinks from a 1.8-gallon fuel tank, but there is no fuel gauge, nor low fuel level light. There is a petcock valve which allows you to alternate from “on,” “off” for transport, and “reserve” fueling. This is a remnant feature of the mechanical carburetor. We’ve averaged around 60 mpg during the course of our stop-and-go ride through the city. If you’re a cruiser, and can keep the speeds lower, Yamaha says you can get upwards of 70 mpg.

In spite of its $5,000 price tag, the TW200 features quality paint and above average build.
In spite of its $5,000 price tag, the TW200 features quality paint and above average build. (Adam Waheed/)

You’d be surprised how much pep this little thumper is. This 13-some horsepower engine feels more powerful than some 250cc liquid-cooled engines we’ve ridden. It’s surprising how much torque the engine offers. Ten pound-feet isn’t much but it’s capable

Read More

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By: Adam Waheed
Title: 2023 Yamaha TW200 Review
Sourced From: www.motorcyclistonline.com/reviews/yamaha-tw200-review-2023/
Published Date: Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:33:24 +0000

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