BMW R100S

Description

So, I’ve had this BMW R100S for a few years now, and honestly, it’s been a real project — not just in terms of the work, but in how much it’s grown with me over time. Bought it from South Africa back in the day, and it had just sat in a garage for years, covered in dust and grime. The bodywork was rough, the paint faded, and the whole thing looked like it had been left to rot.

But I decided to take it apart completely and rebuild it from the ground up — nut and bolt. The engine, gearbox, and bevel drive all went to Roger Bennett Engineering. Honestly, he said he’d never seen an engine in such good condition — everything was original, tight tolerances, factory specs. The gearbox was fully rebuilt with all six bearings replaced and properly shimmed. New clutch with diaphragm spring installed.

Frame, subframe, and swingarm were stripped, primed, and powder coated in satin black. The carbs — 40mm Bing — were vapour blasted and rebuilt with all new gaskets, O-rings, and diaphragms. The calipers got a ceracote layer and were fully rebuilt too. Master cylinder got the same treatment. Brakes are clean, no grooves, right in factory spec.

All new cables, fluids, filters — everything changed. Gearbox and drive splines were lubricated with Starbureg. New gaiter with stainless clips. Drive shaft bolts were torqued to spec. Forks were completely rebuilt — sliders vapour blasted, stanchions checked for straightness, then hard chrome plated and ground back to factory specs. New fork oil seals, damper rod piston rings, and original BMW fork boots. Lower yoke polished, new upper and lower steering head bearings fitted.

The handlebars still have those original, unique BMW R90S clamps — that’s a nice touch. Bosch contact points, ignition set up, timing checked with a strobe. Carbs synced and adjusted with vacuum gauges. Breakwell and green stainless silencers with header pipes. New 300CCA XR600 battery.

I’ve kept the original cockpit fairing with the motometer clock and voltmeter. Screen replaced with correct trim. Wiring harness is original, untouched, matches the factory diagram. Forks and steering are all tight and solid.

The bike’s been painted by J & S Racepaint in BMW Smoke Red — clean, consistent finish. Petrol tank’s never been filled, no dents. Fuel taps rebuilt, correct diameter pipe connected. New air filter. Seat is new with the right plaque, storage box in the tail tidy, and the original first aid kit’s still in there.

All the engine covers, inner and outer timing, alternator, starter motor, and airbox were vapour blasted to match the crankcase finish. Starter motor overhauled — works perfectly. Alternator stator replaced, brushes cleaned, rotor commutator polished — charging system’s solid.

This isn’t a full list — it’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve got receipts and a file of parts and labour over 10k — just in case you want to see the details.

It’s currently registered in Northern Ireland on a dateless plate. The bike’s on the button, runs smooth, sounds great. And if you're importing it into the Republic of Ireland, no VRT duty to pay — it’s over 30 years old.

If you’re curious, or want to see photos or a video, just hit me up. I’m in Halifax, Calderdale — no rush, just happy to chat.