The purpose of this site is provide information to other BMW enthusiasts on some of the work I've done on my BeeEmm's over the last six years - a 1979 R100RS (now sadly sold), a 1993 K1100LT (also moved on) and a 1978 R100S . The articles include a mixture of rebuilding and restoration type work, plus some small modifications I've done to the machines. Additionally, with their permission, I have inclded some articles of interest penned by other enthusiasts.

Having spent some time with a Yamaha FJR1300 as my "main" bike, I came back to BMW ownership with an R1200GS. I'll now try catch up with some articles on these great machines.

Modifications? Shock! Horror! Calm down now and read on. The K came as an ex-police machine and needed conversion to civilian spec. In the case of the airhead R machines it has been my ambition to do my mods sympathetically and they all follow three basic rules:-

• Improve the driveability of the bike
• Totally 'bolt-on'
• Returnable to the original state within an hour or so simply by replacing the original parts

Let's make it clear - I think the R100RS is a marvellous bike. The R100RS model is wonderful to behold and the BMW engineering that goes into it is excellent. My own bikes have been/are a joy to ride and they are lovely bikes to work on. But the marque possesses a number of 'features' which don't suit me as an individual. Some of this is physical as my lower spine is held together with screws and I have limited movement.

My rationale for acquiring the bike was as much to be able to tinker in the garage as it was to ride. But in riding, I found three elements frustrating and I'm sure other R100RS owners will have sympathy for one or more of these.

• The handlebars give a riding position position which is low and tight
• The clutch is very heavy, noticeable particularly in traffic
• The mirrors provide a good view of my elbows, but what's going on behind is a total mystery

So I've tried to do something about each of these, and at the same time I've restored or rebuild various bits. And that's what I've written about.

The current project is a total nut-&-bolt restoration of a 1978 R100S with RS fairing. This will be a slow, background job that I anticipate will take a couple of years at an hour here and an hour there. No doubt as things progress I'll build in some of the above items.

Turning to the K. The K1100 is probably the best bike BMW have ever made. Great fairing, electric screen, ABS and an engine that's so smooth and flexible you could leave it in fifth all day and it has the grunt to pull out elephant's teeth from 20 mph. Some may say the K1200 is a better bike, but it's a bit over lardy and sofa-like for me.

To read the articles click on one of the subjects in the grey left hand margin.

There's also a page of Links and Tips.

I hope you find some of these wafflings useful. The usual caveats apply - it's your life, so don't rely on anything here which might compromise your own safety or well being. I can't be held responsible. This information is simply that - information - and it's up to you what you do with it.

If you have any thoughts, advice or comment please email me at richard.todd@bmwman.biz

Cheers,
Todge