BMW Krauser MKM 1000. Ultra rare R100RS-based 1980s superbike

I'm selling this bike on behalf of my good friend Dave Minton. the well known motorcycle journalist. I was lucky enough to test this bike last year on behalf of Classic Bike magazine for the November 2013 issue. We did a back to back comparison test with an R100RS. My notes at the time say the Krauser was quite simply the best classic bike I've ever ridden [and I've ridden some fairly exotic stuff in my time]. It's lithe. quick. has impeccable handling and of course an excellent provenance. The Krauser will enhance any BMW collection and buyers can be confident this is a fully sorted example which will give many thousands of miles of pleasure with minimum attention. If you have any questions please include an email or a phone number and Dave will respond as soon as possible.

"This Krauser MKM 1000 was assembled by Ongar M/cs. Essex. and registered in 1985. Its engine. power train and running gear were transplanted from a brand new BMW R100S purchased as one of a batch bought by Ongar M/Cs from BMW GB when the model was dropped. It was built to special order for client Arthur Savage for a price of £5000.

In 1992 the MKM was sold to David Tomlinson. who in 1998 engaged Cray Engineering in Kent to upgrade and power tune the engine for optimum torque rather than top-end BHP alone. The total cost of all work. including the necessary ancillary improvements. has all been logged. listed and recorded in an unusually comprehensive file. amounting to approximately £2245.

The primary engine modifications amounted to the adoption of twin plug ignition (Boyer-Bransden). associated gas flowing to ports with valve relief radials increased by 0. 5 mm inlet & 1. 5 mm exhaust. unleaded exhaust valve seats fitted. new exhaust valves (7RW 1145). inlet and exhaust valve seats cut to 3-angle and pushrods shortened by 1. 5 mm to match. compression raised from 8. 2:1 to 9. 5:1. each piston re-balanced to an exact matching weight (std had incurred a 3. 8g difference) and machining squish-type piston crowns. A dynamometer test revealed power figures at the rear wheel of 68 bhp/7500rpm (60/6500. 50/5200). standard R100RS 52/6500. Also fitted was a less restrictive K&N air filter in partnership with an improved air-box. Supertrap silencers and rejetted carburettors. Koni dial-a-ride rear suspension units were installed.

This example was assembled in Britain by Ongar M/Cs. Essex. then perhaps Britain's premier BMW agency. Because a brand new R100S was employed as the donor machine for the MKM in England no Krauser factory “Blue Book” production log exists. But as Ongar M/Cs ran its own formidable race shop concentrating on endurance racing. and as peerless BMW race guru Jim Cray of Cray Engineering blue-printed the engine this model can hold its own in any company.

Plus points: while the utmost power figure of the MKM may imply a speed (134 mph normal. 136+mph crouching) apparently little greater than an R1000RS. the MKM's torque tuning returns a performance far beyond the capabilities of a standard “Air-Head”. Its magnificent handling partners near uncanny high speed stability. The finish of the machine is wholly original and excellent in all but a few minor points and it even has most of the original tool kit. Unusually it is equipped with the rare twin seat. It comes with an almost perfect and unusually comprehensive paper record of its origins. ownership. improvements and maintenance. and has been road tested in at least three British bike mags. most recently Classic Bike November 2013. They are all in its file along with its own maintenance and tuning records plus much other Krauser history. Thankfully the m/c is not equipped with Krauser's own 4-valve cylinder heads; for all their theoretical advantages the high volume of mechanical sound levels from excessive cam wear often outweighed the advantage of a bhp hoik. which can be equalled by a skillfully reworked standard BMW head. The bike has never been dropped or pranged and its paintwork is original and sound. A roll-on pit. or service stand. is part of its equipment.

Minus points. The aluminium castings could perhaps do with a polish. the fork gaiters might be better replaced and a retaining clip of the handlebar clamp cap is broken. but everything works superbly. Three years ago an abortive attempt was made to improve access to the headlamp interior via the fairing nose; this failed and the aperture has since been professionally restored to original condition. One minor fairing mounting tab (hidden) has been professionally repaired and the side stand is a little sloppy.

Total recorded mileage currently is 21.067. Current MoT certificate. "

Shipping and packing arrangements are the buyers responsibility but every assistance will be given to help with export and liaise with your shipping agent.