The hit-making German {custom} store WalzWerk enters the classic enduro scene with their new X-Plorer collection, based mostly on the BMW R100GS.
WalzWerk is likely one of the most prolific {custom} retailers on the scene. They have been in enterprise for 35 years with over 1,000 builds to their identify—together with numerous basic BMW boxers from their uber-popular Schizzo collection. The truth is, it might be extra correct to name them a boutique motorbike producer at this level.
WalzWerk’s newest providing breaks new floor whereas nonetheless retaining all of the hallmarks that put the German outfit on the map. Based mostly on the BMW R100GS, it marks the corporate’s foray into the world of bespoke neo-retro journey bikes and the launch of one other built-to-order vary.
“A lot of our Schizzo clients have already got one, two, or much more bikes of their garages,” explains store boss Marcus Walz, “and you may ensure that a type of bikes is a contemporary BMW GS. For years, these clients have been asking us to construct an previous GS from the 80s—ideally impressed by the well-known Paris Dakar racers from that period—however with trendy, or not less than up to date, methods.”
“So for many who discover the brand new BMW GS fashions too trendy and never fairly purist sufficient, however think about the older GS fashions too outdated from a technical standpoint, we’ve created the proper motorbike: the all-new WalzWerk X-Plorer. The X-Plorer blends the basic fashion of classic BMW GS bikes with trendy, high-quality parts, with out sacrificing the timeless attraction that defines these iconic bikes.”
Marcus provides that WalzWerk selected the R100GS as a platform to construct on as a result of it is the most recent previous GS that you may get (BMW supplied it from 1987 to 1994). It additionally has a much bigger motor than the older R80G/S, and it makes use of BMW’s extra refined Paralever swingarm and last drive. Regardless, every X-Plorer construct receives a full rebuild of the engine, transmission, suspension, and braking system.
WalzWerk affords the X-Plorer in two base configurations. The ‘Rally’ spec incorporates a smaller headlight nacelle, whereas the ‘Raid’ spec retains the inventory bike’s bigger fairing, 26-liter gasoline tank, and crash bars. From there, each variations are adorned with a smorgasbord of proprietary elements.
The BMW R100GS pictured right here is the primary X-Plorer Raid to roll out of WalzWerk’s workshop. Working from the within out, the group rebuilt the motor with new cylinders, pistons, and cylinder heads, treating it to a ceramic-coated two-into-one exhaust system. Though they retained the inventory capability, the bike now makes 10 additional horses, bringing its output to a decent 70 hp.
The transmission and last drive have been overhauled, too, whereas the clutch was upgraded to a strengthened sport setup from Sachs.
Transferring to the chassis, WalzWerk strengthened the principle body earlier than bolting on one among their signature subframes. “It is impressed by the rear body of our Schizzo mannequin, nevertheless it’s round 80 mm longer and 20 mm wider for a bit extra consolation,” says Marcus.
“The seat top can also be double the dimensions of our Schizzo seat. With a novel gel-core know-how, it is completely appropriate for long-distance rides. The seat is a two-piece unit, so you may take off the passenger pad to switch it with a baggage rack in simply 10 seconds.”
The entrance and rear fenders are sturdy plastic objects from the Italian off-road elements specialist Acerbis, however they are not easy off-the-shelf objects. Acerbis is manufacturing them particularly for the WalzWerk X-Plorer collection, working from prototypes designed by Marcus and his crew. The rear fender accommodates a classically-styled rectangular taillight, giving the entire package deal a distinctly OEM vibe.
Lengthy-time WalzWerk collaborator Touratech got here to the get together with a tailored suspension setup for the R100GS. The entrance forks are closely upgraded with a particular cartridge system and progressive springs, providing 200 mm of journey. A custom-built rear shock provides 180 mm of journey on the tail finish of the bike, with a full vary of adjustability that features the experience top.
This X-Plorer retains its 21” entrance wheel, however the 17” rear wheel has been swapped for a wider model. Each use BMW’s conventional spoked tubeless design. Potential purchasers may spec the X-Plorer with an 18” rear wheel, and WalzWerk is presently engaged on a particular drive shaft that may accommodate 200 mm of rear wheel journey.
Eager eyes will even discover that the entrance wheel now sports activities twin disc brakes—although Marcus warns that that is no straightforward modification, for the reason that R100GS’s left fork decrease would not have tabs to bolt a brake caliper to. “You could take a right-hand fork tube, machine it across the axle space to make it match the left facet, and modify the caliper bracket to make it match. However the effort is definitely worth the hours that go into it.”
The R100GS nonetheless makes use of a drum brake on the again, however WalzWerk affords the choice to improve this to the rear disc brake from an R1150GS.
As we have come to anticipate from WalzWerk, this machine is an train in subtlety. Be aware how the inventory sq. headlight has made means for a rally-esque twin gentle setup, augmented by a pair of PIAA fog-lights that sit on the crash bars. Tiny rubber-mounted LED flip alerts sit at each ends.
A peek behind the tinted windshield reveals an exceptionally well-thought-out cockpit. A {custom} sprint panel hosts a Daytona speedo with an built-in tacho, the ignition, and a smattering of well-labeled buttons. A Quad Lock smartphone mount sits useless middle, full with a vibration dampener and a wi-fi charging head.
Additional again, burly enduro bars are fitted with Biltwell grips, Synto brake and clutch levers, and WalzWerk’s personal aluminum swap blocks. The bike is completed off with a bunch of well-engineered particulars, together with a intelligent left-hand facet passenger peg bracket that additionally holds the muffler, and a burly bash plate.
The colour scheme is a riff on basic BMW GS liveries, with a gentian blue body and a mostly-black drivetrain. Better of all, the X-Plorer Raid weighs simply 188 kilos [414.5 pounds] moist—a weight discount of over 20 p.c.
Costs for a hand-built WalzWerk X-Plorer begin at €28,990 [about $33,659] for the Rally model and €29,990 [about $34,823] in Raid trim. That is a good quantity greater than the bottom worth of a BMW R 1300 GS Journey—however we all know which one we might choose.
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