Kalahari conversion ?

[flytoolow]

About 3 years ago I bought a 92 80GS PD with the idea of having a project bike - Solo seat, a paint job, a brake job, TKC's, round heads - that sort of thing. Nothing too major.

Well recently trawling through the internet I came across BaMW's Kalahari modification (link http://bamw.co.uk/parts/subframe-conversion.html# and thought that may be an idea.

Here are my questions :

1) I have heard that the original 80 G/S Paris Dakar tank is used BUT it needs "modification" - does anyone know to what extent ?

2) My instrument cluster on the PD is different - so that would need to be changed. Does anyone have a list of parts needed to replace mine for a standard GS instrument cluster (with mounts etc)

3) I have read that the shortened sub-frame originally came off a G/S. Would it be a straight 1 to 1 swap? (Why do I ask this? Swiss homologating process - If it aint BMW - then it won't pass basically. So using BaMW's subframe, although an option, I doubt I could legally use it here in Switzerland ?)

4) Anyone on here taken this plunge and how did it go ?

5) Is the solo seat on the Kalahari different from the GS PD solo seat (i.e are the mounts the same allowing me to use the longer /standard GSPD subframe and allowing me to register more easily here in Switzerland (see item 3 above))

...Its either this or sell the GS PD and go with my hankering for an 1150RT...but what I would do with an RT that my GSA doesn't fulfill is anyones guess?

Any opinions ?

F2L

 

[Rob Farmer]

As far as I'm aware the Paris Dakar tank will fit straight on the paralever frame. There may be slight differences in the rubber mounts though and possibly the wire strap that holds the tank on at the rear.

The Basic/Kalahari subframe is very different to the g/s subframe. The G/s subframe has a different offset on the right hand strut and will not clear the Paralever shock. The cross member is also in a different place to accommodate the paralevers longer mudguard. The basic subframe is a lot stronger than the g/s one.

I apparently bought the last original Basic subframe when I converted a paralever.

Basic subframe on the left, G/s on the right. You can see the difference in the right hand struts offset.

This was mine when it was under construction.

Just out of interest. Would the swiss actually know it was a BAMW subframe as there's no identification that I'm aware of on the genuine one to indicate that its genuine BMW (I'll have a good look when I get a chance). I've just looked through my documentation and have found the original BMW invoice for mine.

 

[flytoolow]

Just out of interest. Would the swiss actually know it was a BAMW subframe as there's no identification on the genuine one.

Thats a good point. If all of the other mods are "BMW" then Im not sure how they could tell. However the last time I imported a bike (12C) I had to produce the original "design documents" not just the certificate of conformity but I think that was just someone who wanted to be a PITA since the guy who checked it just asked "How many gears" n stuff...so Im not sure if they could tell if the Subframe is different since its only 2" shorter (??) unless he got a tape measure out ?

Im still having to weigh up if its really something I could do - I would probably bring it back to Blighty and get some help from "friends in the know", but looking at the CHF/EUR factor I could pick up a G/S Paris Dakar tank some something like 550 quid (850CHF)...so thats what got me thinking. I always prefer the large capacity tanks (>30L) but the GS PD aint the best looking machine....and if you're going to do something, do it right I guess..

 

[Canuck]

So the rear subframe swap would work... if you knew someone who had a bmw receipt for one right... just thinking out loud....

 

[Ras Thurlo]

I converted a '92 80GS with fairing into an unfaired bike, looking like the g/s and gen.1 paralever

rather than play around with the wiring conversion, I put on a new unfaired paralever wiring loom (still available at BMW) - saved a lot of time and got rid of the previous birds nest and also means you can go with the standard left side indicator switch gear.

G/S PD tank looks great, but be careful if your tall as tank side step may mean your knees overshoot and you end up with a splayed riding position.

forget the 1150RT and go for the Kalahari kit