The R1800GS concept is the brainchild of Norman Birtles, who founded Nippy Normans in 2003, to offer BMW riders the widest variety of accessories from around the world;
"When I saw the R18 at last year's Milan show I wondered how that massive motor would look in a GS frame. During lockdown, my curiosity got the better of me, and I asked Kar Lee, the designer who's created so many memorable concept bikes, if he could come up with something."
Kar produced two versions of the R1800GS concept - a 'touring' road bike and an adventure spec model.
Both are powered by the 1800cc flat twin, returned to deliver 140hp and 115ft-lb torque.
The touring bike comes with alloy wheels to enhance handling, LED lights and an Akrapovic silencer. It is also fitted with a host of practical accessories from the Nippy Normans catalogue, including wind deflectors, heated seat, bash plate and luggage rack with pannier rails.
The Adventure-specification model gets robust spoked wheels, full crash protection and rugged alloy panniers, so it can cope with challenging terrain.
"I realise this is pure fantasy" admits Norman. "Shoe-horning that 110kg 1800cc motor into a GS frame would require some serious re-engineering of the chassis, but the combination of glorious low-down torque and the long-distance comfort and handling of a GS is something to dream about!"
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