The specialists at Wunderlich have already developed and finished no fewer than 10 self-contained and highly impressive conversions based on the BMW R nineT and its variants. An eleventh bike has now been added as a result of their first Bob Job: the latest bobber has been named WunderBob and celebrates its world première at INTERMOT 2018.
Wunderlich is well acquainted with the BMW GS, R, F, S, K and G models: the company‘s vast range of innovative, beautifully engineered and highly functional components captivates BMW motorcyclists all over the world. In addition, with their 10 independent conversions, the team from Sinzig in western Germany have pushed the customisation possibilities for the R nineT, which was launched in 2013, to the extremes. However, anyone who believes they have reached the limit clearly doesn‘t know the experts behind this engineering think tank!
At the press conference for INTERMOT 2018 on 2 October 2018, they introduced the WunderBob as a concept bike. That the new bike was not merely the result of some minor tinkering became immediately clear when Frank Hoffmann, managing director of Wunderlich GmbH, and Felix Wunderlich, (pictured), company officer and head of product management and development, jointly unveiled the new machine. They revealed a triumphant, exceptionally harmonious design concept, which is characterised by a casual, confident appearance that skilfully reduces the R nineT to the essentials.
The flat outline of the WunderBob is defined by the Wunderlich suspension, which has been lowered by 25 mm. Other stand-out features include the raised, wide handlebars, the saddle position and the fully adjustable footrest system. And then there‘s the paint – in stunning dark blue metallic, a colour that is mirrored in the seams of the Wunderlich saddle. The fenders nestle very tightly around the bulbous tyres that are a hallmark of the Bobber. The lines of the rear fender are very subtle – almost floating – yet stiff in view of the challenges faced when designing the attachment, which were dictated by the swingarm. Wunderlich has not given in to the temptation to install a wide swinging saddle – instead, it has created a stylish solo seat, framed by a tubular loop that almost seems to absorb the rear light and indicators.
Frank Hoffmann: "Our portfolio of concept bikes ranges from the Wunderlich G 310 GS, which we are giving away here during the Intermot, to our Pikes Peak hill climbing motorcycles. With the WunderBob we are presenting the first Wunderlich Bobber, which also represents our eleventh R nineT conversion. Anyone who knows us, knows we thrive on difficult challenges – indeed we go looking for them! Half-hearted solutions are frowned upon for us. Especially half-hearted retro! We have transformed the R nineT into a bobber that is a contemporary reinterpretation of the Bob Jobs of the 40s and 50s, while losing nothing of the R nineT‘s iconic appearance.“
This was the task facing Wunderlich‘s designer, Nicolas Petit.
Felix Wunderlich: "We wanted our bobber to be more powerful and lighter while at the same time emanating an air of nonchalance. The challenge was a demanding one, as traditional bobbers are usually based on transversely installed two-cylinder V or in-line engines, which present far fewer structural and design restrictions than the BMW Boxer due to the arrangement of the footrests alone.“
With the WunderBob, Wunderlich is now introducing another independent concept bike. The positive lines, plenty of power and in combination with the Wunderlich suspension chassis that offers an unmatched, weasel-nimble handling. These features combined with the relaxed seating position support the serene authority of the rider – and will ensure plenty of admiring glances. In this way, Wunderlich has all but guaranteed that the WunderBob will become a reliable and honest friend and companion.
Wunderlich will now develop the WunderBob components on the basis of the new concept bike and add them to its product range. They are expected to be available from spring 2019 as individual components for conversion of the R nineT. A complete conversion kit will also probably be made available; however this has not yet been confirmed. All parts will be registrable if necessary.
After Intermot, Wunderlich will showcase the WunderBob at the EICMA 2018 event in Milan – and, of course, at the Custombike Show in Bad Salzuflen in early December.
