Only two owners since new; current owner since 2008
Reportedly in excellent mechanical condition
Mainly kept in dry storage and ridden occasionally
The Appeal
With only 53 models produced as part of BMW’s R80GS end of run in 1996, the Kalahari enjoys a rarefied status among BMW aficionados. It was the last of the type 247 air-cooled motorbikes, and featured styling which was already looking retro in the age of the R1100GS.
With two well-presented original panniers flanking a seat which exhibits the minimal signs of wear you’d expect from such a low-mileage bike, this particular Kalahari is an exceptional opportunity to purchase a piece of biking history. A rev counter and voltmeter flank a speedometer redlined at 200kph (this particular bike was imported from Hong Kong in 2023 and given UK plates, having spent its early years in its home country of Germany), ahead of immaculate white paintwork reprised in those unusual handlebar deflectors, while its authenticity as a true Kalahari is confirmed by verified frame and engine numbers.
Although some of the powder-blue skeleton shows signs of surface corrosion, this bike is structurally sound. The engine appears to be in immaculate condition, with the current owner describing the bike’s mechanical condition as “excellent”. Having been rarely used and mainly kept in dry storage in recent times, this is a true classic, and one of very few Kalaharis to reach the UK market in recent years. IMG_5255.jpg213.32 KB
The History and Paperwork
Just two owners from new
Original German paperwork and invoices supplied
Original owner’s manual and guarantee documents
MOT until July 2026
ULEZ-approved but mostly kept in dry storage
Matching frame and engine numbers verified by BMW club
Complete with original German registration documents and manuals, BaMW invoice, Hong Kong ULEZ certificate and registration documents.
IMG_5295.jpg166.9 KB BEFORE YOU BUY This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: ✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. ✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. ✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. ✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. ✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. ✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. ✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..