Source: Bike Bound
Baritone Uzi: BMW R1200R from Rind Performance…
Introduced in 1987, the Yamaha Banshee 350 (YFZ350) was destined to become one of the most legendary four-wheelers of all time. The engine was a non-YPVS (Yamaha power valve) version of the liquid-cooled parallel-twin two-stroke from the RZ350 street bike, which could be tuned to stratospheric levels of power. Today, the boxy, aptly-named Banshee still reigns supreme as a sand-spewing dune machine.
“Since its introduction in ’87, it has been the ultimate roller-coaster ride among sport ATVs, and one of the best high-performance two-strokes ever made. Few, if any, of its challengers have had the staying power and all-out performance that has marked the Banshee’s reign as the king of speed.” –Dirt Wheels Magazine
Our friend Robin of Rind Performance has long been a fan of this fabled quad. He’s also known for his series of high-performance “Banger” builds featuring BMW flat-twin boxer engines. Examples include his Super Hooligan R nineT, R100R “Flatbanger”, and Flatbanger 2.0 — machines that take inspiration from Super Hooligan racing, supermoto, and flat track.
Street-Legal Super Hooligan: BMW R NineT
As a successor to such projects, Robin decided to build a Banshee-inspired Boxer using a 2015 BMW R1200R LC as the base.
“My goal was to copy the beautiful design of a Yamaha Banshee onto a modern, powerful motorcycle like the R1200R.”
In 2015, BMW’s R1200R roadster received the new liquid-cooled 1170cc boxer engine first introduced in the R1200GS adventure bike, rated at a stump-pulling 125 hp and 92 pound-feet torque. While the liquid-cooled BMW lump is no two-stroke, it’s a monster in its own right:
“Instead of the leisurely throb of its air-cooled predecessor, the liquid engine positively comes alive in the lighter 508-pound, fully fueled R1200R, with brisk acceleration and a braapp snarl that sounds like a baritone Uzi.” –Rider
It would be quite the challenge to transform the R1200R street bike into a machine that readily recalls the rampant 80s angularity of the Banshee, but Robin pulled off the transformation with staggering grace and visual power. Not only that, but he managed to preserve the full functioning of all of the BMW’s OEM electronic wizardry: heated grips, traction control, selectable drive modes, and adjustable suspension!
The fuel tank was completely designed and built in-house to utilize the OEM fuel pump and level sensor, while the front fender and fairing were 3D-printed to match the design of the Banshee components with the proper scale and mounting provisions. The rear fender is a based on that of a 500cc motocrosser, and this Boxer is now running spoke wheels, flat-track bars, electronic quickshifter, and a homemade airbox, rear subframe, license plate holder, and the aforementioned tank and bodywork.
The bike has a lost a few kilos, and with the higher riding position, this “Bangee” has become a hooligan’s dream — in proper Banshee fashion!
“Paired with the 125HP water-cooled 1200cc Boxer engine and the fantastic quickshifter, it goes effortlessly onto the rear wheel… It’s just pure fun to ride!”
It’s amazing how well the design incorporates the squat, hunchbacked presence of the original Banshee. To our eye, it looks significantly better than 99% of the naked bikes available on today’s showroom floors — and it’s a true one of one, with nothing else like on the road anywhere in the world. Well done, Robin!
Below, we talk to the man himself for more details on his Banshee-inspired Boxer. Enjoy!
BMW R1200R Custom: Builder Interview
• Please tell us about your new build.
Here is my long-time project and a new member in the “Banger” family, the Rindperformance “Bangee,” which was built on the base of a BMW R1200R LC 2015 (K53).
The legendary and most beautiful ATV of all time, the Yamaha Banshee 350ccm two-stroke served as inspiration. My goal was to copy the beautiful design of a Yamaha Banshee onto a modern, powerful motorcycle like the R1200R.
In order for this work, a lot had to be done: the airbox, wheels, rear frame, and the fuel tank had to be completely rebuilt. It was also important to me that all technical things like the fuel gauge, heated grips, quickshifter, traction control, drive mode and adjustable suspension…all still work.
It’s a tribute to a classic that has always fascinated me.
The tank shape and front fairing are from a Banshee; the rear is based on an old 500ccm MX bike.
The front fender was completely manufactured in a 3D printer because the size ratio doesn‘t match the original part.
All this bodywork paired with the latest BMW Boxer engine technology and 125-hp Banger Power 😜. Unfortunately the BMW is not a two-stroke like the original, but the 1200ccm is still satisfactory 🤪.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
It’s a BMW R1200R LC (Liquid Cooled) Bj.2015 (K53).
• Why was this bike built?
Because I’m very into flat track, supermoto, boxer engines, and the Banshee ATV as you can see from my previous projects. I built myself a new “Bange(e)r” to have an honorable successor to my Super Hooligan R nineT and Flatbanger.
The Banger Family
• Can you list the custom work done to the bike?
Spoke rims
Suspension fork black anodized
Flat tracker handlebars
Magura brake/clutch lever
Banshee 3D front fairing
Banshee tank fairing
Homemade airbox
Homemade fuel tank
Homemade rear frame
Homemade license plate holder
500cc Motocross tail
Unit garage exhaust
Motocross “Ride-Height-Devices” at the Front.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride the Bangee?
By losing a few kilos it has become very lively. Paired with the 125HP water-cooled 1200cc Boxer engine and the fantastic quickshifter, it goes effortlessly onto the rear wheel, but that also comes from the higher seating position and the resulting higher center of gravity. Unfortunately it doesn’t have a pure two-stroke sound like a Yamaha Banshee, but it can still be heard. It’s just pure fun to ride!
• Was there anything done during this build that you are particularly proud of?
The most difficult thing was definitely making a fuel tank that allows the fuel level / fuel pump to function fully and still remains tight. Everything was designed and welded in-house. It only takes around 7l, but I’m very proud of how well it works.
Follow the Builder
Robin Ludwig: @mr.ludolf
Rind Performance: @rindperformance
More Rind Performance Builds
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