Differences BMW 2-Valve Paralever Monolever Twinshock

Production period until 1984

TWIN for pair and SHOCK for shock absorber means it is a model with two shock absorbers, one on the right and one on the left, and a rigid two-arm swingarm. 
Twinshock Models:  
R45 78-85 -- R60/5 69-79 -- R60/6 73-76, R60/7 76-78 -- R65 78-85 -- R65LS 81-85 -- R75/5 69-73 -- R75/6 73-76 -- R75/7 76-77 -- R80/7 77-84 -- R80RT 82-84 -- R90/6 73-76 -- R90S 73-76 -- R100/7 76-78 -- R100S 76-80 -- R100RS 76-84 -- R100RT 78-84 -- R100CS 80-84 -- R100 80-84 -- R100T 78-80
Fork diameter 36mm Shock absorber length 330mm
The vehicles used for our conversions are mostly BMW R65, BMW R80 or BMW R100 from first registration 1980; older /5/6/7 models are rarer.
All Twinshock models had a drum brake at the rear, with the exception of the R100RS 76-84 and the R100S 76-80 (both only from 1978 onwards). The final drives (cardan gears) were smooth on the outside until model year 1980; from 1980 onwards, they had circumferential cooling fins (R80RT 82-84, R100 80-84, R65LS 81-85, R100CS 80-84).
The forks of all Twinshock models had a diameter of 36mm. The last TS models from 1980 already had the fixed caliper brakes of the later Monolever. All other Twinshock models, with the exception of the early /5/6 models, which still had drum brakes at the front, had swinging caliper brakes.
All R90, R75, R60, as well as the R100CS, R100/7, had spoked wheels; all other classic BMWs had cast wheels. The spokes of the Twinshock cast wheels were more delicate compared to the later aluminum wheels of the Monolever models. However, conversion is not possible. There isn't much space at the rear for wide tires; a 120 is the limit. We usually use 120/90-18 or 120/80-18 at the rear and 110/80-19 or 110/90-19 at the front.
The /5 models had a short and somewhat higher tank, but the shape already resembled the later Monolever. With the /6 came a flatter and smaller tank, which, however, did not prevail. From the /7 until the last TS model, it was the identical shape to the Monolever series.
The TS models have a lot of electronics housed in the headlight. This makes converting to a small lamp more difficult. However, with the SE wiring harness and matching handlebar switches, this problem can be solved.
In terms of Bobber conversions, it is complicated with a Twinshock. Since the shock absorbers are attached to the rear frame, these mounts are eliminated when converting to a single seat. However, we can weld new mounts to the main frame and have the conversion registered via individual approval.   
The Twinshock's look more classic due to the two-arm swingarm. If you take the production vehicles, the difference in terms of braking and handling is enormous. If the components are accordingly processed and modified, the difference is significantly smaller.
BMW Monolever Models 

Production period from 1984 to 1996

A MONOLEVER is a single-sided swingarm with a shock absorber on the right side. The swingarm is made of steel and rigidly connected to the aluminum final drive. The shock absorber is attached directly to the main frame, independently of the rear frame, by a welded cast part. 
Monolever Models:
Road: R65 85-93, R80 84-92, R80RT 84-94, R100RT 87-96, R100RS 86-92
Fork diameter 38.5mm Shock absorber length 409mm 
Enduro: R80G/S 80-87, R80ST 82-84, R65GS 87-92
Fork diameter 36mm Shock absorber length GS 365mm, ST 350mm
The firstBMW Monolevermodel was theR80 G/Sintroduced in 1980, and thus also the firstEnduro motorcycle. For the street models, excluding thehybrid R80ST, the rigid single-sided swingarm was introduced into the BMW model range in 1984 with theR80RT. This drive concept was built until 1996, theR100RTwas the last Monolever model.
TheMonolever road modelsfeature afork with a 38.5mm stanchion diameterand a double disc brake (except R65). The front braking systems are equipped withtwo-piston fixed calipers. For the Enduro models, however, the 36mm fork widths and a single-disc braking system were retained. All models have a drum brake at the rear.
Thebrake calipersare originally mountedin front of the fork. It is possible toswap the two fork tubes from right to left, so that the brake calipers point backwards. Since the wheel axle is also slightly offset, the bike becomes even more nimble and agile.
The ML models are currently the most popular base vehicles forBMW conversions.Compared to the Twinshock models, they have wider rims, which allows the use of wide tires. The forks and brakes are larger, but all street models have cast wheels. However, we offer completespoked wheel sets (cross-spoked)for retrofitting.
The shock absorber is attached exclusively to the main frame. This makes the Monolever concept very well suited forBobber conversionswith a single seat.
BMW Paralever Models 















Production period from 1991 to 1996

The PARALEVER drive system is a single-sided swingarm with a shock absorber on the right side. The swingarm is a solid aluminum cast body that has a joint at the end towards the cardan drive. This can be recognized by the rubber gaiter located between the final drive and the swingarm. The shock absorber is attached directly to the main frame, independently of the rear frame, by a welded sheet metal profile. 
Paralever Models:
Road: R80R 92-96, R100R 94-96, R100R Mystik 94-96
Fork diameter 41mm Shock absorber length 475mm
Enduro: R80/100GS 87-90, R100GS Paris Dakar 89-90, R80/100GS Paris Dakar 90-96
Fork diameter 40mm Shock absorber length 495mm