How is the price of a Sport-Evolution Concept Bike determined?
“Our Concept Bikes are fully refurbished and completely rebuilt custom bikes, including a newly rebuilt engine and transmission, which are equivalent to a new motorcycle upon completion”
But what does that mean?
Engine and transmission are completely disassembled, the crankshaft is ground or lapped and re-mounted, connecting rods are angled and re-mounted, the oil pump is completely replaced, timing chain, tensioner rails and tensioners are new, cylinder heads are converted to lead-free, valves, valve springs, valve cotters are new, cylinders are overhauled, pistons and piston rings are new, all screws and grommets are new, engine is ceramic bead blasted, alternator is overhauled, all transmission bearings are new, transmission gears and transmission components such as shift forks, etc. are replaced as needed. In short, upon completion, it is essentially a new powertrain.
Chassis, suspension components, brakes: The frame is stripped of all superfluous mounts, measured, and completely ground. The frame, rims, and all chassis and attachment parts are powder-coated, all bearings, grommets, rubbers, and screws are replaced. The fork is completely rebuilt, a new shock absorber is installed, the brake calipers are blasted, newly powder-coated, and assembled with new pistons and seal kits.
The electrics: The main wiring harness and all auxiliary wiring harnesses are completely new, including all switches, horn, and sensors. The alternator and starter are either overhauled or new, new handlebar switches, in short, a completely new electrical system.
Also all Bowden cables, brake lines, fuel caps, fuel taps, as well as conversion parts such as lighting, indicators, seat, rear frame, handlebars, speedometer, paintwork, too much to list.
It should be noted that we use original BMW spare parts for motorcycle restoration, i.e., no cheap replica products. These are more expensive, but quality comes at a price.
And how is the price determined now?
Other companies also write "engine overhauled" or "completely rebuilt," but what does that actually mean? For SE, an engine overhaul is certainly not done with just a big bore kit or a new cylinder head gasket.
If you look at what a rebuild of a boxer engine, transmission, and carburetors costs at our company or other reputable engine builders, you will consistently find prices around €5,000. If companies try to sell you an engine overhaul, then take a close look at them. Without a valve seat cutter, a boring mill, a honing machine, a lathe, a milling machine, etc., a BMW two-valve boxer engine cannot be overhauled. If these providers outsource the engine work, then two people already have to earn money, which makes it even less viable in terms of price.
And then there are also offers for "low mileage," i.e., bikes that have only run 20,000 km in 35 years. You can believe that or not, or just try it. If damage occurs, it leaks, or whatever, you have to deal with it. We cannot proceed that way; our customers expect perfectly functioning bikes.
The calculation:
Engine, transmission, carburetors including labor 5,000 €
Paintwork and upholstery 800 €
Powder coating 1,200 €
Conversion parts such as rear frame, lighting,
license plate holder, fenders, seat, speedometer,
handlebar switches, handlebar controls, shock absorber, handlebars,
triple clamp, …. (Depending on equipment) 6,000 €
Vehicle assembly labor 6,000 €
TÜV approval 350 €
+ a suitable donor motorcycle
Do I save money if I source the donor vehicle myself?
We are happy to convert many delivered bikes throughout the year. However, if it is to be a comprehensive conversion in the sense of our Concept Bikes, then you will not save anything by doing so.
Our bikes include an estimated €2,000 for the donor motorcycle. This price is achieved because we simply have good sources for purchasing, bought many bikes at the right time (we currently have about 50 motorcycles in stock), and can market some of the leftover parts. On the private market, a reasonable donor bike costs about €3,000 - €4,000.
I cannot speak for competitors, but one thing must be clear to everyone:
"For €10,000 to €12,000, you cannot completely overhaul a motorcycle, extensively convert it, paint it, and get it through TÜV."
I can only advise against buying such an "overhauled complete conversion" for €10,000, as offered online. You can only lose out, and €10,000 is a lot of money after all.
And if I build the bike myself?That is an option. We offer all the parts for it and are happy to support our customers with their home-customizing project. Technical advice is included with us. We have had TÜV parts certificates drawn up for many parts so that our customers do not experience any nasty surprises during the final TÜV inspection. It is also possible for us to take on partial areas such as the engine, transmission, or electrics, and you make the vehicle assembly your personal project.
Should it ever come to a point where you can't go any further, that's also not a problem. We also finish projects that have been started and get them through TÜV.
