Post Listing Update: This R80GS Kalahari did not get any action at the opening bid ask of $15,000 on eBay in Cork, Ireland.
Here’s one that I had never heard about as it was never offered in the US – the “Kalahari” version of the BMW GS lineup. All the times you’ve heard someone talk about how they wish a company would just bring back an old model and put it up for sale again? Well, BMW tried that here as they basically brought the R80GS from the early 80s back in the mid 90s as the BMW R80GS Basic. BMW built approximately 3,500 Basics, and a small amount (possibly 50-54) were converted by Guenther Meyer at BMW Motorrad South Africa for his local market and called the “Kalahari.”
The R80GS Basic was the final implementation of the 247 air-cooled motor, with very few changes from the original R80. The second time around it got a blue frame with white bodywork, a subframe that was redesigned to accept the paralever suspension, GSPD windscreen, and a white instrument cluster. One source I found stated that one of the Kalahari bikes was wrecked during a press launch, making the final imported number 53. To be clear – this isn’t an official BMW model, it’s a South African special that was created by the local importer. Still, it’s an interesting find, even if they can be well-faked with a decal and some minor touches. Basically, it’s an R80GS with a slight restyle, upgraded suspension (Marzocchi forks/WP shock), Paris-Dakar fuel tank, and Paralever driveshaft.
The seller of this example says that the VIN matches a genuine Kalahari (not sure where that official list is) and that it’s got the optional clock and tachometer). It’s got the OEM luggage, 35 liter tank, original paint, and is current on service. It has under 9,500 miles and it’s said to be in mint condition. Find this Kalahari for sale in Cork, Ireland with an unmet opening bid of $15,000 here on eBay.