Retrofit: the BMW R swaps its boxer engine for an electric motor

Although it has its detractors, the phenomenon of replacing a classic vehicle’s internal combustion engine with an electric setup is gaining momentum.

LM Creations has decided to enter this niche market with an original proposition: an electrification kit for old BMW R models. The Dutch company aimed to create an electric motor/battery assembly that does not distort the lines of the motorcycle. To achieve this goal, they discreetly hid the battery and preserved the distinctive valve covers of the twin-cylinder BMW.

The motorcycle’s electric motor delivers a peak power of 20 kW. It operates with a 4.3 kWh battery, offering an autonomy of around 80 km in city riding. It weighs 24 kilograms, roughly comparable to the original fuel tank when full.

LM Creations offers a choice between two onboard chargers, 1.8 and 3.3 kW. With the more powerful charger, it is possible to recharge from 0 to 80% in one hour. To recover the remaining 20%, an additional hour is needed.

An Electric Motorcycle with a Gearbox

LM Creations had the innovative idea of keeping the gearbox. According to the company, this choice results in lower consumption, as the different gear ratios allow for a reasonable engine speed regardless of speed. It also allows for adjusting the motorcycle’s responsiveness by varying the torque.

As things stand, the retrofit is too expensive to develop on a large scale. Unfortunately, LM Creations has not found a miracle solution: the company sells its kit for €8,950 with an onboard charger of 1.8 kW, or €9,450 with a 3.3 kW charger. It is also possible to purchase individual components of the kit. Unsurprisingly, the most expensive part is the battery, priced at €4,550. The motor costs €3,950, the 1.8 kW charger €950, and the 3.3 kW charger €1,450. The polyfiber fairing costs €550.

Also read: With Noil, the indestructible Peugeot 103 becomes electric