Roland Sands builds custom BMW Dakar GS throwback
Many exotic custom bikes have rolled out of the RSD workshop, but this one will excite Dakar fansLauded custom bike builder Roland Sands has built a Dakar-inspired machine based on the modern BMW R 1200 GS platform. The RSD Dakar GS draws inspiration from the BMW R 80 G/S built by HPN Motorradtechnik for the 1986 Dakar Rally and piloted by two-time Dakar winner, Gaston Rahier.
The California-based Sands and his RSD team were enlisted to turn the 2008 R 1200 GS into a bike more adept in technical terrain. The RSD team suggested going with a retro theme, and the idea for the RSD Dakar GS was born.
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Off to work we go
After the initial design renders, the team got to work, with a new fork the first item on the agenda. The GS’s 41mm telescopic fork was replaced with a set of oversized 45mm legs from a Honda Africa Twin. The fork internals were then upgraded with an Ohlins cartridge kit.
To accommodate the new fork, RSD swapped the front section of the GS frame for the 2018 BMW R nine T frame. The team replicated the Africa Twin’s triple clamp and fitted the new fork to the R nine T frame. The result was near-identical geometry to the BMW HP2 Enduro machine that has competed in the Baja 1000.
Next up was the striking fuel tank, which was taken from an original 1986 GS. The tank was modified and updated with modern electronics.
The R 1200 GS subframe was modified for a retro look, and to fit the 1986 fenders, custom saddleman seat and survival box. The breastplate was hand-machined from aluminium.
Final touches
Automotive lighting legends, Baja Designs provided two XL Pro LED headlights housed in a hand-fabricated rally fairing. In a modern twist, RSD also replaced the roadbook with a modern Lowrance Elite-5 Ti GPS unit.
Other features of the Dakar GS include a Scotts steering dampener, ProTaper Evo bars, AEM Factory Titanium/Carbon brake and clutch levers and 21- and 18-inch Excel rims with oversized hubs, spokes and Dunlop D908RR rubber. The bike also makes use of twin K&N air filters, Akrapovic exhaust system and Motul 300V Synthetic motor oil. Completing the retro Dakar look is an Air Trix livery and custom Raceco rally tower.
Marlboro Man
The one-off Dakar GS was unveiled to the public earlier this year at the One Moto Show in Portland where it took home the Euro Alright Award.
While the bike is not available to punters, RSD has put together a limited-edition collection of merchandise and apparel inspired by the unique custom build. The exclusive products feature a Roland Sands Racing logo inspired by the classic Marlboro logo that adorned many motorsport team livery’s in the 1980s.
The collection includes jackets, t-shirts, caps, a rolling tin, lighter, tote bag and a Dakar GS hero card. The items can only be purchased as a collection and are strictly limited to 150 pieces globally. The collection is priced at $160USD.
For more information on the RSD Dakar GS and the RSD Racing Dakar collection, head to www.rolandsands.com/rsd-dakar-gs.
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