Sport Boxer homage: Wunderlich R 1300 S Sprint Concept

Sporty Boxers have written their own chapters in BMW history. The HP2 Sport, R 1200 S and R 1100 S are among the bikes that Wunderlich's new concept calls to mind. The R 1300 S Sprint is based on the BMW R 1300 R and channels the aesthetics of the great endurance machines of the 1980s and 1990s. But this is about more than just a different fairing: Wunderlich combines Nicolas Petit's design with targeted changes to the suspension, wheels, exhaust and seat to create a sport-focused overall package.

The Sprint is meant to be a counterpoint to the aggressive styling of today's sportbikes. To achieve this, Petit relies on clean lines, balanced proportions and an organically drawn half fairing. It gives the Boxer a new silhouette while leaving the engine, frame and suspension on show. The hardware is therefore explicitly part of the look. According to Wunderlich, the design combines a sporty line with well-thought-out aerodynamics. The aim is a powerful presence that makes its impact without overblown aggression. The fact that endurance racing aesthetics of all things served as the inspiration fits nicely with the deliberately exposed mechanicals.

For the French designer, the concept fulfils a long-cherished dream. Petit has shaped Wunderlich's design for almost two decades, working with sketch pen and design board as well as clay models, templates made from construction cardboard and three-dimensional structures built from construction rods. Together with the engineers, this is also how accessories such as engine and tank crash bars, protectors and seats come to life. With the Sprint, his conceptual approach initially focuses on the upper half of the bike. Petit describes the reduction to the essentials as a deliberate design decision intended to give the concept its character.

Wunderlich managing director Frank Hoffmann takes the first sketches as an opportunity to upgrade the technical basis in a targeted way as well. Selected components from Wunderlich's own range are used, along with carbon parts from Ilmberger, an exhaust from Remus and suspension from Wunderlich's suspension partner Wilbers. These are joined by a custom-upholstered seat, Continental tyres and BST carbon wheels. The conversion thus extends across several areas of the bike. According to Wunderlich, the combination is intended to underline the concept's sporty focus and develop the BMW base into a distinctive overall package.

Peter Haindl designed the paintwork in the famous Gulf colours, intended to visually underline the design approach. Other defining elements are the exposed rear wheel and the silencer running parallel to the tail. Together with the front-wheel-oriented seating position and the half fairing, they are meant to evoke memories of the great endurance bikes. Alongside the sporty BMW Boxers, Wunderlich cites the Ducati 900 SS Nuda, Suzuki GSX 1100 R and Honda Bol dOr as reference points. The Sprint combines these historical echoes with the visible hardware of the R 1300 R. You can find more about the components at Wunderlich.

Which bike is the R 1300 S Sprint based on? The Wunderlich concept bike is based on the BMW R 1300 R.

Who is responsible for the design? Nicolas Petit developed the design with a minimalist half fairing and exposed Boxer hardware. Peter Haindl designed the paintwork in Gulf colours.

Which components are used in the conversion? Wunderlich combines its own parts with Ilmberger carbon, a Remus exhaust, Wilbers suspension, a custom-made seat, Continental tyres and BST carbon wheels.