$32,500
Burgess, Virginia
Category
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Engine
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Posted Over 1 Month
Offered for auction is this extremely rare 1982 Krauser MKM1000. One of only about 200 Krauser-built bikes produced during its two-year run, and one of only 13 machines imported into the USA by BMW of North America in 1982. Michael Krauser had a very close relationship with the BMW factory, and he sourced his R100RS mechanical components directly from them. The difference is that the Krauser-built bikes don’t have a BMW vin, they have a Krauser vin on the engine, frame, trans & rear drive. The other important difference is that he then proceeded to wrap all these parts in a computer designed birdcage frame that was extremely light and rigid. At about $16,000 US in 1982, the MKM1000 was usually a millionaire’s ride. And that is exactly who the original owner of this bike was, none other than our own intrepid millionaire motorcyclist, Malcolm Forbes, publisher of Forbes Magazine. Mr. Forbes is often called one of the last ‘fun’ millionaires, and he certainly seemed to enjoy life. I bought my first new BMW R90 in 1974 at the Forbes dealership Sleiger-Forbes in Whippany NJ, and that’s where I first met Malcolm. We were by no means friends – I was a kid of 20 years of age, and Malcolm was – Malcolm! But his motorcycle exploits were legendary, and my own BMW crossed his path a number of times simply because I practically lived at the dealership on Saturdays, and I lived only about 30 miles from his home in Far Hills NJ. Malcolm purchased this bike new in 1982, and was known to have kept it at is estate in Morocco, Palais Mendoub. This is also the location of his lavish (and unfortunately, final) birthday party when he turned 70 (see link below). The factory-optional dual seat on his Krauser was there to have room for his favorite riding companion, the actress Elizabeth Taylor. A few years after his death a few of his bikes were sold off, including this machine. With only about 3,800 miles on the odometer, this machine is mechanically like new. Included with the bike are the original Krauser rear wheel pit stand, the original Krauser Build Book for the bike, a full set of NOS Krauser fairing/tail section decals (no longer available) as spares, and the paperwork from Forbes Magazine. ALSO included are a set of original Krauser 4-valve heads. This machine is ready for the new owner to add to their collection. Please ask all questions prior to bidding. Overseas bids are welcome, but I cannot help with any shipping estimates. Payment is expected within one week of auction end, and the bike must be picked up/shipped within one month of auction end. Sorry but the bike does not move before the payment is here, no exceptions. Good luck! http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1900881/print