2004 BMW R1150GS

The Ultimate Adventure Sidecar Rig

The “Bumblebee” Alaskan Overland Expedition Machine

Only 24K Miles – Fully Equipped

Feast your eyes on one of the most purpose-built, adventure-ready sidecar rigs we’ve ever had come through Kaplan Cycles Or the New England Motorcycle Museum. This is not just a motorcycle…this is a true cross-continental expedition vehicle. Built by an experienced overland rider, proven on two Alaska runs, and outfitted with every accessory you could imagine, this is the ultimate 3-passenger, 4-season travel rig.

This 2004 BMW R1150GS “Bumblebee” sidecar setup comes directly from the John Lucas Collection (Ohio). John built three sidecar rigs in his lifetime and this was his crown jewel. He and his wife rode it to Alaska twice, plus multiple cross-country trips. It has only 24,000 miles, the majority of which are highway miles from those epic journeys.

THE ULTIMATE OVERLAND ADVENTURE RIG

If you’ve ever dreamed of riding to Alaska, the Yukon, the Arctic Circle, or across the country in any weather, this is your machine. It’s already done it…twice.

• Arctic Circle, Dawson Creek (Mile Zero), Whitehorse, Yukon decals and badges
  

• Built for snow, highway, and off-road
  

• Proven reliability and comfort for long-distance touring
  

• Easily a 3-passenger rig (or bring your dog, your gear, and your dreams)

• (Over $10,000 in Upgrades)

PROFESSIONALLY BUILT SIDE CAR SYSTEM

This is a professionally engineered dual-purpose sidecar rig with incredible detail and capability:

• Heavy-duty front cargo rack (perfect for hunting gear, camping gear, etc.)
  

• Rhino-lined nose and rugged off-road finish
  

• Dual front off-road driving lights
  

• Electric winch mounted to front – ready for recovery situations
  

• Electronic ride-height actuator for suspension adjustment
  

• Full interior liner and upholstery – clean, comfortable passenger compartment
  

• Windshield and handhold rack for passenger comfort
  

• Exterior passenger saddle seat + step for additional rider options
  

• Rear trunk with cargo rack loaded with expedition gear
  

• Multiple fuel/water storage jugs with lockable mounts (5+ auxiliary tanks)
  

• Integrated 5-gallon auxiliary fuel tank
  

• Fire extinguisher mounted
  

• His & hers water bottle holders
  

This rig was built for serious adventure travel, or just local cruising in style.

BMW R1150GS – THE LEGENDARY ADVENTURE PLATFORM

The 1150GS is widely considered one of the most durable and capable adventure bikes ever built.

• Legendary Boxer twin engine
  

• Known to regularly exceed 100,000+ miles
  

• Only 24,000 miles – barely broken in
  

• Smooth, torquey, ultra-reliable touring performance
  

Key Upgrades & Features, too much to list it all:

• Öhlins rear shock (approx. $1,500 upgrade – tuned for sidecar use)
  

• Oversized touring windshield
  

• Headlight protection rack
  

• Highway pegs for long-distance comfort
  

• Off-road foot pegs
  

• Full BMW luggage system with locking removable saddlebags
  

• Stock exhaust (quiet, reliable touring setup)
  

• Heated grips
  

• Factory black/yellow “Bumblebee” paint scheme – iconic BMW look

RECENT SERVICE & CONDITION

This GS has just been fully serviced and detailed top to bottom by our team:

• Fresh oil change
  

• Fresh ethanol-free fuel
  

• Brand new battery
  

• Full museum-level cosmetic detail

This bike runs like new and presents beautifully. It has been stored indoors as part of a private collection for years and is now ready for its next adventure.

VALUE & REPLACEMENT COST

Try to build this today…

• Base BMW GS in this condition: $$$$
  

• Sidecar system + mounts + fabrication: $10,000+
  

• Öhlins suspension: $1,500+
  

• Winch, racks, fuel systems, lighting, storage, accessories: thousands more
  

To duplicate this setup today on a new BMW you could easily spend $40,000+.

Own it for a fraction of that.

We make it easy:

• Nationwide enclosed, insured shipping available
  

• Financing options available
  

• Stored indoors at the New England Motorcycle Museum
  

• We’ll help coordinate everything start-to-finish

FINAL WORD

This is hands down one of the most complete, thoughtfully built sidecar adventure rigs we’ve ever offered. It’s proven, documented, and ready for its next owner to write the next chapter—whether that’s Alaska, cross-country touring, or weekend family adventures.

Take your spouse, your kids, your dog, or your gear. Go anywhere. Do anything.

This is the ultimate freedom machine.

📞 CALL NOW TO MAKE IT YOURS

Opportunities like this don’t come around often.

Own a fully built, Alaska-proven BMW GS sidecar rig for a fraction of replacement cost.

Call us today and let’s get this legendary rig headed to your garage.

God Bless America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30 experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.