BMW /5 Scrambler Conversion Cost Breakdown
I picked up a copy of that month's BMW Owners News and came across a full-page ad from Max BMW for their new /5 scrambler conversion kit. It is not a bad-looking motorcycle for something built mostly with stock BMW parts.
Since they advertised having all the parts on their website, I decided to see what the real price tag might be. What followed was a reminder that custom builds often look simple in print and expensive in practice.
This article is not written from the perspective of a BMW dealer or professional builder. It is written from the viewpoint of someone with a stock /5 sitting in the garage and a calculator on the workbench.
No Complete Parts List Included
After searching their site, it became apparent that there was no single parts list available for the project. They had all the pieces, but you needed to identify them and look them up one by one.
Thanks...
The Parts List I Came Up With
I am not a BMW expert by a long shot, but with my own stock /5 sitting in front of me, this is the list I came up with:
- Two-into-one exhaust system
- Police solo seat
- Off-road tires
- Off-road handlebars
- Upgraded shocks
- Skid plate for the oil pan
- Extended front fender mounts
- Aftermarket handgrips
- Aftermarket brake and clutch levers
The Tank Is Not a Simple Bolt-On
The only thing that keeps this from being a total bolt-on upgrade is the gas tank. The tank was modified on both sides to allow clearance for the left-side header pipe.
The Real Cost of the Build
Speaking of exhaust, the list price for the ISDT-style system was $3,837.30. A quick search of Craigslist found plenty of running /5 motorcycles for less than the price of that exhaust system alone.
Of course, you can offset some cost by selling your turn signals and side covers on eBay. The rest of the parts probably total somewhere between $1,500 and $2,500.
Add in the bodywork needed on the tank for exhaust clearance, along with repainting, and this conversion starts to cost serious money. If you do not already have a donor /5, the purchase price of a good used bike plus these parts can easily push the total past $10,000.
My Final Verdict
Now you have a really expensive 40-year-old dirt bike with bad brakes.
I think I will leave mine stock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was this article anti-BMW?
No. It was a practical look at the economics of a custom conversion versus keeping a good original motorcycle stock.
Why mention the brakes?
Early BMW /5 motorcycles were not designed as modern off-road performance machines. Cost should be weighed against capability.
Can custom builds still make sense?
Absolutely. If the style and project are worth it to you, that is reason enough. This article simply looks at the numbers.
Why keep a stock /5?
Original motorcycles often retain their character, usability, and collector appeal without expensive modifications.