Mick Broom's 2001 Mk1 F650FF
This is Mick Broom (of Hesketh fame)'s first FF, before he created the Mk2 version with hub centre steering (see this same folder for photos). It's currently (July 2020) for sale on ebay. Sale ends 6thAugust 2020 His description reads:
"BMW F650GS Motorcycle (about 2001) modified to Foot Forward style. The donor machine was very low mileage, only being used for demo/testing and converted as the first two pictures show. In storage since it has suffered fire and subsequent water damage as the other pictures show. Would be good for mechanical spares having only done about 500 miles; or replace the wiring and finish the conversion. No bodywork or paperwork, this was the first prototype in development of a city bike and has basically the same geometry as the standard bike with shorter forks and modified frame. I am getting too old to do anything with it and need the space. Pick up only or delivery at cost to convenient areas by agreement (please ask).
Please note the first picture is as built and the second under test with bodywork; both these pictures are not representative of its present condition. Sold on the understanding that the condition is for parts and not working and any modification or change is fully understood with no responsibility for any resulting use. A 'shed toy' that needs a new home. Happy bidding and feel free to ask any questions."
The full ebay advertisement, complete with several more photos, can be seen here: https://tinyurl.com/y3wfzotn
PNB
tidy
A nicely packaged conversion, although it's possible that the rider might feel better a bit more upright. Would have been good to hear more about the riding experience.
On the whole I believe it shows the relevence of 'small wheel' PTWs for this sort of conversion, simply because small wheels take up less space and high performance tyres are now available. In this context it contiues to suprise me that more people haven't used the Yamaha Tmax as a donor for a very simple conversion that doesn't require modification of steering or suspension. The CVT has proven bullet proof with both 'Cmaxs' from here still in use. They're hot urban numbers and the later Cmax did a trouble free Bristol/Naples trip at least three times.
Still, only another ten years or so and Yamaha might do it themselves...
Donor choices
Possibly if I hadn't already built an FF for myself and bought a second donor for another, I may have opted for the TMAX as a donor. Certainly simpler and at least as reliable as my choices (mainly because it's much newer). Having said that, I've done a combined 110,000 miles on my 2 street FFs and still regularly use the second one.
My guess is that the people who build their own have their own ideas of what they want, and almost all people who buy things ready made want them to look attractive enough that they are not embarrassed to be associated with them. There are very few people self confident enough to not care what other people think, but that's a tiny market.