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What actually drives: Erich Wunderlich
What actually drives: Erich Wunderlich
20 questions for Erich Wunderlich
He is clearly the BMW specialist in the scene. But that wasn’t always the case, because Erich Wunderlich (born in Brazil in 1963 and moved to Germany at the age of five) was originally a Yamaha man.
December 07, 2011
The Wunderlich success story begins in 1985 with the refinement of the single-cylinder types SR and XT. The whole thing initially as a garage business in addition to studying business administration. The breakthrough came with the double direct lubrication of the two valves of the Yamaha single-cylinder engine. The company was booming. In 1987 the BMW R 100 GS appeared, for the Eifel-Brazilian “quasi a double XT 500”. And the best breeding ground for accessories that are both practical and elegant. The original eight Yamaha catalog pages have now grown to well over 1,000 BMW pages. “Yes, Yamaha,” smiles Erich, “will be back …!”
Your current motorcycle?
BMW R 80 GS Basic, R 1200 GS, R 1200 Speedcruiser.
And your first?
Yamaha XT 500.
Hand on heart: your most beautiful?
Laverda 1000 3C.
Which bike would you never buy (again)??
Yamaha RD 350 and Hercules K 125.
Which must definitely be in the collection?
BMW R 80 G / S.
Quick decision, briefly justified:
Chain or cardan?
Cardan. Works, is clean and nice to look at.
Air or water cooling?
As a traditionalist I like the simple air cooling, as a technician I like water: performance potential and stability are simply better.
Clip-on handlebars or handlebars?
Handlebar! For the clip-on, I would have to change my eating habits.
Wire spoke or forged wheels?
Wire spokes! Nice and a real sense of achievement when cleaning.
Gore-Tex or one piece?
Gore-Tex. Otherwise look like a raging white sausage.
Steam jet or sponge and brush?
In this order. I don’t like to miss a puddle off-road, and on-road I prefer the winding streets of the Eifel, Alps and Pyrenees to the autobahn. When the moped is covered in dirt, then I’ve experienced something too.
The most beautiful motorcycle experience?
With my brother through Chile. Great country, great routes and great challenges. We wanted to kiss the Chilean soil when we parted. However, this gesture is reserved for higher authorities.
Of course also the most embarrassing?
As an 18-year-old, the only true “men’s motorcycle”, the XT 500, wanted to have a cool kick at the gas station in front of an attractive lady and almost found my kneecap on my shin with a terrific setback. I made it with tears in my eyes, but first had to lie down next to my motorcycle in the next street because of the pain.
Who lends a hand on your motorcycle: the workshop or just yourself?
I was influenced by the saying “today’s screwdrivers are tomorrow’s motorcyclists”. For me, screwing is part of the balm of the soul. That’s why I love vehicles with transparent technology. Fortunately, this is still the case with the current BMWs. I only stop in front of the electronics.
What screwdriver performance are you particularly proud of?
Building one of my first SR 500 into a roadster. With aluminum tank, MZ headlights, integrated speedometer and a newly designed seat. Here I set up a concept bike for the first time, and many other products and ideas have emerged in the history of this bike. Since then, we’ve been developing a concept vehicle at least once a year. It is really fun to find new ideas and to get to know and understand the bike to the core.
Which motorcycle hero is on pole position for you??
Helmut Dahne. I saw him doing test drives for Metzeler around 30 years ago at the Nurburgring. Regardless of whether with an R 100 CS or a Japanese four-cylinder: it was always the first. He is also a very good off-road driver. Whenever possible, I like to take part in the Dolomites rally that he organizes.
What shouldn’t be missing from your motorcycle clothes??
Helmet, gloves, boots and my Gore-Tex suit. I don’t like to drive without protective clothing, as I have often been able to convince myself of their effectiveness.
And what would you never dare take to the streets with??
I can’t think of anything. I’m too curious for that.
Where do you like to be most of the time?
Eifel, Alps, Pyrenees, Spain and South America, especially here in Chile.
Who absolutely has to take a seat behind you?
Hopefully one of my too young daughters soon. Preferably alone, however, because I can approach it more quickly without a guilty conscience.
And who would you like to go after??
Arne Tode on the S 1000 RR. But only if you switch off three cylinders on Arnes RR.
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