Description
This early Steib TR500 PROJECT SIDECAR Rig is a great starting point for someone who desires the real deal, has some time and expertise available or the wallet to turn a trusted restorer on it so you just get it back ready to attach to your favorite vintage BMW motorcycle. It is suitable for any 1955-1969 BMW Twin with the Earles Fork front end that allows for a position adjustment to carry a sidecar in the best possible manner. But it can also be installed on any pre-1955 BMW twin and other brands or models of motorcycles with the correct mounting or attachment arms and hardware.
This Steib TR500 PROJECT SIDECAR Rig has been sitting in a garage for the last 30 plus years awaiting Bob’s acquisition so we can get it into the hands of the next owner ASAP. While there is some noticeable damage to the nose it is small by comparison to what we’ve seen on other bodies. There is also the huge benefit that this one appears to be in original Police or Military green paint and has not been cobbled up by previous restoration work.
While there is light surface rust visible the floor, trunk, body, and fender are all solid. While this is not marked in any way as a BMW Spezial version of the Steib TR500 it does carry the main mounting block and stamped rack for the spare rear wheel as a Spezial would have been equipped with. It is likely that most, if not all Military or Police examples also carried the spare wheel.
For a real-world comparison on the value offered, reproductions, in primer finish and without all interior or mounting parts cost about $9,000 including shipping into the USA, which is a moving target right now and only going up. While reproductions do offer some good value being new metal, etc. they are not original, and originals are always worth more. A recent transaction on a complete, repainted Steib TR500 in good condition with a home built spare rear wheel and carrier earned its seller over $15,000.
And while Bob’s no longer regularly stocks spare Steib hardware, rubber parts, trim, etc. it is readily available in the marketplace and if you purchase this sidecar, we will be happy to direct you to one or more of those sources. We do still have some inventory that would be applicable for this Steib TR500 so please inquire with our parts staff once it is yours.
Like all PROJECT BIKES offered and sold at Bob’s BMW, this Steib TR500 PROJECT SIDECAR Rig will be sold as is and under the same special Bill of Sale which you can find at this link – we only want fully aware and informed buyers, so we urge every potential buyer to ask questions if anything is not clear. We’ve nothing to hide and our only goal is that the new owner for each PROJECT BIKE or PROJECT SIDECAR offered feels like they paid fairly and got good, if not great value in the transaction.
Everything you see in the images shared is what is included in this offering; no more and no less. We always recommend an in-person inspection to ensure that this Steib TR500 PROJECT SIDECAR Rig is what you are looking for so there will be no surprises on the overall condition even though we have tried to document all angles and defects, rust, dings, etc. in these images. The wheel is probably the worst piece included, but the hub appears correct, solid and rebuildable so spokes and a fresh rim and that small task should be done.
Complete crating and shipping quoted upon request if you cannot pick it up; local delivery within 150 miles of Bob’s is also available at a fair price for the service required. For delivery one person will need to be available to assist in the unloading process.