LOT 373

Formerly part of the Metropolitan Police's Special Escort Group fleet 1997 BMW R1100RS Registration no. R118 SEG Frame no. WB10411A8VZB91459 Engine no. 18976108

Sold for £5,290 inc. premium

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Lot 373

Formerly part of the Metropolitan Police's Special Escort Group fleet, 1997 BMW R1100RS

The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|12 October 2025, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

Formerly part of the Metropolitan Police's Special Escort Group fleet
1997 BMW R1100RS
Registration no. R118 SEG
Frame no. WB10411A8VZB91459
Engine no. 18976108

• One of the motorcycle escorts for HRH Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral cortège
• Present ownership since February 2023
• Subsequently restored
• Original registration

Formerly part of the Metropolitan Police's Special Escort Group fleet, this BMW R1100RS is one of the seven machines that escorted the late HRH Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral cortège on 6th September 1997. It is one of the first batch of R1100s supplied by BMW and assigned to the Metropolitan Police Special Escort Group.

At that time all police BMW motorcycles went to a company called Vehicle Developments based in Andover, to be built up and equipped for service to meet the various force requirements. With the tragic death and subsequent funeral of Princess Diana, the replacement programme was hurried along so that the new R1100RS would be ready for the funeral.

This machine was one of the seven flanking the hearse. It has appropriate Police markings, its original 'SEG' number plate, and dummy light switches and radio head unit, while the front and rear strobes work on a single additional switch. The vendor advises that the machine could be brought up to full operational condition without too much difficulty if so desired. SEG machines have no siren, riders use a whistle instead.

On file is an email from the officer that rode this BMW on the day of the funeral. 'R118 SEG' was assigned to him in August 1997 and remained his posted bike until he retired in December 1998. Some time later the officer began to investigate his old BMW's ownership following its retirement from Police service (see email message).

A former military policeman, the current vendor came across 'R118' for sale at 'Motor Bikes 4 All', Malvern in February 2023 and recognised the numberplate so had to buy it. The rebuild progress was slow as correct parts are difficult to find but the result is certainly impressive. The vendor rode the BMW in the spring of 2023 as a shake-down, finding it handled beautifully at low speeds with only the slightest torque steer from the shaft drive.

Accompanying documentation includes the 2023 purchase receipt, tax discs, sundry invoices, a selection of photographs, five MoT certificates (most recent expired May 2025), The Job press cutting, London Biker magazine article, and a current V5C.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Please see the Auction Information and Guide for Buyers at the top of the main sale page, for bidders' obligations. The Autumn Stafford Sale

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 12 October, with the auction starting at 11am GMT.

Saleroom notices

The engine number is 112EA 1897 6108.

Additional information

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