Some people own an R1100S.

Others build a community around it.

If you’ve attended a European BMW R1100S Meeting in recent years, you’ve almost certainly met Hugo Sørensen. The retired Danish dentist is one of the people behind the annual gathering that brings owners together from across Europe.

But before becoming an organiser, Hugo was simply another rider who fell in love with a motorcycle.

And never really got over it.

Rider Profile

Name
Hugo Sørensen

Country
Denmark

Occupation
Retired dentist

Motorcycles

• 1999 BMW R1100S ABS II (131,000 km)
• 2002 BMW R1100S (41,000 km)

Favourite riding
Mountain roads with friends

It Started With a Triumph

Long before BMW entered the picture, Hugo’s first motorcycle was a 1959 Triumph Bonneville.

He bought it when he was just eighteen.

“I had lots of fun for five years—but always with oil on my right shoe.”

Then life happened.

Career.

Family.

Running a dental practice.

For many years motorcycles disappeared from everyday life.

Retirement Changed Everything

When Hugo retired, he decided it was finally time to ride again.

His first choice was a Suzuki Bandit 1250.

He enjoyed it for a year.

Then, almost by accident, he walked into a dealership where a BMW R1100S was waiting.

“I fell in love immediately.”

One test ride was enough.

“I was blown away by the boxer feeling—and by the feeling that this bike can go on and on.”

He bought it.

He has never looked back.

Learning the Hard Way

The first riding season was easy.

Winter wasn’t.

Like many new owners, Hugo quickly realised that owning an older BMW also meant learning to maintain it.

At first, he knew almost nothing.

Fortunately, he had three things.

A good friend.

A workshop manual.

And the R1100S community.

“Now I love doing the maintenance.”

Winter has become workshop season.

Summer belongs to the road.

Finding Friends Around the World

Hugo originally joined the Facebook groups to learn more about the motorcycle.

Instead, he found something much bigger.

He credits the online community—especially Colt Self—for helping owners understand these motorcycles.

“We should all thank Colt Self for the valuable knowledge he shares.”

The groups also introduced him to Italian rider Brunetto Capanni.

That friendship would change everything.

Building the European Community

Together, Hugo and Brunetto had a simple idea.

Why not create local R1100S groups in different countries?

Brunetto came up with the concept.

Hugo created the Danish group.

Then they began organising something even bigger.

The annual European BMW R1100S Meeting.

Today riders travel from across Europe to spend several days riding mountain roads, sharing meals and catching up with friends.

“I love this meeting.”

“Lots of great friends. Lots of great times.”

The Mountains Changed Everything

Growing up in Denmark, Hugo had never experienced Alpine roads.

His first European Meeting took him close to Stelvio.

“I was blown away.”

Since then the annual trip has become the highlight of his riding season.

“This is really a MUST.”

Each year brings another excuse to explore roads Denmark simply cannot offer.

One Bike Became Two

Hugo still owns the black 1999 R1100S that started it all.

It has now covered more than 131,000 kilometres.

Last year another opportunity appeared.

A beautifully maintained 2002 model in Germany.

Only 41,000 kilometres.

A colour combination he couldn’t resist.

Now both motorcycles share the garage.

Each one gets ridden.

Neither is a museum piece.

Why the R1100S?

Ask Hugo why he still rides the R1100S and the answer is simple.

“They tour very well.”

“They are great in the mountains.”

“Exactly the kind of bike I like.”

When the weather is good, he simply heads out.

Sometimes alone.

Sometimes with friends.

No destination required.

Just good roads.

Hugo’s Perfect Riding Day

• 20–22°C
• Dry roads
• Mountain passes
• Good friends
• No hurry

Final Thoughts

The BMW R1100S has given Hugo far more than two motorcycles.

It gave him practical skills, lifelong friendships and a reason to explore some of Europe’s greatest roads every summer.

For many riders, the annual European Meeting is simply another event on the calendar.

For Hugo, it has become a way of life.