After we already introduced you to our exciting collaboration with Maxi Schek for the Hellas Rally, we are following up immediately. LEVARC is equipping another off-road expert with parts from our Project One: Gerhard Forster will be competing at the Albania Rally 2026 on a BMW R12 G/S.
For us, this is the next logical step. To continue pushing our developments, we need feedback from riders who push our components to and beyond their limits. And Gerhard is the perfect partner for exactly that.
Gerhard Forster: Extreme Enduro Experience Meets Boxer Power
Anyone familiar with BMW Motorrad racing and the hard enduro scene will definitely know Gerhard Forster. Born in 1967, he has not only been working as an off-road and road instructor for BMW for many years, but is also at home at the most merciless races in the world.
He proved this impressively, among others, at the notorious Red Bull Romaniacs. At the 2025 edition, he competed on a BMW R 12 G/S and fought his way through extremely steep climbs, loose rocks, and deep forests on the marathon stage. He himself described parts of the route as almost the hardest day of his life on a motorcycle, while simultaneously showing the enormous potential of the air-cooled boxer engine, even under extreme strain. Anyone who survives such an event on a heavy adventure bike knows what matters when it comes to equipment: maximum durability and perfect rideability.
The Stage: Albania Rally 2026
From June 6 to 13, 2026, the next massive challenge awaits: the 22nd edition of the Rally Albania. For over two decades, this event has attracted professionals and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. With competitors from 21 countries and a full week packed with adrenaline and extremely demanding terrain, it is one of the most important motorsport events in the region.
A full week of racing through the rugged and unpredictable Albanian landscape means pure continuous strain for both man and machine. This is exactly where every modification to the R12 G/S is validated in terms of actual off-road performance.
LEVARC Engineering: More Agility Through the Plastic Fuel Tank
For the Albania Rally, we are specifically supporting Gerhard with our newly developed plastic fuel tank for the BMW R12 G/S.
During the 3D CAD design and subsequent validation, one goal was central: to massively improve the handling of the machine for demanding rally use. The stock tank often reaches its limits in ambitious off-road use when it comes to weight distribution and robustness.
Our plastic tank offers the crucial upgrades here:
- Lower center of gravity: Thanks to the clever packaging and altered shape, the weight of the fuel moves further down. The result is noticeably more agile steering and greater stability in technical sections.
- Maximum robustness: Compared to metal, the plastic used is more resistant to falls and stone chips. A critical factor when riding over Albanian gravel tracks.
- Performance focus: Less weight high up means less effort for the rider, which can make the difference between victory and failure, especially on long rally stages.
Discover the plastic fuel tank for the BMW R12 G/S in our shop
Real-World Data for Your Performance
The fact that riders like Gerhard Forster trust our parts is not only an honor for us, but also essential to our engineering process. The data and feedback that Gerhard brings back from Albania will flow directly into our further development.
We wish Gerhard maximum grip, perfect navigation, and great success at the Albania Rally 2026! We will keep you updated here.
If you also want to take the handling of your R12 G/S to the next level, visit our online shop. Equip yourself now with the rally-proven upgrades from our Project One!