I think the focus of some on the early-80s R-bikes is as much as anything esthetic, because unlike most German machinery they have refined, visually balanced styling that attracts you versus looking a bit lumpy. If you’re willing to give that up to a large degree and want better function, the later, somewhat frumpy looking R100R is a very good and capable bike as is the GS on which it’s based. Of my 9 bikes including lots of more exotic machinery, three Guzzis included, my ‘90 R100GS is the best on tight Alpine passes, goes long distances in comfort and carries a slim passenger and luggage well too. I think the early high fender R100GS also looks OK, with some nice details if you accept that pure, uncompromised function versus the pen of an artist drove its overall layout.
