Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dave Swanson on June 23, 2022, 09:18:31 AM
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I have never given this range of BMW much thought or appreciation since I am so Guzzi-centric, but this is a fine looking bike! One I would certainly be proud to own and I would appreciate any first hand impressions about the bike.
1983 R100 with original paint. From ADV forum - Old's Cool
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvBMgVcK/r100.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kVDQMwHJ)
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Fine airhead indeed! :thumb: :cool: :boozing:
My first *NEW* BMW was a 1983 R80RT, red, like this one, with the factory hard bags...A fine touring machine...Back in the day, it was my only transportation, rain or shine, and I put >50,000 trouble free miles on that beauty. :wink: :thumb:
(https://i.ibb.co/LdzY7DS/Screen-Shot-2022-06-23-at-7-24-30-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/LdzY7DS)
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I had the same model except it was an R100RT. I did not like it, Sam I am. :smiley: Any Guzzi of that era would out handle it hands down. Followed rain grooves, and cross winds would blow it around. A lot. Besides that, as Pete says, it sounds like a Parson farting in a bathtub. :grin:
Chuck, Deacon
Church of Guzzi
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Dave,
I just bought a 1983 R100, that had sat in the back of the owners unheated garage for about 7 years. After spending about $1000, refurbishing the carbs, cleaning the tank, petcock, setting valves etc.. and replacing some electrical parts, it fires up, and runs very well. Although only making about 60 hp, it moves pretty well, and more than keeps up with today’s traffic. These have a reputation, for having a “ flexible” frame type of handling. I’ve not noticed it on this one, but I’m not really pushing it. I find the handling to be a cross between plush, comfortable and slightly crisp and flickable. It’s fairly light, about 480lb. and feels it. Easy to put it on the center stand. Mine came with large Krauser bags, which come in handy. I’ve only put about 800 miles since getting it roadworthy earlier this month. I find the more I ride it, the more I like it.
(https://i.ibb.co/k5jK0cJ/191013-F1-1-AC4-4037-95-FC-139-AE2-F14-B05.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k5jK0cJ)
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That would fit into your shop quite nicely, you have a fine collection and I don't think the other bikes would complain to much :boozing:
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The 81-84 BMW air cooled twins are my favorite motorcycles of all time. Maximum return on the perfect mix of elemental design, reasonable weight with a low center of gravity, adequate power for the weight, good road gearing and quite nimble for a touring machine. Brakes that were improved enough from the earlier models that they were standard for a good decade or so before the advent of early ABS and the onset of 4 piston calipers. Very simple and logical design that was easy for a home mechanic to service.
Downsides were the underdamped and lightly sprung suspension (easily and often corrected) and a high profile that, combined with the reasonable weight, would in a crosswind push the bike around a little or at the least cause you to "tack" into the wind. Compared to a similar era Guzzi these had little charisma but on the second consecutive 10-hour day in the saddle heading home to Wisconsin from Seattle, I was not offended by that sin.
If I was still doing that riding distance on a tight schedule, I would still have one in the garage. Actually, I wouldn't object to having one now, although one Guzzi would have to go to acquire the necessary space.
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jhem68, well stated regarding the attributes, and negatives of these machines, specifically the ‘81-‘84 years.
I will add that arguably, these bikes have bottomed in pricing, and are consequently rising in value.
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This is the last BMW I owned...a rare 1978 R100RS "Motorsport Edition" (1 of 200 made)....
The one I owned had >$11,000 documented CC Racing performance upgrades, (brakes, engine & suspension), from San Jose BMW, where I bought it... It was a fast and fine machine and probably one I should have kept...(*SIGH*)
(https://i.ibb.co/84DB16y/Screen-Shot-2022-06-23-at-10-34-19-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/84DB16y)
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I had the same model except it was an R100RT. I did not like it, Sam I am. :smiley: Any Guzzi of that era would out handle it hands down. Followed rain grooves, and cross winds would blow it around. A lot. Besides that, as Pete says, it sounds like a Parson farting in a bathtub. :grin:
Chuck, Deacon
Church of Guzzi
Chuck - now that is funny as hell......
<Mark
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I had the same model except it was an R100RT. I did not like it, Sam I am. :smiley: Any Guzzi of that era would out handle it hands down. Followed rain grooves, and cross winds would blow it around. A lot. Besides that, as Pete says, it sounds like a Parson farting in a bathtub. :grin:
Chuck, Deacon
Church of Guzzi
Chuck - now that is funny as hell......
<Mark
Straight out of Pete Roper's way of describing its exhaust noise....
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I have never given this range of BMW much thought or appreciation since I am so Guzzi-centric, but this is a fine looking bike! One I would certainly be proud to own and I would appreciate any first hand impressions about the bike.
1983 R100 with original paint. From ADV forum - Old's Cool
(https://i.postimg.cc/BvBMgVcK/r100.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kVDQMwHJ)
It’s got you written all over it Dave.. :thumb:
You’ll need to sell your V11 to make room..? :wink:
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My brother had a '75 R90S and didn't like it that my bone stock '79 SP could keep up, despite the modifications he'd made to it. So, he bought an '82 R100CS and did the usual suspension modifications to it, but by then I had bought a Le Mans 1000. :laugh: We used to take long Sunday rides together and would trade bikes. I couldn't get him to give the Le Mans back. He wanted a Le Mans for himself, but didn't like the color choices "we can't both have red ones". He bought one of the first Ducati 750 Pasos in the US instead, then a 907ie in '92.
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Dave, that's classic!
Bob
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Dave,
I have serviced an'83 R100 for a friend here for years... I do indeed like the BMW ever since the very first test ride, to the point that I told him to just leave it here next time it is due for work, he has declined to do that so far... :wink: :wink: :wink:
Not nearly as pristine as the black one you posted however, a very nice example. The R100 makes good power handles well, just a fine motorbike.
Best,
Rob
(https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/922/UCt9su.jpg)
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My R75/6. A german airhead and an Italian airhead compliment each other.
Mike
(https://i.ibb.co/1vcrYvx/cindy5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1vcrYvx)
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Yeah, stock the handling left a lot to be desired. My ‘83 RT got a fork brace, machined top triple clamp and progressive fork springs. Binned the Nivomats for Konis. Helped a lot. Engine was dual plugged, CR raised to 9.5/1, sport cam, 40 mm exhaust. Raised RWHP from 47 to 62. It would match K100s to around 80. Sold it with 220k miles on the ODO. Fine two up touring bike.
Would have preferred an SP1000 but those wouldn’t fit two as well.
Pete
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Dave,
I have the same bike with some mods. I've had a number of bikes that have come and gone, the R100 is still here. It's my favorite bike.
Bill Bassett
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I rode that exact year, model and color bike from Cape Cod to San Francisco and back in ‘86 Dave. They are hard to get used to aesthetically, but oh so competent. They hit 3k on the tach and vibration just melts away. I think every garage should have one airhead. My favorites are the SWB 75/5, spoke 100S and early R100RS.
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I have what would appear to be (from 50 feet) the twin to the bike Dave posted; it's a 1982 R100T. Paint on mine not original, but in fact is a Kent Holt paint job. Unfortunately mine has a checkered past, with a reconstructed title.
Fine old bike, with appropriate suspension mods.
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Kent Holt paint jobs are probably the equal of factory. And back in the day, BMW Motoraad of St Louis repainted, rebadged, and applied new decals to the fuel tank on my 1991 R100GS. The original paint had begun peeling around the filler cap. BMW wouldn't replace the tank under warranty, but did cover the repaint under warranty. They did excellent paint work.
Bob
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Yeah, stock the handling left a lot to be desired. My ‘83 RT got a fork brace, machined top triple clamp and progressive fork springs. Binned the Nivomats for Konis. Helped a lot. Engine was dual plugged, CR raised to 9.5/1, sport cam, 40 mm exhaust. Raised RWHP from 47 to 62. It would match K100s to around 80. Sold it with 220k miles on the ODO. Fine two up touring bike.
Would have preferred an SP1000 but those wouldn’t fit two as well.
"No further questions, your honor.." A stock Guzzi is a better bike, IMHO.
Chuck, Deacon
Church of Guzzi
:grin:
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Roughchild in CA does some interesting updated “restomods” with this era of airheads. (As does the Spanish company Cafe Racer Dreams.). Roughchild pic here.
(https://i.ibb.co/yXRcfZq/D0537437-2802-4-C4-A-8408-9165-AF423241.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yXRcfZq)
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Dave,
What is the outcome, did you add this to your collection?
If so, I’d like to hear your assessment report and pics.
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Dave,
What is the outcome, did you add this to your collection?
If so, I’d like to hear your assessment report and pics.
I wasn't pursuing the bike and it wasn't for sale in the first place. It just occurred to me when I saw the picture that it was a fine looking machine. With the gaggle of Guzzis around here I can't see myself adding to my paltry BMW collection of 1, my 66 R69S.
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I agree. The one you posted has very clean, simple and tasteful lines
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I just bought a 76 r90/6......tearing it apart in the garage.
Picture before I started stripping her down.
(https://i.ibb.co/D1V84VM/20220622-200926.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D1V84VM)
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I agree. The one you posted has very clean, simple and tasteful lines
I won't argue that they are easy on the eyes.. that is what trolled me in. Pfffft. Gimme a Guzzi. :evil: :boozing:
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I won't argue that they are easy on the eyes.. that is what trolled me in. Pfffft. Gimme a Guzzi. :evil: :boozing:
Easy on the eyes, yes, but I agree, its no contest which is a more enjoyable ride.
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Yeah, stock the handling left a lot to be desired. My ‘83 RT got a fork brace, machined top triple clamp and progressive fork springs. Binned the Nivomats for Konis. Helped a lot. Engine was dual plugged, CR raised to 9.5/1, sport cam, 40 mm exhaust. Raised RWHP from 47 to 62. It would match K100s to around 80. Sold it with 220k miles on the ODO. Fine two up touring bike.
Would have preferred an SP1000 but those wouldn’t fit two as well.
Pete
BIL had a '79 R100RS that had all the stuff done up like that. Solo seat and orange and white Motorsport paint scheme, too. Competent sport tourer and highway flyer. Too bad they needed so many aftermarket mods to get that level.
Larry
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BIL had a '79 R100RS that had all the stuff done up like that. Solo seat and orange and white Motorsport paint scheme, too. Competent sport tourer and highway flyer. Too bad they needed so many aftermarket mods to get that level.
Larry
I didn’t mention the ‘83s still had the bad valve seats plus they had an annoying buzz, I think a lot of R100s did. I had to balance the rods and pistons to within 10 mg and filled the handlebars with lead shot. That helped a lot. Their saving grace is they are very easy to work on. With an unfared model you could have a piston off in a about ten minutes.
Pete
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Nice to hear a few diverse opinions on BMW airheads.
I’ve owned a fair amount of Moto Guzzi’s, and BMW airheads. They both have virtues, and as well as short comings. I continue to enjoy both of them.
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My last Airhead was a R90/6. It was a nice bike, my V7lll reminds me of that bike. I got the very first R75/5 to come to Denver, it had good points but a few not so hot ones. Before that a R50/2, I wish I had that bike now.
kk
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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.
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It 'kills' me, that at my age, my R100GS I've owned since 1991, is now too tall for me. What a sweet old gal this bike has been! She's faithfully gotten me out West and back 3 times or more. Now has 164,000 miles on the odometer, which certainly isn't a world-beater, but I've personally never put this many miles on a bike. I'm sure she's good for at least one more trip. Am I? Well, who knows. Time will tell.
Bob