Author Topic: A Fine Looking BMW R100  (Read 1796 times)

Online Dave Swanson

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A Fine Looking BMW R100
« on: June 23, 2022, 09:18:31 AM »
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



Dave Swanson - Northern IL
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Online JJ

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2022, 09:27:23 AM »
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:



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Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2022, 09:33:46 AM »
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:
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Online sdcr

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2022, 09:36:53 AM »
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.


« Last Edit: June 23, 2022, 09:42:57 AM by sdcr »
John
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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2022, 09:36:53 AM »

Offline twodogs

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2022, 11:02:47 AM »
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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Online jhem68

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #5 on: June 23, 2022, 11:29:45 AM »
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.

Online sdcr

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #6 on: June 23, 2022, 11:38:41 AM »
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.
John
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1983 BMW R100
2009 Jaguar XK

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #7 on: June 23, 2022, 12:39:18 PM »
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*)



« Last Edit: June 28, 2022, 09:52:44 AM by JJ »
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Offline Markcarovilli

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #8 on: June 23, 2022, 01:06:09 PM »
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

Offline centauro

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #9 on: June 23, 2022, 01:59:40 PM »
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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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2022, 03:00:15 PM »
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


It’s got you written all over it Dave.. :thumb:
You’ll need to sell your V11 to make room..? :wink:

Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #11 on: June 23, 2022, 03:32:20 PM »
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.

Charlie

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #12 on: June 23, 2022, 03:43:37 PM »
Dave, that's classic!

Bob
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
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Offline radguzzi

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #13 on: June 23, 2022, 06:19:54 PM »

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



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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #14 on: June 23, 2022, 06:21:10 PM »
My R75/6.  A german airhead and an Italian airhead compliment each other.

Mike



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Online PeteS

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #15 on: June 23, 2022, 06:33:45 PM »
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

Offline jagwillie

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #16 on: June 23, 2022, 09:04:57 PM »
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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Offline Scout63

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #17 on: June 23, 2022, 09:41:35 PM »
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.
Ben Zehnder - Orleans, MA USA

Offline cookiemech

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #18 on: June 24, 2022, 04:02:14 AM »
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.

Offline ohiorider

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #19 on: June 24, 2022, 06:44:39 AM »
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
Main ride:  2008 Guzzi 1200 Sport (sold July 2020)
2012 Griso 8v SE (sold Sept '15)
Reliable standby: 1991 BMW R100GS
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Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #20 on: June 25, 2022, 06:02:11 PM »
Quote
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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Offline majstevetrevor

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #21 on: June 26, 2022, 10:39:40 AM »
Roughchild in CA does some interesting updated “restomods” with this era of airheads.  (As does the Spanish company Cafe Racer Dreams.). Roughchild pic here.



Online sdcr

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #22 on: June 27, 2022, 08:05:17 AM »
Dave,
 What is the outcome, did you add this to your collection?
 If so, I’d like to hear your assessment report and pics.
John
2000 BMW R1100 RS
1983 BMW R100
2009 Jaguar XK

Online Dave Swanson

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #23 on: June 27, 2022, 02:31:19 PM »
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. 
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
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Online sdcr

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #24 on: June 27, 2022, 02:50:16 PM »
I agree. The one you posted has very clean, simple and tasteful  lines
John
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Offline toolittletime

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #25 on: June 28, 2022, 03:22:40 PM »
I just bought a 76 r90/6......tearing it apart in the garage.

Picture before I started stripping her down.



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Offline Chuck in Indiana

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #26 on: June 28, 2022, 05:36:38 PM »
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:
Chuck in (Elwood) Indiana/sometimes SoCal
 
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Online Dave Swanson

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #27 on: June 28, 2022, 08:40:49 PM »
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. 
Dave Swanson - Northern IL
1935 GTS
1968 V700
1973 V7 Sport
1974 Eldo
1974 Police Eldo
1976 Convert
1977 Lemans 1.2
1980 T3 California
1993 1000S - Sparklehorse
2004 V11S - Eraldo-ized
2016 Griso SE - Beetle-ized
2021 V7-850 Stone Centenario
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Offline larrys

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #28 on: June 29, 2022, 08:56:18 AM »
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.
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Online PeteS

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Re: A Fine Looking BMW R100
« Reply #29 on: June 29, 2022, 09:40:13 AM »
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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