Opinions on R100RS

[PeteS]

FWIW my R100GS has 103K very hard miles and has never left me stranded.  It�s come close a few times    but generally the bike has given enough warning to allow maintenance before failure.

I had 220K on mine. Unexpected failures started around 125K. Actually the first unexpected failure came at around 15K, melted diode board but I was able to limp along to a dealer. Then there were the melted valve seats ('83 model) but there was ample warning.

Pete

[NC Steve]

If anyone is interested, I know where there's a '94(?) R100GS that's for sale.

The R100GSs are still fairly easily available, it's just that the prices have gone thru the roof.
That said, I also might be interested.

[Lannis]

Lannis
I have a Stelvio and find it very  comfortable in the stock form.
I�m 6�1�, 225, 33inseam and longer arms that most at my height.
Interested in what ergo changes you made to Stelvio, outside of the seat.
And which changes were the most impactful.

Russell Day-Long seat

New rear suspension (1" lower) and 105 lb/in springs on the front

Front tubes lowered 1" in the clamps.

Lowered passenger pegs.

Smaller hand grips.

Taller windshield.

It all sort of "goes together" now!

Lannis

[Ncdan]

Find you a used V Storm and enjoy the trip on a bike that was designed for that type of ride.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

If anyone is interested, I know where there's a '94(?) R100GS that's for sale.

More details forthcoming, but here's a "teaser" photo the owner sent me.

[slopokes]

You can’t  :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu the 650 vstrom—sp two would also work🛵

[Ncdan]

You can�t  :Beating_A_Dead_Hors e_by_liviu the 650 vstrom�sp two would also work🛵

What?

[Huzo]

If I were riding to Alaska I would consider a VStrom or Versus, something along those lines, newer, cheaper, better performance, more reliable.  I wouldn't make this trip based on styling or nostalgia. 

Of course, I probably wouldn't consider that ride.

Not the point.
Your Grandma could do it on a V Strom. It's about fulfilment of a desire, not making it artificially easy.

[JJ]

More details forthcoming, but here's a "teaser" photo the owner sent me.

I am interested, for a good friend who just moved to northern AZ, and is looking for a cool dual-sport as well!!   Please keep me posted!

[Ncdan]

Not the point.
Your Grandma could do it on a V Strom. It's about fulfilment of a desire, not making it artificially easy.

" fulfillment of desire a desire " is in the eyes of the beholder:)

[LowRyter]

Find you a used V Storm and enjoy the trip on a bike that was designed for that type of ride.

That totally makes sense.  Not on a 30 year old bike that is expensive to boot.  Save your money, get there on a reliable bike that will run circles around an old Beemer.

 

[LowRyter]

Not the point.
Your Grandma could do it on a V Strom. It's about fulfilment of a desire, not making it artificially easy.

Grandma's mosquito bitten carcass wasn't eaten by a Brown Bear.

But whatever fulfills ya .....

[ohiorider]

Not the point.
Your Grandma could do it on a V Strom. It's about fulfilment of a desire, not making it artificially easy.

Agreed!  I had a later oilhead Beemer in the garage before setting out on a 5000 mile ride.  But after some consideration, I decided I'd enjoy the ride more on the old airhead GS.  And be more comfortable to boot!  They're damned good old bikes.

But to be totally honest, I bought the GS when it was new (1991.)  It was reputed then to be an excellent long distance ride.  So, I took owners in the early 1990s at their word, and began using the GS for most all of my longer trips.  Never sorry for that decision.  And over the years, the GS has remained my ride of choice whenever I'm headed out for a several day ride.

This is not to say I didn't have a really great ride out West on my 2008 1200 Guzzi Sport in 2011.  Another great mile eater that put a lot of fun into the ride!

Guess I love my twins, flat or v.

Bob

[Lannis]

Not the point.
Your Grandma could do it on a V Strom. It's about fulfilment of a desire, not making it artificially easy.

Uh oh, be careful.   For everyone who will go to Alaska on a Honda CL-175 and thumb his nose at the V-Strom wimp, there's a guy who's done it on a Velo-Solex and thinks the CL-175 guy is riding a luxury yacht.

And so on.   Although there aren't many "so on"s beyond a Solex ....

Lannis

[NC Steve]

More details forthcoming, but here's a "teaser" photo the owner sent me.

Charlie, what's a location on this GS?

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Charlie, what's a location on this GS?

Roughly the same location as this bear. 

[NC Steve]

Not trying to beat anyone to the punch, just wanted to know a rough, general location.
That affects a lot of folks, like me, as to whether they might still be interested or not...

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Not trying to beat anyone to the punch, just wanted to know a rough, general location.
That affects a lot of folks, like me, as to whether they might still be interested or not...

You're a mere 155 miles from it. Until I get the owner's okay to release more information, that's all you get.  Instead of causing further thread drift, PM me or just send an email.

[dxhall]

I think the particular bike you take is a pretty important part of a ride like Alaska.  After all, if you just wanted to get to Fairbanks, you could fly Alaska Air and save yourself a lot of trouble.

I am not one of those guys who wants to say that he rode a Vespa from LA to Deadhorse, but I do not think a reliable appliance sort of bike would be a very satisfying experience for me.  I think my plan will be to give the R100 a fair try as I look for a Guzzi SP. 

[wirespokes]

I agree the GS would be a better choice, and I love my RS. Even better would be a GSPD with the 9 gallon tank. The tank and fairing provide good wind protection as well.

As a counterpoint to taking a new (or newer) bike that's more powerful, stops better and rides better and all that - I'd rather take something I enjoy riding. Something I can fix when problems surface. Something that won't leave me waiting for a tow. Something that doesn't depend on electronics to function.

I knew a guy who traveled all over the planet and had something like 7 R100GSs planted in different countries. Each one had a driveshaft strapped to the handlebar cross bar. They all had spare parts just in case. Sure, anything can break and you'd think an older bike with 100K on the clock wouldn't be a good choice, but you're wrong. They'll keep on running just like the old Guzzis. Treat them decently and they last forever - or wear out very slowly and tell you something needs help long before it fails.

Another thing on the RS - it's not really comfortable for tall or big people. I even have trouble with the left side lower fairing hitting my knee on it. it wore a hole in my aerostich knee ballistics in a week. I'm 5'10" just for reference.

[JJ]

You're a mere 155 miles from it. Until I get the owner's okay to release more information, that's all you get.  Instead of causing further thread drift, PM me or just send an email.

"THREAD DRIFT!!!" 

[PeteS]

I agree the GS would be a better choice, and I love my RS. Even better would be a GSPD with the 9 gallon tank. The tank and fairing provide good wind protection as well.

As a counterpoint to taking a new (or newer) bike that's more powerful, stops better and rides better and all that - I'd rather take something I enjoy riding. Something I can fix when problems surface. Something that won't leave me waiting for a tow. Something that doesn't depend on electronics to function.

I knew a guy who traveled all over the planet and had something like 7 R100GSs planted in different countries. Each one had a driveshaft strapped to the handlebar cross bar. They all had spare parts just in case. Sure, anything can break and you'd think an older bike with 100K on the clock wouldn't be a good choice, but you're wrong. They'll keep on running just like the old Guzzis. Treat them decently and they last forever - or wear out very slowly and tell you something needs help long before it fails.

Another thing on the RS - it's not really comfortable for tall or big people. I even have trouble with the left side lower fairing hitting my knee on it. it wore a hole in my aerostich knee ballistics in a week. I'm 5'10" just for reference.

Its an '84 so it does have electronics and they do fail at a higher than normal rate. Diode boards melt, hall pickup ignition canisters die and alternator rotors open up. I carried all three when on a trip.
I have ridden old tech most of my life. Even rode my Norton 8800 miles in a month across country. They can make the trip but don't leave with the illusion that because its a BMW it won't break and won't leave you stranded if you aren't prepared.
My reason for not recommending this particular bike is its not particularly comfortable and the narrow bars are less than useless when the pavement becomes rough or non existent. There may be poorer choices but I can't think of many.

Pete

[Tusayan]

The Bosch alternator/rectifier/regulator system used on BMWs is the same as that used on Guzzis, so I imagine many on the WG site are familiar with the system.  Both my 100K mile LeMans and my 102K mile R100GS are on their original rectifier (what BMW people call a diode board).  Both are on their second rotor.  The Guzzi for some reason needed a set of alternator brushes at around 90K miles, the BMW is still on its first set as I remember.

I've had no ignition problems with my '90 GS to date, nor on my previous '88 or '92.  Seems to be bulletproof, at least for 28 years of use.  The original Bosch spark plug caps were as bad as they were on Guzzis, and installing NGK plug caps is the simple 5 minute solution.

I dislike much of what BMW has produced over the years, and ever moreso today.  There is no question that I'd buy a new Suzuki DL over a new BMW GS and I agree that an R100RS is probably the worst bike you could choose for a trip to Alaska due to the handlebar and fairing setup.  Regardless, an airhead GS is IMHO the best choice, particularly in pre-91 form.  It's the most practical any road, anywhere motorcycle ever made IMHO.  The front brake is the only thing I'd upgrade if buying another one today.

[PeteS]

Guzzi made an intelligent choice when they placed the diode board away from the engine. BMW put theirs in an oven. For the PO, BMW later spec'd the diode board with high temp solder. It can be identified by the use of black paint on the backside. While you are in there make sure the three spade connector that connects to diode board to the alternator has tight connectors and there is no signs of corrosion. A source of poor charging.
As for reliable old hulks, its hard to beat of Guzzi of similar vintage. I would have no qualms taking my '76 LeMans on this trip if my wrists could handle the miles which they can't. OTOH a T3 or G5 would be no problem.

Pete

[Roebling3]

All it really takes is more Kool-Aid and propeller.  DAR,  R3~

[r90s]

More details forthcoming, but here's a "teaser" photo the owner sent me.

I had airhead boxers for years, and they were all supremely capable for 600+ mile rides!

[ohiorider]

The Bosch alternator/rectifier/regulator system used on BMWs is the same as that used on Guzzis, so I imagine many on the WG site are familiar with the system.  Both my 100K mile LeMans and my 102K mile R100GS are on their original rectifier (what BMW people call a diode board).  Both are on their second rotor.  The Guzzi for some reason needed a set of alternator brushes at around 90K miles, the BMW is still on its first set as I remember.

I've had no ignition problems with my '90 GS to date, nor on my previous '88 or '92.  Seems to be bulletproof, at least for 28 years of use.  The original Bosch spark plug caps were as bad as they were on Guzzis, and installing NGK plug caps is the simple 5 minute solution.

I dislike much of what BMW has produced over the years, and ever moreso today.  There is no question that I'd buy a new Suzuki DL over a new BMW GS and I agree that an R100RS is probably the worst bike you could choose for a trip to Alaska due to the handlebar and fairing setup.  Regardless, an airhead GS is IMHO the best choice, particularly in pre-91 form.  It's the most practical any road, anywhere motorcycle ever made IMHO.  The front brake is the only thing I'd upgrade if buying another one today.

Tusayan, you indicated your preference for a pre-1991 GS.  I'm guessing you have issues with the PD style fairing.  There's not much else that's different between pre 91 and 91 onward (at least as far as I know ..... though I've never owned any GS other than my 1991 model.)

Bob

[NC Steve]

Tusayan, you indicated your preference for a pre-1991 GS.  I'm guessing you have issues with the PD style fairing.  There's not much else that's different between pre 91 and 91 onward (at least as far as I know ..... though I've never owned any GS other than my 1991 model.)

Bob

I'm very curious about the pre-'91 statement as well. I've had several other, older Airheads, but am certainly no expert on the GS models, and am interested to learn of any differences between the earlier and later models. I'm always keeping my eyes open for a nice R100GS, although their prices have become outrageous lately. Don't even think of picking up a clean R80G/S, unless you're willing to raid the 401(k) or put a lien on your house!

[Tusayan]

The single speedo on the earlier bikes is very reliable and the fairing is lighter and more practical. FWIW, the instruments on '91-on GSs tend to fail (e.g. wild needle wobble) in my experience, often at around 20K miles.  Its been a long time and I've forgotten whether it's the speedo or tachometer that's the main issue.  For mainly that reason after owning an '88 and a '92 I was happy to end up with a '90.

A disadvantage of the earliest paralever bikes is that the early GS labeled seat had poor quality foam, but that is easily updated.  Also, the later frame mounted fairing and low fender does slightly increase high speed stability, but not enough to matter to me...  again in my experience, YMMV and all the rest 

It's darn near impossible to find a clean, low mileage R100GS in the US, it seems they've all been ridden hard for years.  In Germany you can find nice one much more easily, they have a cult (kult?  ) following and winters are long, limiting mileage.  But they are even more expensive there.

[ohiorider]

I would have to agree that the simpler front bodywork (or lack of)would make it easier to aim the headlight and change headlight bulb, and there'd be less chance of breaking plastic in the event the bike was dropped.  I'm not sure how much wind protection I gain from the small windshield.  With the screen pivoted to its rearward position, it's more like a short touring fairing, and that's how I position mine.  It probably helps some, at speed.  I ran most of I-80 across Nebraska between 5500 and 6000rpm, and it was fairly relaxing.

Re the speedo, the needle on mine does wobble around a bit, maybe moving between 55 and 60 at 60mph.  Been doing it for years, but would prefer it didn't do it.

If I had the opportunity to buy either a 90 or 91 in similar condition, I'd probably go for the 90 this time around, with 91 saddle.

I've got mine scheduled with a good independent BMW tech for new petcocks, carb rebuild, tranny bearing replacement, replacement of some worn shift components (nylon roller that tracks the shift cam, and spring that keeps tension on it,) driveshaft replacement, and whatever else he notices.  Mileage 155,870.  Original drive shaft u joints went at 122k, had them replaced, but 33k later, I'm noticing what feels like u joints going again.  Oh well, the shaft repair was less than $250.00, so I was able to extract another couple of seasons out of the original shaft.

Ironically, I found the stock saddle on my 91 more comfortable than the aftermarket Corbin, so when the foam in the original finally turned to mush, I bought one of the last original equipment black and yellow saddles from Germany