BMW R100rs

[TIBLE_90]

Hey, I'm looking at buying a bike to tour both islands with and generally use as a touring bike. I cam across the bmw r100rs on trademe and it looked pretty good. Since it's a bmw I figure it will last a long time and I can find some for pretty cheap.

So I just want to know what the general opinion is on these bikes out in the touring community.

[Box'a'bits]

Hey, I'm looking at buying a bike to tour both islands with and generally use as a touring bike. I cam across the bmw r100rs on trademe and it looked pretty good. Since it's a bmw I figure it will last a long time and I can find some for pretty cheap.

So I just want to know what the general opinion is on these bikes out in the touring community.

In common with any Airhead, you need some degree of mechanical aptitude to keep up with maintenance on these. They are after all between 17 & 35 yrs old. Bill Sterner wrote a good book about them.

The fairing is still one of the best on the market for weather protection. But this comes with some downsides, namely the stubby bars, which limit leverage, and the heat in summer. Great autumn, winter & spring bikes though. My pillion's all time favourite bike, especially with the Corbin seat I've got fitted.

There are two major iterations - the '76-84 twinshock (70 hp) models, & the mono's after (60 hp). I've had both. I prefer my '78 over the '87. The monos were said to have had better brakes & handling (if set up properly), had a torque curve more loaded to the bottom end. They had an 18" front wheel. The older bikes were more powerful & (IMHO) loped along the road better. They had a 19" wheel, which imparted a more stable feel.

The models evolved. '76-'80 models came with heavier flywheels, iron barrels, & dual ATE single piston brakes (& a rear brembo clone disc). '81 on bikes got lighter clutch carriers, nikasil barrels (long lasting), brembo brakes etc.

The white (Pahiatua) '84 one looks nice & original from the TM postings. You'd need to check with these how many times they've been around the clock.

Feel free to PM with any questions

[TIBLE_90]

Hey, thanks for the help. I'll be sure to PM you with any questions I have.