Old R series BMWs?

**hospitalfood** · 29th January 2009, 19:44

thinking of selling my old KLR 650 and getting an old ( 80's ) R100RT BMW
am i crazy ?
what should i look out for ?
are the old R series as cool as i think they are ?

**Motu** · 29th January 2009, 19:52

I've moved out of adventure bikes into an '87 R65 that I'm playing around with - it's cool alright.

**AllanB** · 29th January 2009, 20:08

I like them when they are stripped down to bare bones. Cool.

**martybabe** · 29th January 2009, 20:12

All I can tell you for certain is, it remains to this day the most comfortable bike I've ridden in 34 years.

check the HP for different models, I seem to recall a drop from 70ish to 60ish for some reason that escapes me now and I believe leaky carbs were an issue on some bikes but basically a very sound cycle.

Edit: Just checked it out, Pre '98 70 bhp, post 98 60 bhp.

**Paul in NZ** · 29th January 2009, 20:45

Depends....

The 75/5 series are possibly the last of the old school 'quality' beemers....

**Motu** · 29th January 2009, 21:44

Airheads are airheads,unless you have an aversion to monoshocks or paralevers.I like the simplicity,the fact that very little changed over their lifespan...and it all fits all anyway (like Triumphs) and that I can work on nearly everything without pulling half the bike to pieces.

These days bikes are very specialized...you buy a bike for a particular purpose,and the bike is built to do that job.I don't want a bike like that anymore,I want my motorcycle,I want to build it for my purposes,and I want it to do what I want to do.Not many bikes built after the '80's will allow you to do that.

**shafty** · 29th January 2009, 22:07

Go for it! I've owned both an earlier R100R and the R1150R (plus a K). The
R100R had this great thing where by you could look down at the motor while riding and see the pots sticking out the sides - loved it! (The 1150 had bodywork obstructing this view!)

They knew more about stuff back then than most people realised - eg, cruised up alongside an R100RT one day on the way back from a rally - he may have looked a bit awkward in the seating position but in reality was probably riding one of THE most comfy and practical and reliable bikes on the road.

Have fun!

**hospitalfood** · 29th January 2009, 22:34

thanks all, love the shots of the stripped down ones.
i think they are the cats PJ's, and i have no real love for my KLR.

**MaxB** · 30th January 2009, 00:17

No you are not crazy and yes they are cool. Have been an owner for best part of 25 years. They are just so much bloody fun.

The 70hp models are quicker than you might think. The late 70s S and RS got to 125+ mph with the RTs at about 110 - 120mph. The later monolevers were slower but probably better sorted bikes.

The point is that a well cared for 1000 can cruise at 140-160kmh all day, still enough to lose your licence. I once went from Auckland to the Interisland ferry terminal with one fuel stop in Turangi. I only did it because I had to to keep my job. The one thing I remember is hiiting reserve around the lake in the dark and limping into the service station on fumes. Skulling coffee, painkillers and a pie. Then onto the empty Desert Road as the sun came up. Sheer magic.

**hospitalfood** · 15th February 2009, 19:27

well, i got one.
a 1987 R100RS that has been fitted with RT fairing and gauges but retains the RS gearing etc,
anyone know what spec engine oil it should have? any oil recommendations?
also what spec fork oil ?

thanks

adam

**98tls** · 15th February 2009, 19:32

On ya,heres a pic of a mates older Beemer.

**R6_kid:Me** · 15th February 2009, 19:51

http://www.wrenchmonkees.com/IMAGES/bmw02.jpg

Something like this with some knoblies could be good fun!

**SixPackBack** · 15th February 2009, 20:06

Originally Posted by hospitalfood

well, i got one.
a 1987 R100RS that has been fitted with RT fairing and gauges but retains the RS gearing etc,
anyone know what spec engine oil it should have? any oil recommendations?
also what spec fork oil ?

thanks

adam

Pictures Adam??