Need input - looking at a used R100RS

718Rider · 06-07-2005, 06:29 AM

Here's the ad - -
I'm going to try to check it out this week.
Any thoughts/input. The bike looks a little worn, but not to bad from the photos. I've asked the seller to let me know when the last time the bike was started, relevenat service, etc. . .

1984 BMW R100RS
Classic sport tourer
only 34,296 miles
$3400 or best offer before June 15

Progressive fork springs
Telefix fork brace
Koni shocks
Fresh Metzlers
also included:
Corbin dual seat for /6 & /7 (does not use cowl)
Corbin solo seat (mounts in cowl, needs fiberglass work for hinge)
Parabellum taller windscreen
BMW battery charger
Dowco cover

Bike is in good condition but has not been ridden since 8/02--when last ridden it was running excellent. Kids and lack of time and money prevent riding.

Known issues:
Leaky fork seal, seat pan could use stripping and repainting, carbs need rebuilding after long idle period (they overflow when fuel is turned on) aside from a few cosmetic blems, that is all I know of.

tominator · 06-07-2005, 11:27 AM

Its a classic....your right about the Bing carbs. Pretty easy to rebuild, I would suspect the floats or seats are gone. Fork seals, unless you run gators, it's pretty common. I had a customer tell me once that they leak because of the bug skeletons carve grooves into the seals. (Never heard that one before).

Lot's of goodies included so that should justify the asking price.

If you have to get a Air Head...better be a RS!

Tomas

Here's one I service: As soon as this guy sells , I'm buying!

Dale Flowers · 06-07-2005, 12:43 PM

The price could seem a bit low for the model and year. As for the miles, verify that the odometer is functional. The gears driving the numbered wheels begin to slip on the shaft and is a very common occurrence. It’s an easy fix but it could indicate a false reading. Carb rebuild is also an easy job and recommended at 40K for new needles and jets anyway. That model/year is notorious for valve recession (valve clearances close-up every interval) due to metallurgy of valves and seats though I wouldn’t expect problems at the stated mileage yet. The splines wear and should be considered in your evaluation. Cosmetics are easily addressed considering the fairing is fiberglass and will more than likely have stress cracks at the upper mounts that would require attention eventually. 1984 had a “Last Edition” limited edition release. They were pearl white with red & blue pin stripping. If this is the case it could increase it’s desirability some day. Also be aware that the narrow, flat handle bars are not to everyone’s liking. I hope this is helpful. If it’s in reasonable shape it would be a great project/ride. Good luck and keep us informed.

Rapid Dog · 06-07-2005, 02:05 PM

Sounds about fair...I'd like to see a coouple pics. !984 was about as good as the airhead and RS got as far as low-technology goes.
You won't regret having one. They are excellent touring bikes.
It looks like the main accessories have been addressed. Suspension mods are the main thing.
Be careful in the start-up procedure, flush the tanks. lines and carbs well, before you run it for any length of time. Ditto what Flowers sez too.

johnty288 · 06-08-2005, 09:20 AM

Watch the brakes also. If not regularly maintained (fluid change) water gets in there and makes an expensive mess. Otherwise your description sounds normal for a bike in that situation.

BubbaZanetti · 06-08-2005, 09:53 AM

i defenetly second what dale said about the valve recession, when i was forced to leave my 84 R100 on the west coast after a lengthy road trip the exhaust valve and guides were denfenetly in need of replacement. check the gap and check it often with 55K on mine i was checking it and readjusting just about every oil change (very indicative of really worn valves)

Jeff Williams · 06-08-2005, 11:30 AM

Bubba,
if your interested I may be selling my '95 R100RT Classic with 42k on it.
Has works shock in back and progressive in the front.
jeff

roger albert · 06-08-2005, 11:35 AM

Now Jeff's bike is a very nice model

Spam: Selling an 84 R100RS for a customer of mine.
Good shape with new westco battery, tuneup and tires
I want it out of my driveway, so first offer of $2800 takes it.

718Rider · 06-08-2005, 11:44 AM

Roger - I send you a PM.

Tom

Rapid Dog · 06-08-2005, 12:18 PM

take a pic rog, we wanna see...!

roger albert · 06-09-2005, 07:03 AM

Planned for the weekend,
My old digicam's usb has died so I'm going to pick up a card reader and install this weekend.

Dr. Curve · 06-09-2005, 09:11 AM

84 units were smooth, with a top speed of about 118 to 120 if everything was tuned right. The RS and RT units of that year had lowered compression ratios, softer cam timing, and non squish band head and piston design. They simply could not run with the 77 to 80 bikes. The 77 was the most desirable airhead, especially when it came to RS units. IMHO of course.

Rapid Dog · 06-09-2005, 09:21 AM

BTW, Gary at RPM in Ventura has a rough example of a 77 RS if anyone is interested.

roger albert · 06-09-2005, 09:33 AM

77-80 nice motor wise, but the 81-84 put their motors to very good use via the lighter flywheel/clutch assy. Of course, they will bolt right onto a 77-80, but if you by into the well-tuned stock thing, then the 81-84 are turn-key, plus, have the factory electronic ignition. Of course, different pistons in an 81-84 make them very nice, and are also a direct bolt in. 77-84 is a good range no matter what.

Rapid Dog · 06-09-2005, 09:45 AM

right-o roger-a...
The 80's bikes had some sort of smog tube thingie though, no? Did the later RS' have the 40mm valves/exhaust/carbs like the old ones?
I nearly bought an '84 RS when they where new because I was told they really revved and got it all "right" by then.

Dr. Curve · 06-09-2005, 10:50 AM

A stock 77S or RS has 44mm intake valves. A 84 does not.

BubbaZanetti · 06-09-2005, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Williams
Bubba,
if your interested I may be selling my '95 R100RT Classic with 42k on it.
Has works shock in back and progressive in the front.
jeff

thanks for the offer, but with the new S i already reached my quota of 1 bike per year

also, the 84's did have the smog stuff it was in the form of an "air induction tube" that fed from the bottom of the airbox to the area near the exhaust valves, often this was cited as a reason for so many burned up valves, it caused more heat in that part of the engine. i just plugged mine with some drian plugs and pulled the metal pipping off

Jeff Williams · 06-09-2005, 07:57 PM

Funny a guy came up to me today and asked If I would be interested in an 81 or 82 R100GS for $1500.
It has less than 4000 miles on it.
Its been sitting mostly and riden about once a year.
Just what I need, another project....but.... it could be fun having a trailie.

jeff

Dan Alexander · Dan Alexander's Garage

Buy it, that is really cheap. I'd but it if it was closer. There was an article in Motorcycle Consumer News recently about GS's and their value is very high .... like 5K and up

Jeff Williams · 06-10-2005, 06:35 AM

Dan,
I was thinking the same thing but the guy who owns it is 75+years old.
I'm told that he drives it around is one acre yard now and the rubber boot that covers the ujoint is missing.
That got me thinking ...mmm... how long has that boot been missing....his the rear end oil turned into grease.
I'll check it close to make sure its not a money pit.
jeff