BMW R80 G/S Paris Dakar review. The classic bikes that won Dakar. Part 2 of 6.
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- The BMW GS first arrived in the eighties and BMW thought the Paris Dakar race would be the perfect event to prove its toughness and reliability. They proved to be correct and the GS went on to win Dakar in 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985.
To celebrate its 4 wins, BMW produced this special edition and 200 examples had their tank signed by their star rider Gaston Rahier, making them highly collectable today.
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This channel is sublime
Its a complete antidote to the inane, loud, infantile influencers who think reading out a cars specifications whilst howling "Amazing!" at everything they get their hands on makes them an expert.
Harry's Garage is the equivalent to a 25 year old Scotch compared to the warm can of Carling of the supacarrr influencer berks....
Well said that man
When he left Evo I was wondering if he would keep making them. Was happy to see that he did. Cars came and went, new garage was build, etc. Quality stayed the same.
@@jeremythomas6980 we need a Honda Africa!
Add to that the obsession they have with straight-piping and making their cars as loud as possible. I think they really believe that when they're going through tunnels at 8,000 rpm with near enough no exhaust that all the other motorists are thinking "wow, that's cool" when actually 99% of them are thinking "What a tosser".
Agree. Totally.
So nice to see a legendary bike in action for having fun, as opposed to just discussing it as a museum piece!
i see them (maybe ive seen the same many times, i dont know) here in Berlin
Really like the bike videos, keep them coming
Yer bloody hooligan! If the farmer catches you, you'll be in for it!
Love it
That is the fastest farmer I’ve seen to date. Go look at Harrys farm also on UA-cam
Cracking vid, as usual. As a gs1150 owner its cool to see its grandad. It great to see harry enjoying his bikes and using them as intended, no garage queens in his garage. Rare bike, quite valuble & in showroom condition and harry is wacking across his fields and doing jumps on it, respect.
I worked for BMW as a zone sales manager for Scotland in 79/80 and had 6 bikes I used for dealer visits. The GS 80 was the best road bike and the one I enjoyed the most.
Good report. Great video IMO.
Harry you really are the best thing on UA-cam ..
I’m almost stunned.......how fantastic to see an R80GSPD being ridden off road. Explained the whole R engine really well, that low CoG makes riding them so addictive. Cracking little videos Harry, can’t wait to see you back out in Morocco making more when you can. Stay safe and thanks for the entertainment.
It was Harry's bike collection that drew me into the channel. These last two bike videos have been the highlight of my time enjoying a great UA-cam channel. Never been a disappointing video yet, keep them coming.
Same here Alastair.
Yup they got me as well! Really happy to see more bike vids!
Holy crap you where flying on the intro
Holy Crap. That's the expletive my wife uses when she gets miffed. Always cracks me up.
UA-cam, listen, Harry doesn’t make bad videos, it’s not a thing that exists in the world. He’s the best and that’s an end, you should sort yourself out
This Dakar Winner bikes series is awesome.
Excellent to see another of your bike collection Harry, and in the case of the R80 G/S the start of something very big for BMW Motorrad of course....maybe with a bit of help from Charley and Ewan maybe. Oh how I wish I had my own field or two to ride around on, I've exhausted all my local green lanes and hence sold the one dirt-bike I had (my GS is for the Strasse only!).... Top vid as ever...more bikes please!
Evening tmf! I was watching your multistarda 950 vid yday and shall be watching the Cb650r video after this one, both bikes I'm very interested in to join my zx6r
Hey it’s Mister Fly!
Hah, them GS's 'll never catch on.
I'm scared just watching him zoom across bumpy fields at high speed. With history of owning 3 trail bikes and knowing how much they're determined to throw you off, I'm amazed. #BallsOfSteel
Every now and again I take my XT350 into the woods. Gets the heart beating faster.
Well the BMW is quite a bit heavier than trailbikes so its not as keen to throwing you off. Plus the center of gravity is quite low wich further helps it behave!
@@y4nnickschmitt Yeah but it just takes one rut or mound that's determined enough to grab that front wheel and the handlebars are ripped out of your hands (probably breaking one wrist/arm as it happens) and then you're heading over the bars and hoping the bike doesn't land on you.
@@veemacks7255 Sure that could happen. And if you're so focused on that kinda stuff, guess what's gonna happen. Exactly that! ✌️😉
@@y4nnickschmitt I think maybe it was because I wasn't focused on that kinda stuff that it *did* happen.
I love the bike videos. I have been riding for 46 years. I really like the mix of bikes and cars. Thank you.
My art teacher had one of these in the late 80's he'd alternate between this and a honda 400/4... I've always liked the look of them ever since 👌
Your vintage motorcycle collection is really something else and this particular specimen is wonderful.
I don't understand why BMW doesn't have a back-to-basics under 200kg/1000cc boxer engine platform on its lineup.
Cheers Harry!
And just as I thought HG can't get any better, it erupts in a completely new dimension! Loving it!
I extended my brake pedal on my R100GS and it gave me so much more control. Worth buying a spare to modify and leave the original intact. Thanks for making me miss my old one....
even on my r1150gs i put a foot pedal extension on. i always tended to barely grab the end of the pedal otherwise
@@daftnord4957 Yes I have 3 boxer BMW's and all of them are awkward.
Thanks Harry, great to see more bikes being reviewed.
This gentleman here and this channel are automotive treasures.
I absolutely love how you know the detailed history around anything you own Harry. Your passion and the integrity of the collection is second to none in the published world. It's such a pleasure to come to this space and I always learn something new, even if I've been interested in it for years. Thank you for your excellent content. From Canada.
Excellent Video, Lovely to see this Bike being ridden and not just hidden in a Garage. Thanks Harry.
Harry...full speed offroad😀
Great opening scene!
I own both , the Elefant and the R80 Dakar. Fantastic bikes. Can't wait to see the Cagiva video.
You can tell you are a bike man at heart
I just answered an ad for someone selling a gs dakar like this one before I saw this video, quite the coincidence!
Love the style!!
I have been riding this bike since 1988 and it has become a part of me.
I have never had any technical problem with this bike. Fantastic.
I've owned an XT500 and currently using an R80GS on a farm so these videos have been fantastic to watch. And I had a good laugh listening to you talking about the side stand because my gosh they're a difficult little thing.
Thanks. That side stand is rubbish, isn't it?! It doesn't look strong enough either, I hate using the thing. I know you can get a modified version that stays down, rather than spring back up but I think the original one is very un BMW and a bit crap really!
@@harrysgarage haha yes they are. I've had a few moments where I nearly landed one of the pots on my leg. Thanks so much for replying Harry, love your work.
@@harrysgarage i get rid of all my boxer sidestands , worthless things , the centerstands often need welding flat strips underneath to repair the wear
I've had my 1981 R80G/S for 27 years and I always get off before putting the side stand down. I think it works OK when used in this manner. Mine had the signature on the tank when I bought it but it has worn off over the years, if I had known it was so rare I might have tried to preserve it. All in all they are a great bike and I will never part with mine. Here in Australia there are plenty of places to ride it and make the most of it's abilities all year round.
Thank you for doing this series. Highlighting some of the most important bikes in a way no one else can. These videos will be gems decades on.
Great video, thank you. In the 80s my school librarian used to ride a pale metallic green BMW K series which all of us high school boys were naturally fascinated by. He was a huge Paris Dakar fan with posters in his office and loved telling us about the exploits of BMW bikes there and the nature of the race which we struggled to comprehend the scale of. I knew you’d have one of these, it’s stunning.
I have the blessed privilege to own the original, winning 1985 HPN belonged to Gaston Rahier.
Watching Harry’s channel, brings me that cozy atmosphere of a gentlemen driver club, made of that very smell of Castrol, Creed and Islay malts.
Hats off, dear Harry! 🏆🇬🇧🏴
What? Owning the winning '85 bike?! I thought BMW had them all but maybe not. Does it still run and, if so, do you ride it occasionally? It's a very different bike to the R80GS I was riding in this vid..
@@harrysgarage Actually, BMW owns the "reserve" unit, displayed in its museum, together with a rebuilt one. I had this lucky strike to grab this motorbike through a German friend, in 2011. Long story but, just true! I am a keen collector of cars and classic bikes (not up to your glorious level) but, some good, special units in my garage are definitely making me a glad 55er. I started with Dinky, Matchbox and Corgi and....... I never braked for 50 years.
Have a blessed weekend, my Friend!
This guy is living the life I dream of. Keep the context coming Harry. Really love watching you with your cars, bikes and tractors
Thanks for the videos. Brings me back to watching on tv the start of the race on the 1st of January in Paris. Can’t wait for the Africa Twin and Tenere to show what they were capable of. You have a nice playground to let them sing.
Admirable bike for a modern GS1250 owner like me.
I also got a '88 R100GS since 27 years. A great bike with an impressive history. I love your videos with all the background history and the comparison between all the Paris Dakar bikes. All the best from Germany
I've bought the last version of the R80 GS, the last air-cooled version of the classic BMW boxer engine in 1996 and I'm still happy and proud owning it. I get many thumbs-up when people see me riding it. Even if it has been designed for off-road purposes it's a much better on-road bike. Beautifully balanced with enough torque and surprising handling and cornering abilities you can go the pace of much stronger and bigger bikes if you wish. But more than this it's this relaxed feeling on this comfortable, stable, yet agile classic motorcycle that always gives me a smile on my face. Love it.
I've been waiting for this episode for aeons! It's great! Thank you so much for all your work, I thoroughly appreciate it and enjoy it. It puts a beaming grin across my face to hear you praise the bike as "sexy" because it's always comforting to know others share your ailment! Thanks again. M
Great video Harry! I’m not much of a bike fan, but you make them all really interesting - especially with the Paris Dakar history lessons! Thanks...
I own one myself! Sadly Gastons signature has faded with time, but the miles have been worth it! Best bike I've ever owned. So much Fun!! ✌✌
I watch a lot of car channels, but HG is my favorite. Really enjoying this series. Cheers!
Thank you for sharing your collection, very enjoyable to watch.
You're truly living the dream, thank you for sharing all your thoughts and experiences with us!
Good evening Harry, for many months now, I cannot wait a single day for a new car review, stories told about your car collection, etc. In times of media overload, you bring to many of us true essence of simple enjoyment of life‘s positive aspects. I assume even Arthur Schopenhauer could manage to smile after watching one of your episodes.
Keep it coming sir.
Grüße aus Schleswig-Holstein
Great, I was waiting for bike reviews. I've always seen them in the background, glad you took some time to talk about them. BTW: I was worried when I saw the intro, you are flying there ! proper speed :)
Tip of my Arai to you for taking your GS off-road and giving it some welly!
Lovely to see.
Thanks. I own all my bikes because I enjoy riding them and having the farm means I can exercise the Dakar bikes off-road on a regular basis. Trouble is I think I'm 15 again and behave accordingly..
@@harrysgarage you're an absolute legend Harry. Never lose that childish spirit.
@@harrysgarage sadly you don’t bounce as well as when you are 15!
Respect, though, especially the hill descent - not sure I would be, let alone, look as confident.
Awaiting further Dakar Bike rides - you’re raising the bar every episode!
I love the Airheads!
I've learnt so much over the past year by watching your videos Harry. Thank you for nourishing your channel with such fine content 👍.
Brilliant, Harry..just brilliant! Brings back so many memories, for me when I was hooked by the Dakar bikes..still am..
Anyone who has ever rode trail in the UK knows that this is skilled riding, especially on such a big bike.
Unfortunately that is the start of the "Starbucks Cruiser" BMW bikes. Back in the day I was a test rider for a UK dirt bike mag and did the tests for the first ever R80 GS (and even rode an enduro down near Tiverton on it) and it was as pig-like as one could imagine. However we also had Hubert Schek's factory ISDT bike to try. Absolutely nothing like the production model with everything that wasn't magnesium made from titanium including the engine cases, cylinders, hubs, all the swing arm assembly, Frame from 531 tubing, light-weight gearsets and so on. 130kg dry. Hubert actually built all the bikes himself on contract to BMW and the production model developed by Aprilia.
Hubert is still alive (lives quite near me) and occasionally turns out at vintage enduro's on a GS (he owned the rights to the model name), he isn't quite 6'5" any more but still can nail it at 91 or whatever he is.
Cheers Harry, love these Dakar bike videos 📹 👍. Iooking forward to seeing more! Cheers, Steve
Have an r100gspd myself. Great to see ‘‘em in the dirt!
Great to see our man Harry having fun around his fields a lovely old iconic BMW boxer. Top stuff Harry.
I had to smile at the opening shot. You can tell from a long distance that Harry is carrying some serious momentum across that field with the dust cloud behind him. Another fun video.
I like the way you handle and enjoy your bikes and cars for an old boy you’re great. And your mrs and family is something to aspire to...love your videos
Love these rips through the fields, thank you!
As a car nut I follow this channel mainly for these Paris Dakar bike vids! They're great! Good insights Harry. It's time for my motorcylcle license.
I own what would be considered a grandchild, a 2003 1150GSA and a great grand child, 2020 1250GSA of the Dakar. Special indeed that is.
Love this Paris Dakar series, golden age. The hunting for the rear brake is something I've found on my modern Beemers too. I've fitted an extender to my R1200R Sport.
I have a 1984 BMW R80ST, the R80 is one of those sublime classic bikes that is often overlooked.
THANK YOU Harry, I'm really enjoying these "bike collection" videos.
Cracking video Harry, blasting around the farm looks like epic fun!!
Cracking video again Harry. Really enjoying these bike vids
Always enjoy the bike videos Harry. Many happy memories bombing around on bikes not like this but from the era.
Very impressive riding on grass with those tires. I could hear the rear wheel spinning.
I live in the small city and actually know the dealer where this bike was originally sold in Germany! What a funny circumstance. Great video, cheers!
@Harry’s Garage
Cars, farming, motorcycles - I guess we really are brothers from other mothers!
I’’m new to “adventure” bikes, though, so these videos are really fun and informative for me, thanks!
Also - I didn’t know that Gaston Rahier went on to race Paris-Dakar! I knew of him as the Suzuki 125 MX champ alongside 500 champ Roger DeCoster - they were my heros! My buddies and I called them Roller DeCoaster and Gas-on Racer!
Harry knows every undulation of that field.
11;00..that jump ! Excellent. I’ve been riding bikes all my life and have completed many off-road holidays and trail rides. I’m just a couple of years younger than you, but my skills have declined more than yours!
Well done! You deserve a pat on the back.
My favourite of all the Dakar bikes. Thanks Harry.
PS We lost Hubert a few months ago, RIP. Makes you realise that we are not here for ever.
Viewers need to make the most of every single day.
The versatility of this bike together with the history of 40 Years it`s magic. A new bike with all that homologation requirement can`t reach this pure driving experience. To me a five star emotional motorcycle.
Another great video with some great filming and info thanks again
Great to see some modern bike reviews, alongside the classic bikes which are great
So good to see you enjoying your toys
Fantastic Harry, thank you. Can't help grinning all the way through.
Harry, you have your video content an presentation just perfect. I’m riding the bike with you!
Great video, and nice collection of bikes. I look forward to more. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Thanks for the review of this bike,
Seen one of these in Sydney Australia other day, never seen one before, I really wanted one till I seen the price.
Would be good bike to have for a back lane or Sunday short cruise on road.
Amazing how far they have come, wouldn't like to spoil it thru the woods and mud.
You just took me on a ride and it feels like I have test ridden one..thanks Harry great story on the gem of a bike.
Most excellent.
Is that a sandstorm over in that Field ?, No, its just Harry sending it..... lol
Had one of those as well, the standard R80GS though, not the PD version. Took that down to Morocco and Algeria. Btw, there is a shop near Firenze in Italy that restores R80GS bikes to 'better than new' condition. I went there about 12 years ago and couldn't believe the amazing quality of their work. The R80GS has a cult following in Italy, where they are much sought after.
I bought an '84 Paris dakar BMW in 1986 - I owned it for 26 years and did 330,000 kms on it. I'm an amputee -right leg, above knee - so the DakTrakker was perfect for me as my right - artificial - foot would scrape on the road when on my Moto Guzzis...and the Dak being that little bit higher off the ground stopped that....also the serrated footpeg stopped my boot coming off the peg - altho I used a piece of inner tube cable tied to the rst to slip over the toe of my boot which helped too. Awesome bike. The guy who bought it off my rode it to Amsterdam from NZ. Another awful standard part on the bike was the ridiculous top fork 'yoke' - a flat piece of stamped steel that did not grip the forl legs. Stupid stupid stupid fecking thing. I made an aircraft alloy top yoke that clamped the fork legs and enabled stoppies and controllable front wheel slides . .
Harry: *Stoically* "Weeee..."
My father owned 2 r80rt's and has road new gsa's for about 6 years now. Loves them and swears by them. Great vid and can't wait to see more bike content.
Really enjoying the bikes. Used to have a KH 2 750 (still have the scars!) Look forward to seeing the rest of the collection.
At the time, these things (even with the standard tank) seemed simply absurdly big. I rode one back then (on tarmac) and found it massive, intimidating and also beguiling. Just so much character. And in its own way it was quite chuckable. Tyres were key to tarmac happiness.
It makes the slightly soppy land whales of today seem like the posing pouches that in most cases they are.
I rode several BMWs back in my riding days, mostly road bikes. They are lovely and full of charm. This, the R80G/S was (to my great surprise) the most charming of the lot. On tarmac..... I never had the balls or the curiosity to take it off road.
The shaft made it feel very different from the other (twin and single) big trailies. Not better, not worse, just different.
excellent review. An original Dakar tank (without signature) now costs 2500 Euro from an iconic German Boxer parts supplier
Must have been four years ago when you were showing your collection of these bikes on UA-cam...been waiting for this follow up !
I learned riding on this bike. It's a forgiving and a nice handling bike. Sad they're so expensive nowadays.
Harry's.. field...great stuff!!
I rode the first one and at the time it was a bike I thought I wouldn't like much....I was wrong. Great fun. It's combination of good handling and tall height with that torque laden motor could make even Victor Meldrew smile! I've come full circle
after owning dozens of bikes and now ride its evolution in the gsa1200. They all ride on a wave of useable torque. As they evolved they just got better and better but also heavier. From 180kg to 268kg!
Low CoG means they carry their mass well and they're a smooth, stable bike at speed. An all day long comfortable ride but the original had its faults. Seat to peg height was too low making the tall bike feel cramped, the carbs needed constant fettling and they ate plugs. Original suspension was poor compared with todays bike but that motor was and remains the heart and soul of the bike. Metzlers in road trim were lethal...especially the laser front...awful tyre...not to be trusted in the wet. Easy to service and generally reliable if regularly serviced. I'd rather have the modern gsa though. It's better in all respects and hasn't lost any of the fun factor.
Great video...brought back a few fond memories.
I haven’t ridden a bike I years, but that does look like bloody good fun off road.
Hi Harry ! You drive them wonderfully ! I have two XT 's but I dare not jumping with them the way you do ! Is the field actually yours ??? Here in Belgium you would have four police vans at each corner in a question of 5 minutes , that's why I'm asking .... thank you for you breathtaking videos ! Alive and kicking ! Fabien
Thanks for watching and yes, all the fields are on my farm. It's a big playground for me and the bikes!
You Blokes need to visit Australia, I grew up on a farm that was 14000 acres and we chased kangaroos all over the place, I sold a Honda XLV750 when I bought my R 80 G/S because I wanted something that would last and 27 years later I still have it.
Oooh Harry!! Loving these bike videos, thank you 🙏..... Top marks to your camera man for capturing you riding across the field in silhouette against the sky, great shot!! So good to see these bikes being ridden as they should be 👍 The BMW GS really is the Range Rover of the motorbike world .....
Another great video Harry, one of my favourite bikes and so good to see it used in anger. Keep up the bike content as well as the cars - it’s all fascinating.
That has always been my dream bike.
Not hanging around there Harry, excellent video thank you. I know you’ve got other stuff on but I’d watch a Harry’s Garage / Farm video daily ! 🏎🏍💨
This was wonderful. The G/S will always be special for me. Such a good bike..
Harry and his motorbike kit; serious Skywalker vibes, one gets.