1979 BMW R100S first ride - part 1
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- Опубліковано 25 кві 2023
- BMW Motorrad has been producing motorcycles since 1923 and I own a few and have reviewed many more. I was offered the opportunity to take out a 1979 BMW R100S and what an experience. This bike is the facelift and upgrade to a very important motorcycle in BMW Motorrad history, in the BMW R90, a bike instrumental in the survival of the motorcycle division.
Part 1 was taking her out as she has been standing in storage for years and on my return to BMW I requested a bit of a clean of the carbs and a tune. They called me back a few days later to ride her back to back and feel the difference for Part 2.
We so often take technology and the advances for granted and this ride was a fantastic reminder how far motorcycles have come and BMW in particular.
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bmw will never build a bike as good s the air head in terms off ease of maintenance engine reliability simplicity longevity
Looking forward to Part 2 because as you said and speaking from personal experience it makes such a difference to these bikes when the carbs are nicely balanced. Such a slim bike except obviously for the boxer motor but that’s not a bad thing for me as it’s always been my favourite engine configuration 🇬🇧
Tyre sizes are critical with these air-cooled Boxers. Front, 3.25-19; rear 4.00-18 (90/90-19; 110/90-18.) Upsizing them makes the bike resistant to leaning. I had a R100 RS for 23 years, tried various tyre & suspension experiments, and found the original spec is the one that works best.
EDIT: The front mag rim was recalled and replaced. If you get one go to a BMW dealer and make sure yours is the sorted type.
l owned a Gold R100RS, kept it as it left the factory...wish l still had it...
In about 1984, BMW did a world wide recall on the front alloy wheels of the R100 models cos of crack problems. The front wheel on my 1981 model was replaced at no cost.
I bought an R60/7 almost new (less than 10 000 km), when I got to about 120 000 km I replaced the cam chain and sprockets, the improvement was staggering.
I rode my bike from London to Aberdeen, close to 800 kms, slightly higher bars, so sitting position a bit more upright, I only had to stop for fuel, a very comfortable ride.
I have over a half million miles on airhead. Have owned over 70 of them my current collection is about 40..I have a 22 Victoria and a 74 90s still in the crate..
Wow 🤩 respect and stunning 🥳👌
Awesome these airheads by BMW
in early 1980, BMW had a promotion that had the Krauser bags and Luftmeister fairing at no charge with a new R80. They were possibly left over 1979's. I can not remember. At the time, it was still more money than I wanted to spend. $5 years later and still riding, I really wish I would have bought one. I doubt I would want the full fairing, but i think it would be great with a small S type bikini fairing like Shoei used to make. It would be great to own something I could work on.
Bought a bunch of BMW R and K spare parts. Surprised to find a genuine 70s S fairing in amongst the parts.
As soon as you started the bike l knew the carbs weren't synchronised. I've owned a couple of 'Airheads' always found them reliable and relaxing to ride. .. the offset footpegs, you don't really notice the difference. l used to own a R100RS where the riding stance was dictated by your hands remaining within the fairing...so narrow bars!...When in good tune its a relaxing ride...
Had a '79 RS until '92. Iceberg blue metallic. Beautiful. But the transmission failed on a tour. The seal between the engine and transmission had to be replaced twice. The pre-detonation, even with premium, was horrible, even after thicker base gaskets, dual-plugs, and electronic ignition. The US killing off leaded gas is what pushed me to sell, since the valves required leaded gas or an additive. Now, I regret having sold it and wonder what happened to it.
I looked up your reference for top speed and translated from kph to mph. Your statement translated to just under 125 mph. On the 10 freeway between Tucson and Phoenix I DID 125 mph from Toltec to Phoenix. That was fun!
Edit: And like my BMW 3.0 it came hard up against top speed with conceivably more power to go higher. I know the 3.0 was governed and I suspect the R100S was too.
I've owned an RS for a few years. It was a great motorcycle. I've heard a few people mentionin that the brakes in the R100, mainly the dual front disks, being a first in the market. Remember the Moto Guzzi 850 LeMans mk I: it had larger dual front disks and rear disk, it was more powerfull and had more torque. Still, this is a beautiful bike, and I might get one again.
It is a fantastic bike. The brakes are superb for the era as long as you remember to pull on the front lever firmly then they are proper. From 1978 the rears are brembo and are very helpful with this fairly heavy bike.
Here in the states BMW r100 ran to 1984 as I have an 1984 r100rt
Absolutely love this bike AND the shoes hahaha what brand are they ?
What is with the valve covers on that bike ?
Fin Casting are skewed.
Mounted on wrong sides ?
I didn't know that there was an R100S. Probably it wasn't imported into Canada.
great ,a great classic thanks for sharing however it looks like something is wrong with the instrument panel seems loose,chears
Yes the left hand side bolt was missing. Finally sorted and much better 👌
Never ridden and S model, only RS and RT. Is what I have read correct that the S model has very high speed stability problems?
I took mine up to 160km/h and she was really stable
@@route21garage Thanks for the reply.
Great bike!!
Interested in picking one of these up, one is available locally at a decent price. Is there anything in particular one should look out for?
Not that I am aware of. Quite a bulletproof bike and motor. Secret is that carburetors have been cleaned and set and she runs properly
@@route21garage Thanks for the reply! Great to hear, these are beautiful machines glad to hear they are reliable.
bmw expert forgots to turn on fuel taps lols
I think you have your valve covers on the wrong sides.
I am one of those people who don't enjoy a boxer engine, especially the older ones. Not for me !
I'm one of those people who don't enjoy a soda pop after brushing my teeth. Not for me! I'm more of a long walks on the beach type. Candle light dinners. Mosh pits at death metal shows.
Anywho. Boy, it was good to get that off the chest. Thanks!