Buying a R100GS?

[okadaman]

Howzit. I'm new here...

I'm planning to take up biking soon, and have started looking around at some bikes. I saw a R100GS but I can't find out what year model it is. I would like to know where I can find the VIN on these models?
Secondly, a silly question I presume, but what will be the most important things to look at on a used R100GS, before buying it? E.g. are there certain tell-tale signs of abuse/neglect, driveshaft checks, seals etc? I realise there's probably an endless list, but the most important for me will be those relating to costly repairs (negating buying a used bike), and reliabillity.

Thanks.

[AliBaba]

Frame number is usually located on a metal plate on the right side between the steering bearings it is also located on the frame on the right side (where you have your right feet). It might be smart to check that the numbers are identical.

You can insert the number here: RealOEM.COM * Online BMW Parts Catalog and then you will get all the information you need.

[Martynbiker]

Hiya and to the HUBB.

Firstly search all threads for BMW R100GS and BMW on the HUBB.then get readin!

second, do a Google search, BMW R100GS search, try WEB & Images, scan through and find out as much info as you can.

talk to Phil either online or on the phone Welcome to the Euro Classics he is a BMW Guru. Period.

Martyn

[alexr]

Its a very popular bike, there is actually a buyers guide on ebay, just search for it.

[Tim Wood]

There's a ton of info on this subject which regularly comes up on the HUBB. I have also seen a Brit offering a pre purchase video on that model on ebay. The bike is a bit pedestrian and "old tech" and to make it really good it needs some work/mods. However if it needs repair, it's fairly simple. There's a never ending thread on the "best" bike but I doubt if it exists. The best bike is the one you feel comfortable with and taking into account all your research. You did research it, didn't you?

[okadaman]

Thanks Ali. And everyone else.

Tim, I've "researched" the bike, but when you get 63000+ hits on a search, it becomes more an exercise of sorting the wheat from the chaff, than getting really useful info. What I try to find out with this thread is if there are any particular issues/quirks with this particular model that one needs to look at. I assume you ride one?
Ebay thing is obviously helpfull, but relates to buying almost anything secondhand?
Another reason I'm asking this, is because I might try to ride the bike down to South Africa, and I doubt whether all the parts/facilities are readily available here in Nigeria to fix a machine that is not in a condition to do that.
Having said all that, I really do appreciate the reply's; please keep 'em coming.

Oh, and "pedestrian" is fine with me for the moment - I am new to this after all.

[Tim Wood]

Indeed, Okadaman, I do ride one. I got it in preference to the newer beemers at the time based on mechanical simplicity, power(grunt), air cooling, carburetters, reputation (mainly positive), size and looks. I honestly can't see myself on a Honda 110 although that would be an excellent choice too. After all, if the motor craps out, you can put it in a shopping bag and catch a local bus to the nearest Honda agent. I feel a bigger bike is better and will be more reliable. It's an absolute pig in sand and is not really offroad capable, but is at home on gravel roads and will cruise on tarmac at 100mph all day in high temperatures. If I wanted to go offroad, I'd get a 250cc dirt bike. That is, I drive it in countryside I feel comfortable with. Most modern bikes are so well engineered these days, most anything will do. While there may not be a "perfect" bike, there are definately unsuitable ones. It's all about your style. I've attached a picture of some Japanese bikers I saw in Margaret River, WA. They'd all bought small bikes and one of them had the job of carrying all the bags. Ridiculous, but they all seemed to be having an awful lot of fun.

[Dingo]

Check out all the posts from Al Bayliss on here. He has done heaps of research on this bike.

Cheers