80GS - Horizons Unlimited

**Michaelcoutts** · #1 30 Nov 2003

Very interestig web site!
This is the third 80GS I have owned and tax bill or not I am going to keep this one!
Its a 1981, and it is time I went on my world tour before its to late!
My questions are what should I do to the swing arm ? Does anyone have any drawings etc ? Do I need to change the front forks or strengthen the frame? Thank you for your help! Michael in sunny Bognor ?

**Grant Johnson** · #2 30 Nov 2003

Hi,

There's a ton of info here on just that subject.

First thing to note, thanks to BMW's confusing labelling, you have to be careful -since you have an '81, you have an R80G/S - and the / is critical. There is also an R80GS - and it's a very different beast, made from 1988 on.

to answer your questions,

1. Nothing needs to be done to the swingarm at all. Change the oil as recommended and that's it.

2. Forks are fine as is, although they can be improved. The R80-100GS had better forks, and it's a bolt on swap. Did it myself, definitely an improvement.

The standard frame is fine, but the rear subframe is hopeless as is for overlanding. There is a ton of info on this site on that. Also see the "Our trip" link top of the left menu, and "Our bike" from there, and see what I did to my 86 G/S.

So when are you leaving?

(You do know that the trick to actually leaving is to tell everyone you know you're leaving and when - then it’s too embarrassing not to do it, so you have to go!)

Bognor??

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**alan hopkins** · #3 30 Nov 2003

quote:

So when are you leaving?

(You do know that the trick to actually leaving is to tell everyone you know you're leaving and when - then it’s too embarrassing not to do it, so you have to go!)

cool, that is so right :O)

**nobby** · #4 1 Dec 2003

hi
try the uk gser web site
www.ukgser.com
cheers nobby

**ChrisK** · #5 31 Dec 2003

Hi, my '86 G/S has just completed a 32,000 mile trip to Capetown 2 up, if you want to have a look round it to see what mods I did before going then your more than welcome.
Regards Chris,

**Lodewijk** · #6 15 Jan 2004

Hi,

quick question : I own a R80GS Basic from 1997. Is that with or without the / ?

By the way I desperately want to buy a bigger (yes!) tank than the tiny little 20 litres one I have now. But all sites quote me 600 €. that is half the price for the entire bike I bought.

------------------
Lodewijk Cornelis

**Grant Johnson** · #7 15 Jan 2004

Lodewijk,

Quote:

There is also an R80GS - and it's a very different beast, made from 1988 on.

The later GS has the paralever.

------------------
Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

**Timo** · #8 15 Jan 2004

You should be able to locate an HPN Acerbis 43 liter tank for around 250-300 pounds - try HPN's web site

http://www.hpn.de/

or search the web. This tank will fit the later (1988+) GS's with some modifications to the seat.