Planning numerous trips but the big one from UK to S Africa next Feb.

What is the better bike an R80 or 100 G/S or R80 or 100 GS?

I know the G/S is the older model but is it better for the long haul trip for example servicing reliability etc.. i also know the 100 is bigger with more power which I'd prefer comming from riding superbikes & motocross but is this extra powere come at a reliability cost or more maintenance?

Also what type of fuel do they take as older bikes/cars in the UK used to take leaded fuel of which leaded is not that common anymore. Is this an issue? is there a conversion kit at great expense or are they unleaded anyway?

Id like to hear some advice so I don't end up wih a duffer.

Regards

I would get the newer R80/R100GS.
On them you get the wheels that take the tubeless tires. There has been a paralever problem with the drive shaft. you can do a search on this site for the particulars.
The R100 will give you more torque and Horsepower. Other than engine size they are the same. Many r80"s have been changed to R100's
John

Martyn

Have a look in the airheads section of the bulletin board on this site:- www.ukgser.com If you can make it, there is a big meeting of UKGSers at Princetown (near the prison) from 26-28 September. You don't need to be a member or book, just chuck your tent on the bike and come along. One stop shopping for everything you need to know.

Mick

[This message has been edited by Squidbrain (edited 30 August 2003).]

The R100's make great overlanding bikes if you prep them right. There is a ton of info here on this site, see the story on my own bike under "Our Trip" on the left menu, and the BMW forum here. Also visit www.airheads.org for some excellent general airhead info.

Leaded fuel is not required for paralever airheads, nor later monolever G/S's. As of '84 or so on unleaded is normal.

Note there is no such thing as an R100G/S, it was never made. You can make one yourself by putting R100 heads barrels pistons and carbs on an R80G/S. That's the only difference between the two, and makes no difference in general reliability, although naturally if you fully utilise the extra 10+ hp all the time it won't last as long, but no big difference.

The main advantage of the G/S series is lighter weight. Much smaller battery, lighter exhaust system, lighter and more flexy forks, rear drive unit is lighter, swingarm lighter, instrumentation system is lighter etc.

There is a link on the links page to a full listing of all the G/S and GS models and the changes.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

Thanks guys for the info, looking on the net and through trade press etc. here in the UK it seems as if it's more of what you can get rather than choose, there ain't many about!