Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > BMW Tech
BMW Tech BMW Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to BMW riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 25 Aug 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCH4 View Post
More questions. Notable difference in power between 50 bhp Monolever
R80 motor?
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCH4 View Post
and 60 bhp Paralever?
R100 motor ? - 200 cc of difference.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCH4 View Post
Are the gas tanks from the paralevers and monolevers interchangeable?
For people prepared to accept some small differences - yes. For people after perfection - no. Gap between seat and tank.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCH4 View Post
What is the "pogo-stick" or "hop" people indicate the Monolever had versus the Paralever?
You get that difference on washboard - with the engine power on. The paralever is better that as it removes some of the torque reaction from the suspension system. Some people prefer the extra relabnility of the monolever system.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 26 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
Cool R80 G/s

Regarding the Monolever (81-87) vs the Paralever (88-95/97?): Yes the Paralever is better on some surfaces, with the power on. Washboard being one such surface that really brings out the jacking, or stiffening of the rear swingarm. I've had both bikes, and would say that the difference in a stock setup is noticeable but more influenced by the shock. So, Monolever with a good shock is betterthen/ equal to the Paralever with the stock shock.

Reliability/ simplicity: Monolever wins hands down.

The only other issue to consider is tubeless tire fitment. Grant feels this is a significant enough safety issue that he is moving towards fitting his G/S with a paralever to get the tubeless tires, which have less dramatic blowouts if/ when they get punctured. Never experienced a blowout (yet..) with the tubed tires, but it doesn't sound very pleasant.

The 35 liter PD tank from the Monolevers is, in my opinion the nicest looking tank ever mass produced. It is worth paying the extra $1000 that the PD versions tend to sell for, you will have trouble finding a tank for that price. They just don't come up for sale that often. I've heard rumours that you can still order the older PD Tank from BMW, but never had that substantiated. Anyone ever had any luck with this?
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 26 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 18
Can you not fit tubeless rims on an R80?
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 27 Aug 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCH4 View Post
Can you not fit tubeless rims on an R80?
Anything is possible - given enought time & money.

However using off the shelf wheels - it is not possible to have tubless wheels on the monoleaver (I think that is what your post is about?). There was a paraleveler (tubless wheels) with an R80 motor .. did not sell well.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 29 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 18
I have put the cart before the horse and purchased the BMW R80 PD tank and PD seat. Maybe not the wisest move but I want the R80 PD and decided it may be sometime before one comes up for sale and I could go ahead and buy a regular R80 and add tank and seat and have the same bike. Hopefully, a good R80 will come up for sale soon or If I find and buy a PD, I will sell tank and seat.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 29 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
PD Tank

Good call, the PD tanks are kind of hard to find. You will easily sell it if you find a full PD. Good luck with the R80, there are lots of good ones out there. Old bikes, but fortunately most owners seem to take care of them.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 2 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 18
Any thoughts or advice as to whether it would be worth taking this eBay Motors: 1981 BMW R80GS Rolling Chassis & Engine (item 300254601280 end time Sep-09-08 16:28:04 PDT)

and rebuilding into R80 PD model? I already have the tank and seat but would need front and rear fender and then to fix it up mechanically. Price seems a little high. Also, any idea of realistic cost to put in "good" condition for overland trips? Any help appreciated.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 2 Sep 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
Just a very cool bike! Could be a good connection for someone building an R80?
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 22 Mar 2009 at 00:25.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 2 Sep 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
It’s a very nice idea to build your own bike.
I have no idea if the price is right for USA, I would probably have bought it if it was in Norway:-)

Some info:
Framenumber indicates R80 G/S USA (march -81)
Bodywork missing
Subframe modified, probably has to be modified again to fit panniers
Reflector fork legs missing
Exhaust painted (probably because of rust)
Rear footpegs missing
Toolbox missing
Battery is probably bad
Rear shock is probably bad (for touring)
The bike has the small sump-guard
There are probably some more parts missing

For a front mudguard you have a lot of options, I use some kind of Yamaha mudguard and find it better then the original.
Rear you can get an original or you can fit an Acerbis Baja (or other models).

The wiring looks tidy, but you never know. The bike should be fitted with a Bosch starter which seldom fail (beside it needs cleaning and lube). The charging system should be checked! The coil (if it’s the original grey one) is a weak point and should be changed to a newer one (black).

It’s hard to know how much this will cost or how much time it will take. The best thing would have been to strip it down completely and change/lube all the chassis-bearings and change various seals.
If it has been stored with water in the gear-oil (quite normal) you can expect problems with the gear-box.

There are tons of parts available, new and used, so it’s easy to get parts.

If you want to change the gearing you need to change the bevel-drive, all gear-boxes have the same gear-box ratio. It’s also possible to make fifth gear higher and/or first lower.
If I remember correct you will have 4200 rpm when you drive in 100 km/h (60 mp/h)
It’s easy to rebuild it up to 1070ccm.


If you are prepared for building your own bike and you think the price is right then go for it!
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 2 Sep 2008
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
I think you've found your GS expert right here!
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 25 Mar 2009 at 08:19.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 3 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 18
Mollydog, I agree. Alibaba, thank you for the info. That is exactly the type of info I was looking for in regards to I am not familiar enough to spot what work needs to be done. The issue with the panniers etc I could never spot at this time. I will keep looking for the right one. I expect to have to do some engine work, upgrade suspension, and upgrade electronis but the less I have to do the better.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 3 Sep 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by JCH4 View Post
I will keep looking for the right one. I expect to have to do some engine work, upgrade suspension, and upgrade electronis but the less I have to do the better.
I see that you own two Land Rovers so I guess your mechanical skills are more then good enough to keep the airhead running forever :-)

I used to have a series III and I sure learned a lot, interesting car!
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 3 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 18
Yes, I like the simplicity, sometimes, of the Series and also why the R80 appeals to me. I do not mind starting from scratch on an R80, however, much like the Series, the more work already done by the previous owner the better as the little things begin to add up quick.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 3 Sep 2008
Solo Lobo's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Shoreline, WA USA
Posts: 42
The R80GSPD listed on page one seems to be for sale still... and IMHO at $4,500 with the PD tank it is quite a good deal!

1986 BMW R80 G/S - P/D A steal at 4500 OBO

Here's my '81 on a recent ride...

__________________
\"I empty a bottle I feel a bit free\" Mick Jones
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 3 Sep 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Posts: 18
Unfortunately, it is already sold. I like your 81. What type of Panniers do you have and do you like them?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Dreams of Paris to Dakar Robboxrv Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 27 12 Feb 2014 22:29
Paris-Dakar Road bralaoui2007 North Africa 1 15 Feb 2008 00:25
Paris Dakar CANCELLED ..... goodwoodweirdo Motorcycle Events around the world 5 4 Jan 2008 16:11

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:42.