R100GSPD or R1100GS?
 

Fellow travellers.
After doing some research, I have found two bikes that both suits and are within economical reach for my upcoming journey: R100GSPD and R1100GS. The R100 is older, has more km's on the odometer, and - above all - is far cheaper than the R1100GS, but it leaves me with more cash to modify it. The R1100GS is more or less in factory condition. Newer, but if I buy this one, I don't have the means to modify it to any extent.

Any good advice?

Indu

I posted a similar question a few days back regarding a R100GSPD vs a R1150GS. From that and also talking to my local mechanics and friends, I am of the opinion that I will sell the 02 R1150GS and proceed on the older bike for the following reasons: Selling the expensive bike puts more money for travelling; tires easier to find; parts easier to find; no potential of ABS-fuel injection wiring issues; weight; I won't mind dragging the old bike under a fence and getting it scratched up; old bike looks less 'steal-able'; there is sound advice in getting the old bike prepped for a long jouney; insurance/carnet is less.
Cheers,
Rene

[This message has been edited by Rene Cormier (edited 22 November 2002).]

hi
I have r100gsp/d great bike for more info check out gs club website
http://www.gsclubuk.net/
this question has been talked about alot
most people go for the older bike
I have rebulit mine totaly if you want any info please e-mail me
cheers
nobby

Hi, you don't say where your going or your proposed route, so I'll take it you intend to do a RTW or other long trip. I'd go for the GS/PD. The money you save can go to properly preparing the bike for your trip. Depending on the km's the maxchine has done you may need to overhaul the engine and gearbox, change the drive shaft and the rear shock and definately get the rear sub-frame braced. The only problem with GS/PD comes if you want to fit a larger tank. I have a late model R100GS which had the crash bar supporting the front fairing, same as the PD. To fit the larger 43ltr 'Acerbis' fuel tank I had to remove the crash bar and the fairing and fit new headlamps and make mountings for the clocks. With the 35ltr tank on the GS/PD you'd probably have enough range with the original tank though. The carnet will also be less with the cheaper bike. The 1100 is a great bike and many get used for RTW and other long trips. The big disadvantage is the complexity of the fuel injection and the extra weight. A few people have actually taken the fuel injection off and fitted carbs for this reason. I'm sure you will get loads of different viewpoints and would be interested to hear which bike you end up with..Bob

Rene: I saw your question regarding the R100GSPD vs a R1150GS after I posted my question, and I am tempted to say I'll follow your example. However: I read a discussion regarding the older carburetted F650 vs the newer, fuel injected F650 GS Dakar. Chris Scott, author of the AMH, was of the opinion that the fuel injection is superior in performance and nothing to really worry about when it comes to reliability, if I remember correctly. I was also of the impression that a carburetted bike would suit better when in need for repair in 3rd world countries. But then again: A newer bike mightn't need any repair during the first - say - 70.000 km's, and I could always get it overhauled before entering developing countries.

I agree on the weight issue. But travelling two-up, I would expect the R1100GS to be superior in comfort and probably in reliability. (BTW: The R100GS/PD in question has 55000 km's on the odometer, the R1100GS has 25000, and we're talking RTW.)

What about the rear shock? I know I will change it for an Öhlin's on the R100GSPD, but will this be necessary on the R1100GS?

Choices, choices. Really a sweet thing, ain't it?

The GS/PD is a solid bike, and so well used that there's a fairly comprehensive list of things that will almost certainly go wrong. It's better to know these things, rather than be suprised (as one would be with a less familiar bike). I'm compiling a list - in order of likeliness (i've had 5 of these in one year, plus the rear shock was replaced by the last owner):

1) battery - the BMW batteries seem to last around 8 years.
2) alternator - especially the rotor - you'll need a spare and an extraction tool.
3) gear-selector return spring - breaks leaving you stuck in the current gear.
4) shaft-drive - check spline wear - this is definitely a design fault.
5) control cables - stuck out in the elements on each side of the engine, many seemingly serious problems are actually just caused by a sticky or frayed cable.
6)subframe cracks, only when overloaded (carry less!)
7)gearbox problems - said to be caused by water getting in, perticularly causing bearings to die and gears to go a missing (lost fifth recently, had a new box put on under warranty).
8) rear-shock - the original is a bit weak, but even expensive ones have been known to break (carry less weight!!!).
9) starter motor - uses a cheaper Veleo model that some people don't like.

Hope that's usefull.

Rob ('93 R100GS/PD)

[This message has been edited by Roboyobo (edited 06 December 2002).]

Thanks Rob and everyone. Really useful. Especially the "carry less weight"-parts, which I think is essential no matter which bike one choose ;-)
I'm about to pick up my "new" GS/PD. I'll let you all know of - and certainly ask for further tips for - any modifications.

Take care out there.

Best regards
Indu

Indu - if you're buying from a BMW dealer, have a look at the warranty options - mine came with a 1 year BMW Extended Warranty, and i've had about £1000 worth of repairs for free.

If it doesn't come with the warranty, you may be able to buy one from BMW - in the UK it costs £280, and can be bought for any BMW under 10 years old/80,000 miles.

Enjoy your PD! I'd be interested to hear about your experiences with it.

Rob