Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which is the coolest of the '80-'90s enduro BMWs? Which is the coolest of the '80-'90s enduro BMWs?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 21 May 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samy View Post
If you are not a professional rider who will tor the world in 5 years and do 200 K kms, HPN is not nacessary as it is said to me by Mr Possi himself though you can make some minor modifications as you like.

He asked ”Which is the coolest of the '80-'90s enduro BMWs?”
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 21 May 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
Ok a little comparison question here.

Which of the following models do you think are the best:

r 65 gs
r 80 gs
r 100 gs
r 100 paris dakar

The important factors are:

reliability and spare parts
Range and economy
Good off road abilities
solo or two up capability
pricing

<SNIP>
Just thinking...

I think you forgot one bike in your comparison...the K75...

Since all those GS's get modified anyway, I think a slightly modified K would compete very well with anything labeled GS for the important factors you listed above!


IMO..anyway.
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 21 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
hmmm hmmm, interesting info.

basic gs, K75 hmm hmm

k75s can be had pretty cheaply which is a plus, but I suspect that the you would need to put a relatively expensive rear shock on and new front forks with more travel.

does the k75 have low enough gears to do off road?
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: The 'Gong,Australia
Posts: 38




Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
The plot thickens...

A naked r 100 gs is the most practical you say? But that model doesn't have a large tank.
Hmm.

Yeah the HPN modded bikes are like the women we all dream of shagging. We all wan't one but when it comes down to it there are lots of benefits of choosing a cheaper model. (that didn't come out quite right?)

Honestly I don't think a bike worth more than 3000$ is suitable for touring. Not for me anyways. If it in that priceclass and below I can set fire to it and walk away without crying too many tears.

Above that priceclass, you have a "hanger on" instead of a tool. Can't really afford to lose it, have sleepless nights when parked in suspicius places.

That does NOT mean that I will not buy a much more expensive bike to use for touring. Riding motorcycles is not a loqical hobby...

Thanks for your info guys! Keep the facts/opinions comming.
I guess he also talks about money too !
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
Thank you very much for the information, very good write up.

These bikes are from before I started motorcycling so I haven't really seen the changes through the years, which makes it hard.

The "basic" 800 is expensive though!

Peter

And here he says Basic is expensive. Ok you see he is not talkin about the "coolest bike" !
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post
He asked ”Which is the coolest of the '80-'90s enduro BMWs?”

I tried to answer both at once.
Coolest is R 80 and then made a price comparison as he mentioned also. The question is not only the "cool" but price too as I understood though I am not a native.... Sorry.
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 22 May 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samy View Post
I tried to answer both at once.
Coolest is R 80 and then made a price comparison as he mentioned also. The question is not only the "cool" but price too as I understood though I am not a native.... Sorry.
It was a bad joke, I was looking for an excuse to post the HPN-pics.



The K75 on the first pic was built of a friend of mine. Some more K-pics here: http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...0-1200-a-29697
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 22 May 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
hmmm hmmm, interesting info.

basic gs, K75 hmm hmm

k75s can be had pretty cheaply which is a plus, but I suspect that the you would need to put a relatively expensive rear shock on and new front forks with more travel.

does the k75 have low enough gears to do off road?
You can stick on a very nice YSS for about $400USD...you have to rebuild any quality after market shock after 30k miles anyways...so why pay that more upfront? We're not Rallye racing here...are we?

The front could use the Marzocchi, BUT that would be the only other thing worth doing IF you cared too.

If you don't change the R80 or r100 or the f650 or any other Enduro bikes gearing, you won't need to on the K75 either...for off roading...now altitude is another ballgame, but you have that problem with anything carbureted anyways.
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
RE: which airhead GS?
Back to the original question of which model is best, which of course has no correct answer. I have owned both an 88 paralever and now an 82 Monolever. I've also owned an R65 - didn't like that engine to much.

I miss the 1000's power, but don't miss the vibration or the breakable driveshaft.

I choose to fit my 800 G/S with a fork off the R100, and a larger 320mm disk. This combined with a larger tank (the R80 G/S PD tank is the most gorgeous tank I can think of - but far too expensive) and a better rear shock is pretty much the perfect mix of both models. The 800 has an 18' rear rim, which takes a wider range of dirt tires.

Every model requires some modification to be perfect!

Get a good deal on a starting point and go from there in the direction of your choice...! Lot's of parts still made/ available new.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 93
isn't that an oxymoron - cool and BMW?
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,051
Here's another nice K75 enduro I saw at the Adventure Riders OZ meeting in 2006:




Hi Frank, hope you don't mind?
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 25 Jun 2008
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Sorry to break in on this one but anyone know where I can get hold of the gs Kalahari screen/fairing - is anyone selling them as aftermarket screens. Ta jake

By the way I run a 91 r80gs standard tank and half faired - bit of a cross over between the PD and Basic, and think the softer / smoother engine is well suited to this bike but the power is limiting if your doing a lot of road miles at speed (I think I am right in saying the r100 is much more prone to bad running where poor quality fuel is used - which might be a factor when considering what to go for).
Just love the HPN's ; lots of money but very very nice. I fitted the HPN rear brake cam and shoes and got a huge improvement over standard on the rear brake would love to do the rest of the bike to HPN but maybe another year!
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 25 Jun 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by adventure950 View Post
Sorry to break in on this one but anyone know where I can get hold of the gs Kalahari screen/fairing - is anyone selling them as aftermarket screens.
You can get it from BMW,

Slipstream deflector: part# 46 63 2 303 903 (white)
Sticker: part# 51 142 303 907

...or e-bay!
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 30 Jun 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: South Pole, Antarctica
Posts: 32
Oh, man!

I had been thinking of a new 2008 KLR, but those modded K75s are wicked!

That's a great concept. Nearly bulletproof BMW K engine, looks like loads of bash plate clearance, smooth, carrying capacity.

What do you guess such mods cost, $2000USD for suspension, new forks, bearings, tank, etc?

Thoughts on 60/40 touring with a rig like that vs a KLR650?
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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
Enduro India forestry West and South Asia 1 28 Oct 2007 13:12
New BMWs indu BMW Tech 7 16 Oct 2007 01:39
Breakers for BMWs in southern California MikeS North America 1 5 Jun 2007 15:18
BMWs - the best bikes to meet people??? El Aleman - Jens Which Bike? 2 14 May 2006 21:40

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 04:44.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top