Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
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 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
  #1  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
Which is the coolest of the '80-'90s enduro BMWs?

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

My thoughts are:

The 650s are very good with a larger gas tank, but may lack some power.
The 800s have the power, but why not go for the r 100 Paris Dakar which has even more power and a larger gas tank.

Are any of these model, substancially more reliable then the other? Does some of them have much better off road capabilities than the others? Are any of them impossible to find spare parts for? Do some have good economy and others bad?

Tall is good but heavy is not. I am tall, but since I do lots of offroad the bike shouldent be too heavy

Just thinking...
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Up in the hills of Norfolk
Posts: 249
In case it's of any use, facts and figures on these models on this very useful site - BMW Motorcycle Models
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 May 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Mainly you can divide the bikes in two groups; monolever (G/S) and paralever (GS).

The monolevers (R65G/S or R80G/S) have a more robust and older type of swingarm (which is called monolever). The fork (incl front brakes) is not very good and the frame is a bit flimsy.
A lot of people think that it’s the most reliable BMW ever built and it has an advantage because of the swingarm.

The paralevers R80GS and R100GS have a newer swingarm with u-joints known to fail at different intervals (mine lasted more then 150kkm). The fork is much better, the front brakes are better (but not much) and the frame is stiffer. The paralevers also have better rims which allow you to use tubeless tires.

There are a lot of versions like PD, Classic, Basic and so on but it’s all the same bikes with different tank-sizes and fairings/plastic. A lot of the bikes are rebuilt anyway so it’s more a question of finding one with the accessory you like. The PD is a bit heavy and the fairing is not excellent…

IMHO the paralevers handles better then the monolever.

All the bikes shares the same engine with various cylinders/heads and carburetors. The R65G/S has shorter stroke (different crankshaft) and another camshaft.
The gearboxes are interchangeable but there are some differences inside through the years. The R65 has the lowest gearing, the R100 the highest. The differences in gearing is realized in the final drive – not in the gearbox.


Personally I would have tried to get a R80GS Basic or R80GS Kalahari (the South African Basic with a larger tank and fairing). These are the “newest” airheads you can get. But I might be biased because I have them…

A friend of mine bought a R80 G/S Paris Dakar yesterday (86 modell, 80kkm) and he was happy! The bike looks a bit ugly with the big wind-screen, low fender and a strange handlebar so we renamed it Paris California (original parts in front of bike):



GS and G/S info: The BMW R G/S and GS motorcycles
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
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
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
The 'coolest' but not the most practical is the R80PD. The most practical, in my opinion, is the naked R100GS (86 to 91 I think) but it still has it's faults.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 May 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
This is the coolest (old pic): http://www.hpn.de/bilder/high_resolu...lye_rechts.jpg it looks like this now: http://www.hpn.de/bilder/high_resolu..._rallye_r1.jpg
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
Quote:
Originally Posted by AliBaba View Post
Yep, definately very cool but not good in the passenger carrying department!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 19 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Smile

Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnon View Post
Yep, definately very cool but not good in the passenger carrying department!


Possi has modifyed his HPN Rallye Sport for 2-up and has done dozens of travels two up. His HPN has over 300,000km w/o any real problems all is working fine - you just can't kill the old boxers See his website, info and pictures (a bit bulky German-English translation via Babelfish is available on his site).

Ride safe, Margus
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 19 May 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by Magnon View Post
Yep, definately very cool but not good in the passenger carrying department!
You can remove this:


and install:


Edit: Margus was faster...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 20 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
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.
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 May 2008
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
[QUOTE=peter-denmark;190302]The plot thickens...



""""""""""""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."""""""""""""""""""""



Incredible logic ! I couldn't have put it any better !

You could ,of course ,just ride someone else's HPN - once in a while - maybe ?
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
Yes, but if YOU had one would you borrow it to others? I mean people would ride so hard, because it was so nice.

Were we still talking about bikes?
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20 May 2008
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
The plot thickens...
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?)
My girlfriend used to think the same way; you can ask her if she was right.

Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
The plot thickens...
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.
I see your point and I understand, but I don’t agree..
Personally I drive a very cheap car and the total cost of car and HPN is far less then a newer car and a ratty bike. Prices differ around the world, up here you have to pay at least 6000$ for a beaten up 1986 XT600.
Then there are things as joy and pleasure

Anyway, back to the subject.
A lot of the airheads-owner loves to modify their bikes and change tanks, seats, windscreens and other stuff. This means that the model-name doesn’t mean much anymore. It’s better to focus on your needs then a model name.


If you plan to go traveling better suspension and a bigger tank tends to be the pricey modifications. If you can get a bike where you can leave this as it is you will save some money.

Quote:
Originally Posted by peter-denmark View Post
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.
If the bike gives you sleepless nights of any reasons, it could be mechanical problems, economical problems or whatever it’s not the correct bike for you.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Denmark - Copenhagen
Posts: 305
I would like to quote myself: "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..."

I think that a cheap bike is the right choise, but when does logic rule?

I bet that anyone who has owned a few bikes and were about to get a new bike thought: "I am only going to spend X amount of money on this bike, because I need money for something else" When it came down to it, they spend more because what they wanted was more expensive (-:

Know what I mean or a babbling?
__________________
Peter Kongsbak
South East Asia, USA, Central and South America and Scandinavia.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 21 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
which is better ?

It is totally depends on the budget. For my personal view and look:

A 198X R 80 GS PD may be looks enough good to tour around comfortable with large PD tank and it costs less than 3000 $, it may cause problems and costs more to you than a newer one like 96 R 80 GS Basic. It can't be lass than 100 K kms on it.

If you go a R 80 GS Basic model 1996 with 40 or even 60 K km for the price 5.000 $, it is better value in long term.

If you are not a professional rider who will tour 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.
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "

Last edited by Samy; 7 Jan 2011 at 12:00.
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
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!

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 18:09.