RM125/RM250 Fork on BMW R80G/S ?
 

I'm planning a rebuild for my BMW R80ST that I crashed a couple of weeks ago, and am considering fork alternatives. The safe bet is an R65 or R100R fork. I've searched the BMW Tech articles and have seen mention of installing a late model RM125 or RM250 with minimal hassles. I realize this fork is probably overkill for the frame, but I need a new front end anyway.

The subject line reads R80G/S because it's almost identical to my ST, and lots of folks don't know what an ST is.

I've heard mention of installing an RM fork on a G/S before. Apparently the bearing/ triple tree is a very easy bolt on, with minimal work. However, the GS/ ST does weight a bit more then an RM so fork springs will have to be changed or modified. I would be wary of keeping the 11 inches (or so) of travel as well, as this will change the steering geometry and will affect the handling of the bike, especially on the ST, which has a shorter shock then the G/S. Don’t under estimate the hassle of converting wheel/ brakes as well. A simpler, and perhaps cheaper alternative might be the R100 or 100GS forks, which will bolt right on, and require minimal fussing around. Add a G/S spec shock, and Viola! instant adventure touring bike.

Either way, good luck and let us know how you get on with the project..

Thanks for the info.

If I went with the RM fork, I wil go to a suspension shop (Lindeman Engineering or somewhere similar) to have the fork set up properly. I was planning to install a G/S rear shock since mine is pretty much dead. I'd probably go with 17" motard wheels front and rear, which would help maintain stock geometry.

I believe the GS forks would still require a front wheel and rotor change. On the plus side GS forks would be more of a bolt-on solution, but RM forks are cheaper.