Other Bikes » Hankering for an old R100RS. What do I need to know?

Anyone here got any experience with these bikes (I know Nigel has), and any tips on what to look for?

Like, is, say, a 1987 model a better bet than say a 1980?

Mono shock preferable to twin shocks?

How are the brakes on the early ones compared to later models?

What goes wrong with them?

What's so good about them?

Hmmm, there are many opinions amongst RS owners on the best years, personally I’d look for a 1981 onwards model. Prior to that the brakes were less good, they shifted to Brembo’s and put the front master cylinder on the handlebar in 1981. They also make the flywheel lighter and improved the gear change ( they’re all notch but that’s just character) and the electrical system was upgraded together with electronic ignition.
1988 was the year the RS was fully reintroduced as a mono shock, top speed and power were down to meet emissions, but I don’t think that really matters, you don’t buy these for speed. I think it’s a matter of personal choice, the suspension is better on the mono, but not quite the same classic looks with smaller side panels and cast wheels from the K models of that era ( rather than the earlier cast snow flakes). A joy to own , whichever you go for.

Here is a photo of my 1985 R80 that I converted to an R100RS using R90S engine parts. It had a really poor charging system that struggled to keep the battery charged and had a problem with a severe wobble when slowing down around 40 mph if the steering bearings were not kept tight. But it sure looked good. I replaced it with a 1991 K100RS.

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Some decent looking low mileage ones on ebay atm(that's how us young people spell at the moment in text speak).

Just snap one up and save it before some young hipster does and bins the body work replaces the seat with a s***brown thing and finally changes the tyres to knobbiest things you’ve ever seen.

They are great bikes I had a 1983 R 100 R/S and did many trips both home and abroad. Easy to work on loads of parts out there still.

True boxer a little left of field and loads of charisma and character.

In the US, the Oilhead RSs are a lot cheaper. There are a few available near me in the $2~4,000 range. Not the classic look, but 50% more power and significantly better suspension.

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Highly recommended for nostalgic pleasure.

Zitat von Boxerboy im Beitrag #7

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Highly recommended for nostalgic pleasure.

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Anything and everything can go wrong with bikes that old. And OEM parts are expensive.. when they are available. I finally got rid of my Airhead (R90S) and my other vintage bikes because I simply got tired of taking care of them. The brakes are terrible compared to what we have available to us today.
Plusses are that they are a dream to look at and, when the bike is running and you have the right road, are a fun nostalgic ride.

Zitat von TriangleRider im Beitrag #9

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Anything and everything can go wrong with bikes that old. And OEM parts are expensive.. when they are available. I finally got rid of my Airhead (R90S) and my other vintage bikes because I simply got tired of taking care of them. The brakes are terrible compared to what we have available to us today.
Plusses are that they are a dream to look at and, when the bike is running and you have the right road, are a fun nostalgic ride.

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Zitat von TriangleRider im Beitrag #9

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Anything and everything can go wrong with bikes that old. And OEM parts are expensive.. when they are available. I finally got rid of my Airhead (R90S) and my other vintage bikes because I simply got tired of taking care of them. The brakes are terrible compared to what we have available to us today.
Plusses are that they are a dream to look at and, when the bike is running and you have the right road, are a fun nostalgic ride.

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Wow, worth the spend.

Zitat von Boxerboy im Beitrag #12

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Wow, worth the spend.

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