1989 BMW R100GS - Maintenance for Long Life?

[Simondo]

What do I need to do to extend the life of my (once) trusty GS? Can anyone recommend a list of mods?
I was preparing the bike for a 3000kms round trip to Siena, Tuscany, returning through Corsica. A week before I set off, it refused to start. We think it may be the transmission neutral switch.
Fearing further dramas on the road, I hired a Moto Guzzi V85tt. It worked well - a great round trip - without drama.
Time to buy a new bike? Maybe. But first, I decided: I want to inject some cash into my GS and get it properly looked over and parts replaced before they fail. I live in France so will be looking for a workshop/individual down here.

 

[Bubb]

Neutral switch is an easy fix.
Can be done with the engine in situ. Remove the silencer, remove collector box (or Y piece)
Prop up rear of engine with a car jack. Remove rear engine mount through bolt. This will leave a hollow tube which can be levered down with a long screwdriver or tyre lever.
This gives access to the neutral switch. Undo the two wire, replace switch ( use a new crush washer)
Replace wires to neutral switch.
Meanwhile, stitch the cross tube in the freezer to cool and shrink it a little.
When cold, refit cross tube ( easier when it’s cold as it’s slightly smaller then)
Replace engine mount through bolt.
Replace collector box and silencer. Remove car jack from under engine ( not strictly necessary I believe, but I would always do it for peace of mind)

Sit back with a cold beer and congratulate yourself on a job well done
( until you discover that it was something else that caused the lack of starting!)

Ride safe y’all.

 

[Gelandestrasse]

If it's the neutral switch it should start if you pull the clutch in.

A new wiring loom might be a good investment (BMW still sell them) but ignition switches tend to wear out and the relays (lights and starter relays) tend to fail after 30-40 years. Shoddy
An experienced airhead electrician looking over it for a few hours might be able to trace current (forgive the pun) and future faults and I happen to be available....

 

[Simondo]

Thanks for these wise words. I'll get on to them. I'm still keen to prolong this bike's life ( we go back a long way) so Tips on what needs looking at long term would be appreciated.

 

[Simondo]

Neutral switch is an easy fix.
Can be done with the engine in situ. Remove the silencer, remove collector box (or Y piece)
Prop up rear of engine with a car jack. Remove rear engine mount through bolt. This will leave a hollow tube which can be levered down with a long screwdriver or tyre lever.
This gives access to the neutral switch. Undo the two wire, replace switch ( use a new crush washer)
Replace wires to neutral switch.
Meanwhile, stitch the cross tube in the freezer to cool and shrink it a little.
When cold, refit cross tube ( easier when it’s cold as it’s slightly smaller then)
Replace engine mount through bolt.
Replace collector box and silencer. Remove car jack from under engine ( not strictly necessary I believe, but I would always do it for peace of mind)

Sit back with a cold beer and congratulate yourself on a job well done
( until you discover that it was something else that caused the lack of starting!)

Ride safe y’all.

Brilliant response - right up to cold beer.... Thanks!

 

[Stirlingmoz]

Neutral switch is an easy fix.
Can be done with the engine in situ. Remove the silencer, remove collector box (or Y piece)
Prop up rear of engine with a car jack. Remove rear engine mount through bolt. This will leave a hollow tube which can be levered down with a long screwdriver or tyre lever.
This gives access to the neutral switch. Undo the two wire, replace switch ( use a new crush washer)
Replace wires to neutral switch.
Meanwhile, stitch the cross tube in the freezer to cool and shrink it a little.
When cold, refit cross tube ( easier when it’s cold as it’s slightly smaller then)
Replace engine mount through bolt.
Replace collector box and silencer. Remove car jack from under engine ( not strictly necessary I believe, but I would always do it for peace of mind)

Sit back with a cold beer and congratulate yourself on a job well done
( until you discover that it was something else that caused the lack of starting!)

Ride safe y’all.

Don’t forget to drain the gearbox oil first

Oh, and I think you’ll find that is a 2 beer job

 

[Bubb]

Don’t forget to drain the gearbox oil first

Oh, and I think you’ll find that is a 2 beer job

Two beers is being greedy!
But then I’ve always been greedy!