BMW R100GS (1990), the best compromise?

[r1d3rg652gs]

After I sold my G650GS, I am looking to get a bike and transform it into an adventure touring one. At first I was looking for a BMW X challenge but there were less than a handful in my country and could not find one in good shape. The same with KTMs 690, either too expensive or in very bad shape. The project of building an adventure touring bike but use it as an everyday bike for urban rides and commuting as well did not look likely to happen. Then I started looking for the ultra reliable R1150GS, a top class dual sport touring bike. It will be perfect for highways or even back roads and some open trails or fireroads but the 260kgs full wet weight of the bike sounds intimidating for everyday urban riding and this is something that holds me back.
So I stumbled upon an ad for a BMW r100gs 1990 model. And it looks like it is something in between. not too heavy for everyday use but on the other hand not very light for touring on highways or open roads. It is 2 cylinder so less viby that a single one. There are many option for engine tuning and upgrades that can add up to 20-30 hp.
My only worry is the lack of abs brakes since it will be used not only for touring but for everyday urban riding.
Also the seat height is 85cm, 1 cm (0.5") higher than the R1150GS (not the adve) but looks a tad lower than the 1150 and more maneuverable. Does it feels like it seems or not? And what about the fuel consumption in urban riding conditions? how much lt/100kms?

 

[bowser]

I was going to be really rude and sarcastic but you only have 21 posts so I wont. But why on earth would the lack of ABS be a worry? To be honest if its really an issue then you should think carefully about getting any old bike.
For me I bought an 1100GS without ABS and deliberately took the ABS OFF my KTM990, if I were buying a new bike and ABS were an option then it would not be an option I would be getting.

 

[B Murr]

How much does a 1990 r100gs go for in Greece these days, especially with all the rumors that the country is as good as bankrupt

 

[solidstate100]

Forget about the lack of ABS, it isnt really an issue. Tens of thousands of riders use airhead GS's for exactly what you want to use it for (including me), no problem. Dont overthink it, you really dont need to. Buy one, it will do what you want, job done.

Next............

 

[litelfun]

After I sold my G650GS, I am looking to get a bike and transform it into an adventure touring one. At first I was looking for a BMW X challenge but there were less than a handful in my country and could not find one in good shape. The same with KTMs 690, either too expensive or in very bad shape. The project of building an adventure touring bike but use it as an everyday bike for urban rides and commuting as well did not look likely to happen. Then I started looking for the ultra reliable R1150GS, a top class dual sport touring bike. It will be perfect for highways or even back roads and some open trails or fireroads but the 260kgs full wet weight of the bike sounds intimidating for everyday urban riding and this is something that holds me back.
So I stumbled upon an ad for a BMW r100gs 1990 model. And it looks like it is something in between. not too heavy for everyday use but on the other hand not very light for touring on highways or open roads. It is 2 cylinder so less viby that a single one. There are many option for engine tuning and upgrades that can add up to 20-30 hp.
My only worry is the lack of abs brakes since it will be used not only for touring but for everyday urban riding.
Also the seat height is 85cm, 1 cm (0.5") higher than the R1150GS (not the adve) but looks a tad lower than the 1150 and more maneuverable. Does it feels like it seems or not? And what about the fuel consumption in urban riding conditions? how much lt/100kms?

I can sell you any one of two air heads witch have been recomischiond with plenty of bracking and Power with low millage on them ok cost a bit more than a gs 650 but will aut last a life time

 

[Voyager]

Seat height:

Hi,

I have an 1150 GS Adventure and a 1988 R100GS.

The 100GS is lower, lighter and more manageable at low speed - but not as 'planted' on the open road or as stable on the rough stuff.

The 100 is still a largish bike though .

Bob.

 

[r1d3rg652gs]

My worry on abs is because all my 5000kms were done on an abs equipped bike. I have none experience without abs.
Thank you all for your feedback and input it is valuable. I am grateful.

 

[Bryn]

My worry on abs is because all my 5000kms were done on an abs equipped bike. I have none experience without abs.
Thank you all for your feedback and input it is valuable. I am grateful.

You can feel it if the ABS cuts in... It shouldn't do that often unless you do a lot of heavy braking, if you read the road ahead that will not happen ..... I appreciate the ABS can be a safety system, and you need to ask yourself if you could be happy without it

 

[PW Cymru]

Did you trip the ABS often ?

 

[Packer]

With regard to the comments about the 1150GS, yes, it is heavy and loaded for travelling with a full tank of fuel you really do need to take care at very low speeds, typically just stopping or starting. Make sure that you aren't putting your foot down into a pot hole, a puddle of diesel or something like that. As soon as you are over 15 kph it's easy and despite the weight you can throw the bike around using the leverage of the long handle bars. They are brilliant machines for commuting just because they are so good in and out of town.

From talking to owners of the older R100's they use more fuel than the 1150's. The only significant weak point on the 1150 is the final drive but a good specialist can normally do a rebuild if it hasn't been left until it self destructs. Cost probably around £350 or €470 at current exchange rates plus shipping.

 

[r1d3rg652gs]

I had the abs disabled just once to ride on gravel path (I chose to ride there on purpose to get the feel of off road riding without abs). In my everyday riding I had not felt that the abs kicked in too much but there were few times I felt it must have regarding the rear brake. I mean I felt I could not press the rear brake pedal more. Where I live we have very steep downhill sections and slopes. The whole town is built on some steep hills.

 

[piebaps]

The R100GS doesn't have any brakes to speak of anyway

 

[r1d3rg652gs]

Well maybe a 25 years old bike is better destined for a 2nd bike and not a primary one. Maybe in the end whichever bike is the best deal in terms of money and condition will win the contest...

 

[ianboydsnr]

The R100GS doesn't have any brakes to speak of anyway

Yes, you would need a G clamp on the brake lever, to get to the point of it needing Abs

 

[fayeslane]

Whatever you own works if you ride within its limitations (and yours ). The limitations of airheads are well known and in most cases easy to improve. There is a bit of fun in setting up a bike to suit your needs. I've just ordered a 320mm disc kit to go with a 4 pot caliper for my 89 100GS. A bit of deja vu - I've been down this path before on a GSPD, successfully

 

[pedro]

Get yourself an 1100

 

[DrAlf]

Get yourself an 1100

I'd 2nd that. Certainly in the UK the 1100 provides the best price/performance compromise. Cheap as chips to buy - probably similar in value to a set of luggage for a WC ADV yet able to keep pace with the latest bikes up to and beyond license losing speeds. Better than an airhead in every aspect and a future classic. Whatever you do, don't buy an airhead without trying one - they're an acquired taste! Good luck

 

[cookie]

Get yourself an 1100

probably the best idea for an everyday bike. many will have ABS, but it's a very crude implementation. i'd as soon remove it.

Whatever you own works if you ride within its limitations (and yours ). The limitations of airheads are well known and in most cases easy to improve. There is a bit of fun in setting up a bike to suit your needs. I've just ordered a 320mm disc kit to go with a 4 pot caliper for my 89 100GS. A bit of deja vu - I've been down this path before on a GSPD, successfully

i think you'll have to machine the 4-pot to make it fit, assuming you're talking about the HE disc.

 

[r1d3rg652gs]

in the end, if it's not gonna be an airhead or an xchallenge, then it's going to be a 1150...probably single spark and without servo brakes...

 

[Canuck]

I've owned airheads, 1100GS and an 1150... if I could only own one bike it would be the 1100 for reliability but only because it is FI and no need to mess around with carbs. I prefer my airheads but the 1100 for all around driving... would be my preference. In my opinion the 1150 is not worth an extra 1000 GBP ... thats a lot of service items or other gear.