G/S Paris Dakars - the way I see it...

[Steve R]

There's been lots of discussion over the years about the provenance of a G/S PD. And repeated questions from Newbies. In the light of new information on how to prove a Paris Dakar was a Paris Dakar the day it left the factory I thought I'd put this together. The way I see it is this below. I've ordered them in desirability, starting with a factory original and ending with an early G/S that someone's put a big tank on. Please comment if you disagree:

1. August 1984, genuine factory original (proof is a 999 paint code)
The first 200 made in this month. Tank signed by hand at the factory by Gaston Rahier, Dakar winner.

2. UK bikes: May 1985 - 1987, genuine factory original (999 paint code). Only 9 or 10 imported to the UK. Rahier signature sticker on the tank.

3. Rest of the World bikes: May 1985 - 1987 Genuine factory original (999 paint code). Rahier signature sticker on the tank.

4. May 1985 - 1987 dealership created (no proof available unless bike and Dakar kit appear on the original receipt). These are new R80g/s with the small tank, fitted with Dakar kit, at the BMW showroom and first point of sale. This consisted of big tank, single seat with rack, fork brace, exhaust and heat shield (can anyone confirm the exhaust and heat shield were part of the kit? The brochures of the time weren't that specific).

5. May 1985 - 1987 small tank R80g/s retro fitted with kit by owner at some point in the bike's life.

6. Pre May 1985 R80g/s (1980 - May 1985) - small tank R80g/s, retro fitted with kit or part of kit, usually just the tank, by owner at some point in its life.

Condition and completeness are essential to values, i.e. correct silencer and heat shield, fork brace etc. Matching numbers goes without saying. Incidentally, Dakars didn't have the flyscreen as they came out later. Lots are retro-fitted with them though as they're brilliant. And finally, I'm not getting into "What's it worth Mister?'.

Steve.

 

[ChasF]

Very good Steve. Ithink the tank alone adds at least a grand to the value whenever it was fitted.

I'm a self confessed 'couldn't give a stuff' type. If I wanted a large tank, I have to admit I hate the HPN one so I'd probably go for the TAG kevlar one.

 

[Steve R]

Thanks. I couldn't give a stuff either. It's interesting history though. I'm riding a Paralever with an old Paris Dakar tank on it. I'm not keen on the bigger ones. Mine's heavy enough when I fill it to the brim. They're still available new too but about a grand. Still, if it adds a grand to the value who cares?

 

[DrFarkoff]

Its just another form of snobbery

G/S GS GS Para GS PD GS Basic

Here's the frightening thing its all the same bike with cosmetic differences

Thanks for the Info though

 

[Florence]

Its just another form of snobbery

G/S GS GS Para GS PD GS Basic

Here's the frightening thing its all the same bike with cosmetic differences

Thanks for the Info though

That is very true....and it's so strange that one bike is massively more desirable than another because of the frame number or paint code. True of the basic and the kalahari too, underneath it's the same bike with a bigger tank! Very clever marketing by BMW and we fall for it every time

 

[DrFarkoff]

Very clever marketing by BMW and we fall for it every time

Of course you forgot to mention the Bumblebee

 

[Steve R]

Snobbery? Marketing? I'm not sure BMW were capable of that back in the eighties. Or with the Basic. I seem to remember it was customer power! Their lack of success in the marketplace back then kind of proves that. It's history; pure and simple fact. However, whatever they're doing now to move such massive huge piles of shite in the bike and car range I don't know, but it works. People fall for it big time. "Buy the dream". (Time to share this thread with the 1200 w/c GS set methinks).

 

[Steve R]

Of course you forgot to mention the Bumblebee

I love the purple one with the tyre tread pattern across the tank. Well, it was the late eighties when I first saw one in France. For some bizarre reason it's bottom of the pile these days.

 

[Florence]

Of course you forgot to mention the Bumblebee

Yes I did.......and I must thank you for that

 

[Rob Farmer]

Its just another form of snobbery

G/S GS GS Para GS PD GS Basic

Here's the frightening thing its all the same bike with cosmetic differences

Thanks for the Info though

But is it?

If you have a standard gs or g/s you'll always suffer from PD or Paris Dakar envy. In my experience they do ride a little better after all the 100pd has a stiffer front end to the standard gs (albeit just a 10mm longer pre compression tube). I think they feel more planted too. In a similar vein I never liked the ride of the standard 1200gs but love the 1200 adventure.

 

[cookie]

i think the standard G/S is a better looking bike than the PD. i realise most people think the opposite, but i'm used to that

 

[ianboydsnr]

Mine is a standard G/s, I know that because its to early too be a PD, it's on a W reg plate, so an early one.

 

[Florence]

Are you suffering from PDE ?

 

[ianboydsnr]

Are you suffering from PDE ?

off course I am but not to the tune of paying £1100 for a new tank

 

[tuftywhite]

Mine is a standard G/s, I know that because its to early too be a PD, it's on a W reg plate, so an early one.

Same here. I don't have PDE either. Happy with my little G/S.

 

[airhead_eire]

I love the purple one with the tyre tread pattern across the tank. Well, it was the late eighties when I first saw one in France. For some bizarre reason it's bottom of the pile these days.

That'll be mine then:

Interesting that BMW call it Carica Blue !!

 

[topcatalias7]

Well lots of opinions on the PD … have to say I really like them both.. back in the 80s, I lusted after a PD… could not afford it then .,i’m now lucky enough to own 2 ist is a1996 one of the 11 only imported officially into the U.K. .and the other a German supplied 1997 in showroom condition along with soon to be 3 ..g/s ..I have one ive just finished restoring in Dunkel blue..two in the white .. I love them all.. I couldn’t really pick a favourite.,just passionate about them. they kicked off The whole adventure scene.. i’ve had a good few airheads.. there’s just something about these.. can you improve them yes of course decent front brake..rear shock and maybe if it suits progressive springs..they ride so well.

 

[Kenny]

Me too, always had an airhead in the garage since 1980..just the R80R at the moment

 

[Mad Hatter]

Not sure where mine fits in the hierarchy of alleged ‘desirability’ but I love it and it’s a keeper

 

[topcatalias7]

Not sure where mine fits in the hierarchy of alleged ‘desirability’ but I love it and it’s a keeper View attachment 415363

Of the paralever the basic and kalahari will always be top of the pile ….