New 1989 R100GS Owner, What the Hell Now?

[vanandy]

Hi

I've been looking for a BMW project for a while, I thought I needed a R65 to make into a GS tourer but reading here and there I believe that it was better option to buy a GS to rebuild / convert, so that's what I did, ebay photo below more to follow.
Its done 78000 miles.

I'm not going to spend mega bucks, I love patina (read I'm a bit tight) and funds aren't brill (read I got some that I don't want to part with), but if I got to buy it I will.

I need advice, thoughts and options on the following;

Its got an XR650 front end which I'm thinking of removing to return to standard, I have all the BM parts apart from calliper, though they could be worn and one fork on quick inspection has a pit or two. I'm very tempted to leave as is and sort out cables, speedo and warning lights, I have read of electronic speedo / warning light kits, an option I guess. Anyone else have a XR650 front end?

I'm going for a single seat and rack option, UFO mudguard???? Cut down my own seat and get recovered, advice for sub frame location (ebay) appreciated.

Short stocky exhaust.

The rest I guess is cosmetics, unless I missed something which is quite easy as I haven't as yet really thought about it or looked at what I really have.

Days to come will raise more questions, I'll post progress on the, well I'm not sure what, a rebuild or a fix er upper, frame looks clean so I'm not quite sure if its a strip down, sandblast / powder coat. Engine runs nice and quiet so is there a need to inspect / replace parts, starting motor is way louder. Once I start I feel a money pit is sure to follow.

Whatever I do I can't wait for spring to get it on the road to rallies, alps and more.

Cheers Andy

PS thanks again Ian.

 

[litelfun]

my advice is sell the original bits forks and wheel are worth et least 400 to 500 euro if in good condition I can fix you up with a nice light mask and cock pit mounting for a IMO for a 100 euro plus postage a imo you can get for around 120 euro on german ebay the lighting cluster will set you back 55 euro but you should get 100 pound for your old one if its working ok then some new acerbis plastics 100 euro and a seat new coverd ! and you will have a totally difernt bicke that hasent cost you one peny more !! your original bits sell licke hot cackes and fetch really good money as well my edvice sell everry thing sepratly on ebay to overseas buyers welcome I have sent stuf to Thaland ,Italy, UK , Germay , Irland ortenatithly if you need a original 2 or 4 pot caliper I have allso !!!! good luck

 

[Shep]

I'll have yer tank! You don't want that do you?

 

[Shep]

Oh, i'd just sort the dash out and ride it for a while

 

[Rob Farmer]

Another Lamb to the slaughter!!

It will look better for being one colour. Just don't take colour advice from Shep

 

[jackassdave]

where or who did you get the bike from did it come from this forum ?

 

[abrasion]

Another Lamb to the slaughter!!

It will look better for being one colour. Just don't take colour advice from Shep

Whats wrong with custard on wheels?

 

[Shep]

Whats wrong with custard on wheels?

It has Plum highlights nowadays, real class!

 

[vanandy]

Got it from Ebay, north east of London, seller was aware of UKgser, not sure if he's a active member.

If anybody has history it'll be nice to hear, good or bad.

 

[Belper phil]

It has Plum highlights nowadays, real class!

And IMO all the better for it - looking real classy if i may say so from the recent pics

 

[Paul Rochdale]

Personally I wouldn't lay a spanner on her until you've put some miles on her. By then you'll get to know her and know what needs changing. You might find that the non-original forks you have are far far better than returning to standard. You could convert the dual seat to a single seat but why bother? Sell it on eBay and buy a pukka BMW single seat, also there must be plenty of ex-Police BMW seats out there. These GSs always looked rather nice in white with light blue frames, and there must be plenty of images on here of bikes with that colour scheme. But get used to riding her first before you start altering and spending dosh.

 

[vanandy]

Thanks Paul, that makes sense, I'll have a little play at tidying up and give it a ride for a few weeks / months, it is a weird feeling riding after singles and parallel twins.
I'm collecting lots of photos, far too many HPN's which are nice but not what I'm looking or able to do for this bike, minimal, basic, fit for purpose is what I'm after.

 

[jackassdave]

as paul says just stick some miles on it get used to it dont know if youve had one before they take a bit of getting used to

 

[Rob Farmer]

Google siebenrock gs2 the headlight on that bike would be a cheap way to tidy up the front of your bike.

 

[vanandy]

as paul says just stick some miles on it get used to it dont know if youve had one before they take a bit of getting used to

First time ownership and riding is a weird, nice feeling.

Had a look at the headlight Rob, yes not bad, just got to get me head around all the other bits, clocks, warning lights, easy option is the original parts but I think it'll look pants compared to a custom setup.

As said, I'm gonna do some miles get some ideas on the way.

 

[peepingtom]

where or who did you get the bike from did it come from this forum ?