Paris-Dakar............I'm developing an itch !!!

[JohnnyBoxer]

I have to agree with JB on this one – and to answer the OP’s question, yes going from an oilhead to an airhead will be a shock – far more so then going from a 1200 to an 1150.

The jump from airhead to oilhead in 1994 (IIRC) was possibly the most radical move that BMW have ever made and that includes the recent jump to WC power.

I’ve owned 2 airheads and ridden many and JB is spot on – they’re slow and once going don’t stop well.

The brakes are about as good as the headlight on an 1150 – i.e. almost dangerous.

Airheads do have loads of character though and they’re interesting to ride.

I’d have one as a 2nd bike. Model of choice for me would be the run out R80GS Basic – they just seem to ride much better than the earlier bikes.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Cheers Adam

I agree that the step BMW took in 1994 was far more radical than anything they have done since, it was a major step forward in chassis design for them

All my posts refer to the OP's comments in Post 1 and the change from an oilhead to an airhead is a big one

I remember in 1996 I bought my first brand new GS a R1100GS and I took it in for its first service

As a loan bike they gave me a current bike in the model range a demo R100R Mystic (a bike seen by some, as one of the best airhead roadsters, which makes them go misty eyed) - well, feck me what a pile of old shite in comparison to any Telelever R1100

It was dog slow, poorly braked (even with twin front discs) and had a chassis that felt like it was hinged in the middle - I rode away on it and promptly turned around within 3 miles and returned it, saying I hated it

It was awful, after a diet of CBR600's, a Fireblade and several VFR750's and a Tiger900 and an AfricaTwin that I had previously owned

If BMW hadn't launched the Telelever R1100's, in the 1990's...................... they would have been sunk without trace

 

[Paul Rochdale]

After riding a Pan for some twelve years, my R100GS-Paris Dakar is almost about as different as it gets, but I still enjoy her a lot. Not fast? Well I can ride on motorways between 70 and 80 for hours on end and that's enough for me. Heavy? Well 100 lbs lighter than the Pan. Clonky gear change. Comfy single seat now I've had memory foam added. Handling? Well she handles well enough for me. No, I think she's very good although the Pan is still the best bike I've ever had. The biggest problem for me has been the dreadful buffeting which wears me out in no time at all. I've since fitted a wind deflector to the screen which has improved things. I like mine but they wouldn't be everybody's choice.

 

[Big Jets]

After riding a Pan for some twelve years, my R100GS-Paris Dakar is almost about as different as it gets, but I still enjoy her a lot. Not fast? Well I can ride on motorways between 70 and 80 for hours on end and that's enough for me. Heavy? Well 100 lbs lighter than the Pan. Clonky gear change. Comfy single seat now I've had memory foam added. Handling? Well she handles well enough for me. No, I think she's very good although the Pan is still the best bike I've ever had. The biggest problem for me has been the dreadful buffeting which wears me out in no time at all. I've since fitted a wind deflector to the screen which has improved things. I like mine but they wouldn't be everybody's choice.

Spot on Paul ,I could not get comfortable (screeen wise),tried a couple of variations very noisy ended up with original screen lying at its lowest position that was best but defeating original purpose .To be fair I,m wrangling with my 1150 screen at the moment trying to get it comfy .My r100gs with the fly screen is a pleasure but after 70 to 80 mph its hard work.I like owning and riding my R100gs a great bimble bike , but when Im covering miles with my mates I tend to take the 1150 .

 

[peepingtom]

No of course it won't be as "good" as your 1200 or 1150 , they're really not comparable that way. But they do certainly have a Jen a say qua ? . They're great for poodling around on and still capable of going on big trips but just not as quickly or efficiently as an oilhead.
If your ever down Essex way I have a PD your more than welcome to have a ride on and see if you likely ?
Personally I wouldn't have one as an only bike as they are getting on a bit and bikes have moved on . I've got an 1150 rt for getting places quickly and in great comfort but it's always nice to get the pd out for a blast (relatively speaking)

An advantage it the airhead is it's better and more fun for slow stuff , just depends what you want one for.

At the end of the day if you don't like it sell it and buy something else , itch scratched

 

[Rob Farmer]

Buy one and get it out of your system. I love mine. I ended up selling my 1150gsa because I was always on the airhead.

you will have to fettle it though so if you aren't a spanner man it will cost you a fortune.

The 100pd is the one to have. in the real world it will still sit at 80+ mph so no different to speeds you'd do on an 1150/1200.

Took mine to Istanbul - there's no other bike I'd have preferred to have been on.