R100GS updating

[ChasF]

I'm still thinking about buying a new bike for some European trips - the new Stelvio takes my fancy but I'm not sure I can live with all that depreciation. I have a perfectly good 1989 R100GS which I've had from new. It has had a relatively hard life but it's still low mileage and all the maintenance is up to date now. The usual things have been upgraded (brakes and suspension) and if I do decide to use it more for touring I'll change the TKCs for Tourances and do something about the seat, but it does need some more go.

So what would be the best way to get a bit more go without affecting the reliability? I'm reluctant to open up the gearbox whilst it's still working well but I suppose if it gets more horsepower it will need a taller 5th gear??

 

[(RIP) pastyman]

In my opinion you need to decide whether you want to go touring or racing.
my experience with both the 100gs's that I have owned is that they will cruise all day at 80.I also feel that touring should be just that, not a dash across countries and continents. There is lots to see and experience. trouble is these days that travelers just get on the boring old motorways and then get bored at sub ton speeds.
Just leave the bike as is and enjoy the ride and the countryside.
Ive done trips to Spain through France in cars and bikes from a 1931 Austin, morris, minor, mini , and a Honda cx500 and Bm 100gs.

 

[Benjamin M]

Why not try an 1100GS?

 

[Rob Farmer]

Richie Moore sells a pair of high comp pistons and an air filter conversion. Have a look at his +18% tuning kit http://www.moorespeed.co.uk/bmw-tuning

 

[ChasF]

In my opinion you need to decide whether you want to go touring or racing.
my experience with both the 100gs's that I have owned is that they will cruise all day at 80.I also feel that touring should be just that, not a dash across countries and continents. There is lots to see and experience. trouble is these days that travelers just get on the boring old motorways and then get bored at sub ton speeds.
Just leave the bike as is and enjoy the ride and the countryside.
Ive done trips to Spain through France in cars and bikes from a 1931 Austin, morris, minor, mini , and a Honda cx500 and Bm 100gs.

Definately not looking at racing. When I say a bit more go I mean only a bit. This bike has trundled down to Cape Town 2 up with a 100kg of luggage and we never topped 65mph even in Europe. She doesn't cruise at 80, will happily whiz up to 90 but the comfortable cruising speed is 70mph so really that 10mph or so is what I'm looking for.

 

[ChasF]

Why not try an 1100GS?

tried an 1150GS for 3 years but never really liked it. I've ridden 1200's quite a bit and like them but the 1150 put me off telelever forks - hence the Stelvio.

 

[ChasF]

Richie Moore sells a pair of high comp pistons and an air filter conversion. Have a look at his +18% tuning kit http://www.moorespeed.co.uk/bmw-tuning

18% sounds good so will have a look. I'm wary of high comp pistons as I've already had to helicoil the cylinder stud threads in the crankcase.

 

[fayeslane]

Richie Moore sells a pair of high comp pistons and an air filter conversion. Have a look at his +18% tuning kit http://www.moorespeed.co.uk/bmw-tuning

I used the high comp pistons. A straight forward and worthwhile upgrade.

 

[ChasF]

Richie Moore sells a pair of high comp pistons and an air filter conversion. Have a look at his +18% tuning kit http://www.moorespeed.co.uk/bmw-tuning

I've had a look at this and seems to be about the right sort of level that I want.

Is there any advantage in fiddling around with different camshafts. I was interested to see that moorespeed kits don't change the cams.

 

[fayeslane]

Is there any advantage in fiddling around with different camshafts. I was interested to see that moorespeed kits don't change the cams.

I think you have answered your own question. The consensus is no.

The piston kit will make it heaps more responsive and tractable and fun to ride. It's never going to be a rocket. Have you considered a front brake upgrade as well? (320mm disc and 4 pot caliper). Modifying one area usually highlights deficiencies elsewhere.

I ended up with front and rear suspension upgrade, piston kit, 320mm front brake and 4 pot caliper with braided lines etc and it was still a compromised bike for my type of riding.