Thinking of Buying this Old GS

[kavb]

I have been a viewer rather than a poster (sorry about that but still do not own one) on the GS forum for a over a year now - I have introduced myself so hope this does not time expire.

In the intervening period have moved from the UK to Dubai. I've always had a hankering for old GS's as opposed to new. Locally I have seen the bike shown in the picture advertised.

The description states it is a GS850 1982 which I don't believe is correct. This is very unlikely to be a deliberate attempt to mislead just that they are unfamiliar with old GS's out here.

So my questions are:
- is the bike a GS at all? Any idea what year it would be?
- its purhase price is about 1200 pounds, would this be good value in the UK?
- when viewing the bike any idea what particuarly I should look for?
- are spares/accessories (for accessories see below) readily available for this bike?
- my ultimate aim is to ride Duabi to UK, with moderate mechnaical knowledge would this be a reasonable proposition on such an old bike?

Any opinions welcome.

Thank you

kavb

 

[cookie]

looks like a R80ST with a missing side panel to me.

 

[Gecko]

Is it a runner ? Any history and what mileage ? But unless it's obviously knackered I'd say on 1st impressions £1200 would be money well spent , for and ST .

 

[oblertone]

It may ...

... be just the photo, or my eyes, but that looks to have a 'bare' metal frame; maybe even nickel plated. Maybe a wee-smelling person could comment on what appears to be headstock bracing ?

At any rate £1200 for a running ST is a snip, but the handlebars would have to go !

 

[BillN]

I think that it probably started life as a R80G/S...

Obviously it has quite a few none BMW parts and also none some G/S BM bits

The biggest factor that would point to this is the exhaust system and 1982.
If it has been in a warm climate it could be the original exhaust system. Only the G/S had a black painted system as OE.

It would be interesting to know the size of the front wheel........it looks like the original G/S 21" wheel has been replaced.

(ST=1983/4, far more G/Ss than STs produced - AND AFAIK, the ST had/has a chrome plated/stainless system - and that is not an ST, (or BMW?), front guard)

 

[Wreford Miles]

looks good for £1200 the mono lever is coated the same as the frame which does look modified - we need more pictures.

 

[Bem]

I agree with all of the above and more:
looks a snip regardless
look customised
looks nickel plated
looks non- standard frame
looks more required (photos)
looks like worth exploring custom frame mfgrs

 

[jez]

could well be an st, according to Realoem.com the date fits

 

[BillN]

could well be an st, according to Realoem.com the date fits

STs were only produced in 1983/84
I have had 4 STs

The BMW bits on the Bike , plus the year stated by the vendor, point to a G/S, (see my posting)

moderators!!!

 

[kavb]

Thank you for all the replies - I went to view the bike today. Congratulations to all those who thought it was an R80 G/S - it is. Some photos attached one of which shows its form prior to the Dubai refurbishment.

On reflection it probably is not the bike for me. Grasping the front brake with little return (which I'm told is normal) made me think that a fully loaded overland trip is probably more sensible on something a bit more modern. Still might have a test ride just to make sure.

For those interested in the history of the bike. It was imported into Dubai by an Austrian gentleman who had it 'refurbished'. The only original of the replacement parts is the white fuel tank. Refurbishment included chroming the frame, handle bars, clocks, indicators, recover saddle, etc.

Clocks show 1500km but obviously not original so no idea of mileage covered by the bike.

Regards

kavb

 

[elevensies]

i like it, i think for the money, and maybe a front brake upgrade it could be a good bike.

 

[kavb]

Sorry was unsuccessful with uploading the photos. The following link may work.

http://picasaweb.google.com/billykav/DropBox?authkey=Gv1sRgCILUtJuLlKauAQ#

 

[elevensies]

had a look at the photos posted, and in truth looks a very tidy bike....

 

[elevensies]

here ya go

 

[BillN]

Also had a look at the photos

Looks like an "old tarts handbag" - a pity that they have "buggered" an old G/S up.

With low exhausts and a few other mods, it would spruce up like a "young tarts handbag"...............but at £1,200 plus shipping to the UK and re reg fees.......it would start as an expensive project

If a R80G/S is wanted.......you can buy an "old dog" for £1,500.......and then, at least you would have "the real thing".

But it would make an interesting "street bike" - for a run down the front in Blackpool!

 

[kavb]

Well the Dubai bike refurb has started after returned from UK with suitcase full of expensive parts and two new tyres.

Bought a new set of handlebars from BMW Dubai though they refused to honour their quote of £65 and wanted £140 when I went to collect. I had paid the £65 in advance which they would not return. After some wrangling I had to settle for £100 (welcome to Dubai).

Rob Farmers (thank you Rob) mudguard and handguards are off to the paint shop. 'No guarantee Sir and as I am fasting so eye sight not so good.......'.

I started on the carb overhaul (seperate post) but the humidity is high here at the moment and after half an hour I look like the first photo - a bit sweaty, you get a workout while you tinker.

Things I didn't realise that would need replacing at the time of buying the bike is the headlight, levers, controls so in the market for those if anyone selling - though most seem to come up on German ebay.

I have three questions if anyone can help:

(i) there is hole in the gearbox casing (centre of 2nd photo just to the left of oil filler) should there be plug here?
(ii) can anyone advise if the headlight bracket in the third photo is an original BMW part please - else I will need to order replacement.
(iii) Does anyone have a photo of the rear mudguard fixing near the battery? they can post. Mine has no fixing and I can't quite work out how its done. See last photo.

Thanks kavb

 

[(RIP) Proff]

Bill N has an original clamshell front light housing for sale..
my 80g/s has the mudguard fitting [bent steel] on the crossmember and goes through the hole in the guard..