trading "down" to an airhead (or is it "up")

[solidstate100]

Why do I want an airhead?
I have a 1200 GSA and am quite happy with it. But I cant ignore the airhead itch. I reached my half century this year, so I am certainly old enough to have one now, the "usual" course of action at my age would be to go all and get a Harley, but having seen a few lately have realised that they are *ahem* not for me. And my missus threatened me with castration if I got one.

So I keep coming back to an airhead, specifically an R 80 G/S - the bike I always wanted as I got into bikes when I was younger, but never achieved. And Im quite prepared to trade my existing GSA for one (er hopefully cash my way) and wee on myself for the authentic airhead aroma.

Am I being f***ing stupid?

I dont race around like I used to, like simple equipment capable of being fixed in the field, and something relatively lighter that I can flat foot would be good. My 09 GSA is "better" in every way (probably) BUT I dont feel its a keeper like maybe an airhead G/S would be. I had an RT 100 a while back and regret selling that so I kinda know what Im in for.......

Please remind me whats good and bad about these bikes, or lay into me at will for just being a rose tinted specs old twat- or maybe some words of support



(I think thats enough emoticons for now)

 

[tuftywhite]

I have a 1981 g/s. I would never part with it.

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

I've got both, and wouldn't part with any of them, personally I find the GSA too big, so I went for a normal 12GS which I've had from new, but it has been modified, (lights, seat, suspension and exhaust) if I want to go a decent distance quickly I use it, otherwise it's one of the Airheads.

An R80 G/S needs making 1000cc properly (not just an 800 to 1000 kit) and the suspension, brakes and lights doing, then it's a good bike.

My favourite is the GSPD which again has had the engine, suspension, brakes, lights, seat and a host of other things modified. I'm hoping to go to Greece next month and will go on the this, 'cause you can fix it with a hammer, chisel and a pair of pointed nose pliers, you don't need a laptop!

The Cafe Racer is another matter all together!

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

i would upgrade to a decent 1100 as a stepping stone before going the whole airhead route.

You may hate the difference

 

[Rob Farmer]

You need to ride one before buying they're an acquired taste and not for everyone. If you're no good with the spanners or your knees are shot don't even think about it.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Agreed
I have had a couple a g/s & a para PD & whilst pretty they ain't for me
1100 is the farthest I'd go back

 

[BAKERMAN]

Had two, one too nice to ride, the other was to fast to ride, its all simple and old stuff, oh got rid of nice one daughter to university,

 

[Devon]

If you want an airhead buy one that has been looked after and as it left the factory, not messed with. Then ride it for what it is and enjoy

 

[Essexadventure]

I have an 1150GSA and R100GSPD, I have to say the GSPD comes out of the garage far more than the GSA - there's something about the simplicity and the need to 'ride' the old ones rather than 'pilot' the newer ones...part of their charm I think.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Picon biere]

R80g/s

Why do I want an airhead?
I have a 1200 GSA and am quite happy with it. But I cant ignore the airhead itch. I reached my half century this year, so I am certainly old enough to have one now, the "usual" course of action at my age would be to go all and get a Harley, but having seen a few lately have realised that they are *ahem* not for me. And my missus threatened me with castration if I got one.

So I keep coming back to an airhead, specifically an R 80 G/S - the bike I always wanted as I got into bikes when I was younger, but never achieved. And Im quite prepared to trade my existing GSA for one (er hopefully cash my way) and wee on myself for the authentic airhead aroma.

Am I being f***ing stupid?

I dont race around like I used to, like simple equipment capable of being fixed in the field, and something relatively lighter that I can flat foot would be good. My 09 GSA is "better" in every way (probably) BUT I dont feel its a keeper like maybe an airhead G/S would be. I had an RT 100 a while back and regret selling that so I kinda know what Im in for.......

Please remind me whats good and bad about these bikes, or lay into me at will for just being a rose tinted specs old twat- or maybe some words of support



(I think thats enough emoticons for now)

There is an R80 G/s for sale in carandclassic for £12000 if you are interested. I think he's having a laugh but it did look the biz.

 

[solidstate100]

There is an R80 G/s for sale in carandclassic for £12000 if you are interested. I think he's having a laugh but it did look the biz.

The bike is lovely. The price is not lovely!!

That could only ever really be a garage queen, be frightened to use it. What I am looking for is a user, patination preferred! (and cheaper)

 

[scooter paul]

I've owned plenty of all types, up to but not including the 1200's, but I'm taking delivery of a new 1200GSA next week. My best explanation is that you will love any model of GS but the next evolution will be 'better' I currently have a R80 G/S and love it. Would I ride it on a tour? Yes of course but having ridden the new GSA I know which one would do it with more comfort. Someone else here said find the best Airhead that hasn't been messed with. I couldn't agree more. Yes you can make them faster etc but they tend to lose some of the charm. It all depends on what you 'need' a bike for. If a R80 G/S or later Paralever is all you need then they are still fine bikes.

Paul

 

[MikeS]

I was in the same boat as you and two years ago I finally bought myself a low mileage completely standard 1989 R100GS (don't like the GSPD) and it is the perfect bike for me.

A proper bike with virtually no electrics and even I can service it. It has enough power, very comfortable riding position and the handling is spot on.

I had planned to upgrade the brakes but I haven't even bothered to do that, I have got used to them and they seem fine now.

I have had a couple of other modern bikes since buying the airhead and thought one of them might have displaced the airhead but they have gone and it has stayed and I think it will be around for ever now.

I recently bought an R1200R which I love too but if one had to go it would be the airhead that I keep.

I had to pay quite a high price for mine but I am glad I did as finding good one is very hard now.

 

[Rob Farmer]

(don't like the GSPD).

that's you off the Christmas card list

 

[markjackson]

Why do I want an airhead?

Please remind me whats good and bad about these bikes, or lay into me at will for just being a rose tinted specs old twat- or maybe some words of support

I got one (then another) recently after having oil heads for 14 years.

Yesterday I had the first (only short, but sweet) ride out with a couple of regular riding buddies and we all got to swap bikes.

For perspective, the other bikes were a perfectly fettled KTM 950 ADV and a Hilltop fettled Twincam GSA.

My R80GS was VERY SLOW in comparison when we accelerated out of slow corners, particularly compared to my brother's Hiltlop fettles GSA which is really smooth and quick, picking up the front wheel everywhere on twisty stuff.

The R80 however felt really small and cheeky. The suspension (freshly refreshed WP rear) was excellent, and while it felt softly sprung and damped vs the KTM, it felt stiff after the 25k miles GSA set to 'comfort mode.

If we had sat at 75mph they would all have been fine, with fairings, heated grips and a relaxed seating position but the GSA would have much better potential to accelerate past a car.

The airhead looks so much better than either, and I feel like I could strip it all down with the toolkit. Also it's not depreciating like the GSA (although I suspect a good 950 KTM may hold it's price well).

We didn't go off road yesterday, but I'm confident that my R80GS would be no worse than my 1200GS used to be, but it lacks the ground clearance of a GSA or the 'wheelie pulling zip' of the KTM.

It warms we MUCH more when I see it in the garage than any oilhead did, and the only thing that seems quite unforgivable (given it's year of manufacture if not design) is the brakes. They are truly rubbish!

Overall I'm very very happy with my Oilhead to Airhead transfer, but I expected the sloth (thanks to the experience on here) and my ego can cope with being the slowest when I'm left behind (Plus I still have a race SP2 if I need to pull wheelies ).

 

[solidstate100]

Thanks for the replies so far chaps. Friendly , this airhead section, I like it here.

And I can't smell wee either, what are they on about on the other sections?

 

[Belper phil]

I like it here.

Good man - just do it, its the way forward

 

[Rob Farmer]

old folks and technology?

 

[Wrigsby1]

Just remember that BMW made a fairly big step forward with the R1100's, especially the GS... It still felt like a Beemer but was more refined and had much better go, stop and corner... Make sure you have a good ride on an Airhead... The 1st hour to shock you and the next hour for you to warm to it...

And whatever you are told, Airheads require fairly regular maintenance to keep them tip top... Them aald Bings need keeping on top of and gearboxes etc are not maintenance free...

And for f..ks sake be ready for the brakes... The unprepared get a very nasty shock after riding ANY of the later BM's...

 

[Belper phil]

old folks and technology?

Made me laugh anyway

Bastard photobucket - rectify it when i've got a minute Rob .