Original BMW rear panniers and fitted soft luggage
THE APPEAL
More than four decades after its introduction, BMW’s R100RS remains the consummate master of long distance touring. Hans Muth’s wind tunnel-designed nine-piece faring transformed the R100s capabilities, making it easily capable of sustained 100mph cruising.
The example on offer, has been with the owner since almost new. It was a dealer ex-demonstrator bought out of the showroom and comes with a matching set of BMW touring bags. Unmodified and original, it has covered fewer than 60,000 miles and has always been fully serviced.a0RyHamrxovo73zeUeIs6xLwMbfRsNf1GMHKw1EF.jpeg556.46 KB
The first thing you notice about the bike is of course the trademark full faring resplendent in BMW Polar White. The structure is symmetrical side to side and joins between the panels are tight. The rubber/plastic sockets for the front forks are strong and in good condition as are the gaiters. The jubilee clips holding these are rust free. Light lenses and plexiglass covers are in good order and the hexagonal and crosshead screws securing these are clean in their threads.
The paintwork elsewhere on the bike is quite presentable with the exception of a couple of touched up scuffs, some spider cracks in one side panel surface and a scuffed decal on the opposite side.
The twin saddle is in good condition, retaining a good colour and showing no rips or significant scuffs and the black powder-coated handle/rack behind shows no discolouration or rippling from corrosion underneath.
Fittingly for the ultimate tourer of its day, as well as the faring, this RS is fitted with (original BMW) side panniers. They are in good condition – no cracks – and the catches on each close smoothly and securely. There is also a set of BMW fitted bags with the bike (including tank straps). These are clean and in good condition, and a useful addition for those even longer-distance adventures.
Weathering to black finish of front forks
Gaiters in good condition
Focusing on the front end of the bike, we are presented with a marvellous cluster of grips, levers and quality gauges detailed off nicely with chrome embellishments and detailing. At ground level, the wheels are alloy rims and new stainless steel spokes and both are in excellent order and really set the bike off nicely from an aesthetic perspective.
BMW’s 980cc boxer engine was always an unstressed unit, but still capable of quick responses and rapid acceleration. This unit has proved its abilities on many European tours with the owner and his wife, performing reliably and flawlessly every time. A comprehensive set of invoices attest to the motorbike’ upkeep and running record.
The engine and frame both appear to be robust and in good running order. The engine could perhaps do with a clean – or detailing if you’re really picky – but neither the Bing carburetors, the cylinder heads show signs of leaks, oxidation or corrosion. The motor appears a sound, workmanlike unit.
Suspension components and brake assemblies appear to be sound. The front forks and the wheels show a degree of weathering, as does the underside of the bike, but nothing that will cause concern.SfXC2IGZ7BqsheTMjdCh2bqPlIMFkNTEi080auaP.jpeg476.05 KB
SUMMARY
The BMW had an oil service towards the end of last year and has largely been garaged since. There won’t be much to do to have it ready for the road. As we pointed out, the R100RS is still a supreme touring motorbike and this robust example is equipped with useful extras – paniers and soft bags – to see you on the road this summer. Happy trails.
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