1982 R100RS frame number stamp location

[Bevans]

Hi guys, I have a new to me R100RS. It has lost it's riveted on number plate, but I have heard that the frame should have it's number stamped on. I've heard right hand side steering head gusset, and lower frame tube - but I can't find a thing. Any ideas? The engine number matches the last numbers of the VIN registration slip that I have.

[Bevans]

Well, after looking at the frame for a couple of weeks, and finally finding a website that had some photo's of stampings, I found the hidden thing! It is under a thick coat of powdercoat, but you can just make out numbers. I'm not going to grind off the powder coat. I did discover that the engine was made in the 36th week of 1981, which is August 30 - Sept 06, and the VIN number puts the bike at Sept 1981, so all is matching up. It turns out my bike and I have the same birthday, near enough - Sept 05. I am a few years older, mind you. I could have bought it new as a birthday present for myself!

[SteveD]

Welcome and congrats Bevans. That might put you at about the top of the bell curve for most of us here! Maybe on the down slope if you were able to afford it new!

So it's very late in the 1981 model or very early in the 1982 model run...I wonder if it got the 1982 upgrades?

The model run for the new year starts in September but at what point? Is it after holidays in Berlin or something like that I wonder?

Next question.

What were the 1982 upgrades? Something in my memory bank says something in the trans was changed. Not much else.

ps. you'll need a T shirt don'tcha know!

[Kurt in S.A.]

Snowbum says that the internals of the transmission were changed in 1982, specifically the inclusion of a shift kit to help with false neutrals.

I also thought that the 1981-1982 centerstand was pretty bad...too tall and it was pretty difficult to get the bike up on it. An upgrade was issued and incorporated on later models.

Kurt in S.A.

[SteveD]

The shift kit was later in the run I think. My 11/1981 R100RS didn't have it, but got it when it was rebuilt.

[antocas]

ive got an r100rs same brew.mine is sept 81 too. bought it way back in the day ,,this yum wench proposed marriage,and I accepted ,,not going through life without that eve,,but being wise in the ways,,i insisted that she threw in a bmw,,as an antidote to all things soft and cuddly ,,she did and I married her three days later,,two of my fave things that still exist beautifully in my lot