Boxerworks.com

After spending some time looking at listings (read prices), reading Falloon's book, etc., I have decided that an 1976-1984 R100S would be a nice addition to my (very) modest collection of 2-cylinder, 2-valve, air-cooled, carbureated, european bikes.

Looking at the ads posted here in the U.S., it's a pretty uneven lot. I'm looking for a way to identify whether bikes are really what people claim, and/or to find out what model a bike may or may not be. Is there a registry somewhere of frame/engine numbers that will identify the model as manufactured? In most cases, it is not easy (cheap) for me to view these bikes in person.

Any suggestions appreciated.

With that year range you have radically different bikes.

Which one do you really want?

If you put engine nos into realoem google it you will be given model region build date etc etc.

Remember that airhead mileometers go back to 0 after 99999 miles

chasbmw wrote: Remember that airhead mileometers go back to 0 after 99999 miles

Or, frequently, randomly as the odometer gears lose their grip on their shafts.

Type in VIN here (the last 7 digits):

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

Then go here to read the specs:

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/bmwmodels.htm

Note that the '81-84 models have issues with poor metallurgy for the valve seats...didn't transfer heat well so the valve faces take a beating. The fix is to overhaul the heads.

Kurt in S.A.

Consider the Monolever model. 1987 - 199?
More rigid rear end. Bigger, more stable front forks.

dougie wrote:Consider the Monolever model. 1987 - 199?
More rigid rear end. Bigger, more stable front forks.

But not an S, slower and not as good looking!

just one person's opinion..
79 is the best year. big carb high compression engine with the last of those advancements. I don't mind the dual-shock bikes, although better front brakes would be nice. I've read some negative things about the '81 year, so although you see a lot listed, I'd stay away. But if you're less interested in the power and more into the brakes and front end, go with the mono-shock.

Seth wrote:just one person's opinion..
79 is the best year. big carb high compression engine with the last of those advancements. I don't mind the dual-shock bikes, although better front brakes would be nice. I've read some negative things about the '81 year, so although you see a lot listed, I'd stay away. But if you're less interested in the power and more into the brakes and front end, go with the mono-shock.

Some folks (in addition to me) consider the '77 R100S to be the best year. That was the last year before they started "dumming down" the engine power. I think, in '78 the cam timing was altered by a degree or so. The '77, of course had the 40mm bings on it.

Plus the '77 S bike came in Smoked Red livery! (AKA the "Flying Bloodclot".)

Disclosure: My favorite S bike is a '77 and I just happen to have one. But that hasn't affected my unbiased opinion. No way. No sireee Bob.


Ken

Ken in Oklahoma wrote: Some folks (in addition to me) consider the '77 R100S to be the best year. That was the last year before they started "dumming down" the engine power. I think, in '78 the cam timing was altered by a degree or so. The '77, of course had the 40mm bings on it.

Plus the '77 S bike came in Smoked Red livery! (AKA the "Flying Bloodclot".)

Disclosure: My favorite S bike is a '77 and I just happen to have one. But that hasn't affected my unbiased opinion. No way. No sireee Bob. Ken

I'll be attempting to make this year's Oklahoma Gathering. If I can pack all the gear on board, I'll ride my '78 R100S. We can then, Ken, compare bikes whilst enjoying some sort of adult beverage.

montmil wrote: I'll be attempting to make this year's Oklahoma Gathering. If I can pack all the gear on board, I'll ride my '78 R100S. We can then, Ken, compare bikes whilst enjoying some sort of adult beverage.

That would be way cool montmil!


Ken