I have just bought a BMW R100GS PD (that is what is stamped on the frame) made in Nov 1994. The picture in the manual shows the PD version having a single seat and a larger rack. My bike has the 21 inch front wheel and the double (pillion) seat, BMW hard paniers, and a kick starter (which is listed as an option). I am wondering if my version was an early experimental model, or exactly what model? Perhaps the previous owner bought a few options.
A few more questions for the boffins.
1. The manual states that the maximum oil consumption is one litre per 1000 km. This seems to be out by a factor of ten. What is the real rate of oil consumption?
2. The side stand seems too short, the bike leans over too much. I am thinking about attaching a pad to the bottom of the side-stand. Has anyone come up with a better idea?
3. I can just flat foot but I would like to lower the bike a bit more if possible. I have set the rear spring on the softest setting. I am considering loosening the front fork clamps to steal a centimetre there, the top of the forks would touch the underside of the handlebars. Is this a good idea? Anyone have another idea?
4. The bike was a one owner before I bought it. He wrote in the manual every oil change etc but there is no mention of any overhauls. The bike now has 135000 km on it (everyone said dont buy it, too old). It appears to run like new. My fear is that it must be on the verge of a few expensive overhauls (motor, gearbox etc). Is it possible or likely that it has gone this far without an overhaul?
5. At 55 km/hr the handlebar shakes as if to send it on a tiny 'S' path. It is a bit like worn steering bearings. I can not detect any grooving in the steering bearings and the front wheel bearings seem OK. It may be just weird harmonics at that particular speed. Anyone know what is going on?