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  #1  
Old 4 Aug 2008
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BMW GS Paris-Dakar
Any and all advice appreciated as to differences and if one is better than the other for the BMW GS Paris Dakar editions from 1981 to 1996.

I have had a total of six bikes over my life time the last one being an old Husquvarna 250CR. I quite riding about seventeen years ago but have wanted to get back into it for the past five years. A day ride on a friends Honda XR over the Fourth of July made me realize how much I missed it.

I have always wanted a GS PD and want to know the pros and cons of the different years. All help appreciated.

I have two old Land Rover Series so older machines are fine with me. Thank you. (Goal is long distance travel both on road and off but also for around town)
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Old 5 Aug 2008
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Cool GS differences
JC4H - If someone hasn't already, Welcome to the HUBB!
I am sure this topic has been covered previously on the HUBB, such as:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ht=BMW+R100+GS

There are really only two bikes (the G/S 80-87 monolever, and the GS 88-95 paralever), with several variations of displacement, tank sizes, and other trim. There are pro's and con's for all.

My Favorite? the mid 90's R80/ R100 Kalahari - only sold in South Africa (I think).

Perhaps have a look at the previous discussions and then post a more focused question on issues that you don't see covered.
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Old 5 Aug 2008
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Thank you for the welcome. Good thread on my questions. If anyone knows of anyone who is or may want to sell their BMW PD please put them in touch with me. I prefer the look of the 1984 to 1991 models but may end up purchasing a later model due to availability.
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Old 6 Aug 2008
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Reference reading
The BMW R G/S and GS motorcycles
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  #5  
Old 6 Aug 2008
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Just curious but does anyone have an idea what the BMW GS HPN Dakar or Rally Sport cost?
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Old 7 Aug 2008
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Not cheap. Built to order. See the HPN site and email them if interested .. I you want them to supply the entire bike they will have to buy one second hand .. so timing and pricing will be variable. Mostly they start with your bike and change that .. Your best off emailing them .. if you are serious. Oh .. and it won't be a fast build.

Think they have a catalog .. nonbling but for functional performance where it matters.

HPN-Rallyesport if that still works .. other wise throught the menus hpn
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  #7  
Old 19 Aug 2008
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Still looking for a PD. While all PDs are great I would like to find a R80 PD. How difficult/rare is it to find one for sale. Anyone have any ideas? I cannot find one anywhere for sale. Are they so difficult to find for sale that I should focus on a different model? Any particular "For Sale" websites I should monitor? Any and all help/advice appreciated.
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Old 19 Aug 2008
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Look at the Internet BMW Riders site
Airhead R- bikes for sale Page 1 - IBMWR BMW Motorcycle Marketplace
and the BMWMOA BMW MOA
And Craigs list.
Last edited by John Ferris; 19 Aug 2008 at 02:53.
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Old 21 Aug 2008
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Cool R80gs
You can expand your search to the R80ST, which is basically the G/S but with different forks, a 19" front wheel, and less suspension at both ends. These are not that common either, but seem to often come up for more realistic pricing. A change of rear shock and front end will get you to a G/S, if you have time to look for parts. The R100GS front end bolt right on, and is superior to the older bikes.
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Old 21 Aug 2008
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Unless an original 84-87 R80 G/S PD goes up for sale soon I am going to purchase a regular R80 G/S and add the PD parts. I know I need to keep a look out for tank and seat but how easy is it to source the white front fender, white back fender, tank sticker, and PD exhaust guard. Any insight and/or sources greatly appreciated by me. Any PD parts I did not list?
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Old 22 Aug 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JCH4 View Post
how easy is it to source the white front fender, white back fender, tank sticker, and PD exhaust guard. Any insight and/or sources greatly appreciated by me. Any PD parts I did not list?

The G/S front fender is white .. no need to change it.

You could just paint the original rear fender ..

You have not listed the rear rack .. you nned tat for the seat rear to bolt too.

------------------------
Why bother .. yes the tank adds to the range, and the solo seat is comfotable .. and it adds luggage capablities
But the reat is just cosmetic. Be a real airhead .. just change the bits you need too.
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Old 22 Aug 2008
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It should be possible to find a G/S Paris Dakar.
Like this one, with 1.000.000 (?) miles: 1986 BMW R80 G/S - P/D A steal at 4500 OBO


But as Mollydog says it depends if you want to keep it original or make a travel-bike. You can go long distance with a standard G/S but depending on your driving style and route it might be smart to consider some modifications.

Don’t forget a healthy battery:
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Old 22 Aug 2008
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I have a R80 Gs Basic 1996. Satisfied too much. It has 35 L gas tank. WP shocks on it. Easy to maintenance. Only problem is I can't find some parts easily here in Turkey. For example I asked for heated grips and dealer said it is not possible to find one for my bike. They accept it OLD.

I try to find one of the same for one of my friend, but can't. Nobody wants to sell a good and clean one...
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Old 22 Aug 2008
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Thank you for the responses. I want an airhead and just like the look of the R80 PD. I do not even neccesarily need one in pristine condition but after restoring two Series Land Rovers I know it is alot easier to start with as many original parts as neccesary.

I will not use it as a collecter bike but for trips, offroad, and around town. I plan to add a couple of saddle bags and that is about it. Maybe GPS.

As for painting the rear fender, I would prefer not to especially if it is plastic.
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Old 24 Aug 2008
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More questions. Notable difference in power between 50 bhp Monolever and 60 bhp Paralever? Are the gas tanks from the paralevers and monolevers interchangeable? What is the "pogo-stick" or "hop" people indicate the Monolever had versus the Paralever?
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