G/S or GS?
 

I've decided to buy a BMW to travel overland, two up. But I have this dilemma: R80 G/S or R80 GS? G/S is uglier but old, GS is younger but heavier. Sh1t. I've read all there is about them, but I can't decide... anybody with experience with both of them, two up and somewhere off-road on a half year trip?

There's loads of threads on this topic, and loads of arguments for and against both. Do a browse through the BMW Tech forum, you'll find lots to read.

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
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One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

I allready did. Apparantly there are as much advantages as disadvantages for each bike. So only price and personal taste seem to make the biggest difference.

I'd lean towards the GS for two up - it's a little bigger, longer wheelbase, much bigger battery, more power, although that's not critical, and the tubeless tires are safer in the event of a flat.

Also marginally better brakes, though both are pretty pathetic, stronger rear wheel, and much stronger and better forks.

BOTH need an aftermarket rear shock, and much strengthening of the rear subframe for luggage carrying.

hth...

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Grant Johnson

Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------

One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com

I have owned both (currently have a G/S, but ran a R100GS for 6 years). Yes, they do have their diffenent traits, but I agree with Grant; If I was trying to decide on one or the other for an around the world trip, I would look for a R100. Having said that, I wouldn't turn down a good R80G/S if I found one that had the right modifications done, or was closer to what I needed. There is better aftermarket support for the R100GS - most of the issues have fixes that are still being sold. Putting an R100 (or other brand) fork on an R80G/S certainly deals with a lot of the problems that bike has, but it adds weight (one of the reasons the R100 is heavier!). I find the 800cc motor smoother, but I miss the power of the 1000.

Also, there were more R100's made, and they were made more recently so finding one in good shape should be easier. G/S's have become somewhat of a collectors item, which has raised their perceived value beyond their utility for overland trips. I would also be considering an F650 GS/ Dakar as well. Used prices for these are gettin close to that of good R100's and they offer similar power/ capacity/ utility in a more fuel efficient package.