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29 Oct 2010
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Contributing Member
HUBB regular
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Little Mountain Qld Australia
Posts: 63
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Which Buke?
Yes modern BMWs do seem to give trouble!
I have had two before; a R60/5 and a K100RS. Neither did give much trouble - although neither were happy on a gravel road; hunting and weaving and generally feeling nervous.
I have wanted to find a R80 GS in any condition, here in Queensland, to be rebuilt if necessary for overseas travel. But they all seem to have vanished from the roads.
There are plenty of the more modern öilhead"GS models, and they are at a good price.
Plus, their reliability seems to be acceptable. However I have other reasons to look for an old airhead.
The first is that my wife could never feel safe on a modern oilhead. Even with my Sportster, she is on tip-toes to sit astride. An old airhead would be much better for her. If/when we travel overseas, she would be on her bike, I on mine. But time comes when it is necessary to swap bikes. And it thus necessary to be comfortable on the other's bike.
The next reason is sentiment. When the R80GS came out, I was church-mouse poor, and could not even dream of such a beautiful bike.
Time moved on. My finances got better. I now own a '04 Sportster, which I love and which I would be loath to sell, especially to buy a hideous GS oilhead, which would quickly lose value, as well as be unridable by my wife. I have put 100 000km on the Harley but could still resell it at a profit.
But my affection does not blind me to the Sporty's shortcomings. 1000km range? As if! I am looking for fuel a little more than 200km! Suspension is OK, now, and for reasonable roads only. Africa? I'd rather not. And I have a drive belt. MUCH better than a ghastly chain, but prone to damage on a gravel road.
Yes I am aware of the ElectraGlide Harley of Peter and Kay Forwood, to date the only vehicle of ANY KIND to be ridden/driven in every country in the world. So I could use my Sporty. With suitable modifications. Some of which may decrease the pleasure I currently get while riding it!
Meantime, the search for a rebuildable R80 GS or R100GS continues.
Rob Hall
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10 Nov 2010
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Registered Users
New on the HUBB
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Chamonix, France
Posts: 8
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Just my 2 cents worth but while riding up to see a friend in Luxembourg last week,the throttle cable broke on my 100,000 mile VFR, in the break down lorry and I ask the older guy, what 'bikes does he pick up the most and why ? BMW's he said and electronics are the problem... So there you go
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10 Nov 2010
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Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,063
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob Hall
Yes modern BMWs do seem to give trouble!
.....
Meantime, the search for a rebuildable R80 GS or R100GS continues.
Rob Hall
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Unfortunately: Yes. I love riding my 1150GS on good roads in Europe. Comfortable, fast, great suspension, but when it comes to off-road rides in the Balcans or eastern Europe I prefer my old 80GS any day.
In the mean-time she has 150 kkms on the clock (usually with lots of luggage) and hardly any probs so far. Low ground clearance is a point, but the bash plate does a great job  And yes, the standard rear shock was the biggest crap on the bike, a secondhand rebuilt Wilbers now works reliably for well over 70 kkms.
The only semi-modern Beemer I'd buy is the older 650 GS Dakar single....
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
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Lots more comments here!

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Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
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New to Horizons Unlimited?
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Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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