I need some help and advice from those who are experienced with and know these bikes and their variations.
Some background:
I have some mechanical skills and used to have a 1969 Triumph TR6. So I'm used to mechanical issues, oil, and the odd nut or bolt after you've got it all back together (!?). Eventually sold it and miss working on old machinery and having some fun on the road.
I'm now looking for a BMW motorcycle.
After doing some looking around and reading various forums I think I'm focusing in on a R100 or R100S.
I still have many questions about the various models and years.
Since I come from a mid-century machinery experience I sort of like the idea of a 1977 R100S for various reasons:
• The '77 was an improvement over previous frames and had better brakes or at least more disks.
• The valve covers look vintage and have a cool "streamline" look that I like.
• There is little or no emissions crap on them as far as I know.
• Power is good without being crazy (like a modern 1100 might be).
• MPG is decent (certainly better than what I'm getting with my truck).
• It's simple enough that I can do much of the basic maintenance at home. Maybe sometimes with some help or guidance.
That said I am intrigued by the Monshock set up on the mid 1980s bikes. I've read that they handle better, etc. Oh, wait, but then there is the valve seat issue and a transmission curclip thing. Well the newer we get the more complicated the machine and the more I feel like I might not be able to do the basic work at home anymore. So as I said, I don't know what to do and I retreat back to the first year: 1977 R100S.
I also like the look of a cafe racer type - no fairings, single seat when 'She' is not on the back, etc. So I was looking at bikes that are NOT restored or museum quality time-capsules. There is no point in paying for a fantastic looking machine that I now don't have the heart to take apart or modify. However I of course want a lowish mileage bike that is mechanically sound.
I live in Los Angeles and I'd like to spend less than $4000 after DMV fees and licensing, etc.
Now here's were I need advice:
For example I found a bike that fits everything I just described exactly.
• A 1977 R100S
• He already chopped the tail and painted the tank black. He put on shorter, thinner mufflers, etc.
• I could afford it although the price was not great at $3500.
• The bike seemed to have a legitimate mileage reading of 27,000 miles.
The problems?
• Well for one the bike seemed to have a history of neglect and almost no maintenance. It seemed that each of the previous owners kind of thought, "It's got low miles and I rarely ride it, so I don't need to take it in and pay for service".
• The rear tire is probably ten years old and I'm sure no one has been in the bearings or drive splines for at least that long.
• As far as I know the bike has been stored inside a storage garage (so it's not dirty or rusty on the outside really) for at least the last five years and ridden very infrequently. It does run and I watched the guy drive it around the lot when I went to look at it. I did not want to drive it because I wanted to see if the lights worked and I was concerned the brakes might seize. It seemed okay.
• There was quite a bit of corrosion inside the tank. I could see the red liner was broken and rust had formed in speckles on the center hump. The seller's advice? "That's what fuel filters are for".
• The bike is Non Op status. So I'd have to trailer it home and deal with the DMV to get it registered.
• When doing some research at home (luckily I had the brains to take a picture of the VIN) I found that there is over $700. in back fees! And add a few hundred in sales tax on top of that depending on the price.
-So calculating a minimum of $800. of basic maintenance I offered the guy $1500. since I would have to deal with all of the above. He declined. However I'm tempted to counter saying that if he registered the bike, I would feel better about offering say, $2200.
•• Since I'm local and can pick-up he would include a new front tire and the original mirrors, front and back fenders & seat. It was a weird faded orange/yellow design. I don't think he has the fairing. Maybe a few other things that I'm forgetting.
Here is a picture of the above bike. Remember: Seller admits no maintenance, currently Non Op with over $700. in DMV fees just to get it on the road. I think if you click on the picture you'll go to a small folder I made which has a few more detail pix.
-1977 R100S-
IF he pays the DMV fees does $2200 - $2400 seem reasonable to you more experienced folk? Or should I just walk away and wait for a better bike (maintained rather than neglected). Or should I start looking at later years? I find a lot of bikes for $3500-ish but they are newer with double or triple or 5x and 6x the mileage, etc.
I'm not sure what to do.
I look forward to your experienced advice, opinions and amusing stories! Thank you.
