BMW R-GS
TIMELINE
1980
R80G/S
800cc, 50hp, 200kg (dry)
The original, based on an R80 motor in an R65 chassis with
conversion to Monolever rear suspension. Harder to find
these days so command good money. If you can’t find one
also look out for the small quantity of R80STs out there –
a G/S with a 19-inch front wheel – easily converted back to
G/S spec. Five-speed gearbox.
1989
R80GS/R100GS
980cc, 60hp, 215kg (dry)
Change to Paralever rear suspension set-up. Strengthened
frame and subframe, R100RS motor. Wheels changed from
21/18-inch to 21/17-inch, rear takes a 130-section and both
tyres can now be tubeless due to spoke design. PD (Paris-
Dakar) was a kit option to start but was a factory option
from 1988. An R80GS Basic was made much later, from
1996-97, using the old type 247 motor resurrected – now
a much sought after machine. Five-speed gearbox.
1994
R1100GS (R850GS from 1996)
1085cc, 80hp, 243kg (dry)
Motor substantially redesigned, with partial oil cooling and
four-valve heads, known as ‘oil heads’, and Motronic fuel
injection. Telelever front suspension now matched with
the Paralever rear. ABS an option. Five-speed gearbox.
70 KIWI RIDER