Airhead vs. Oilhead

[iseegold]

I'm considering buying an Airhead, any comments, thoughts, inherent problems to any particular year/model and useful information would be greatly appreciated.

[44006]

A brief discussion of your intended use of the bike and riding style would
be helpful

Comments or advice to a senior citizen who wants to tour rural roads
would be very different from those for a young man who wants to
run fast with friends who ride modern high tech stuff

[iseegold]

37 year old, mostly round trips to work(80 miles) via the highway and the long way home. Weekend blasts on the local back roads and twisties. And the ability to repair and maintain my own bike.

[keelerb]

For what you describe, and besides, the only BMW I ever REALLY craved, I'd prescribe an 83-84 (to me, the best years) R100RS.

[kbasa]

For what you describe, and besides, the only BMW I ever REALLY craved, I'd prescribe an 83-84 (to me, the best years) R100RS.

I still miss mine. 83. Alaska Blue.

Great crappy weather bike. Great long distance bike.

Bear in mind that they're now 25 years old and have all the issues that go along with a bike of that age.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/219451815_WneiT-L.jpg

[Bob_M]

The airhead (1982-1984) R100RS is everything that the previous posters say it is. Reliable, fun, cool and plenty fast enough to get one into trouble. That having been said, the giggles per mile for a plain R100 (perhaps with an "S" fairing) are just as good. The seating position is more upright and the handlebars are wider apart. This gives one much more leverage initiating turns and the effect is that the handling is lighter. Another plus with this model is that it did not have (nor need) an oil cooler and that makes oil changes MUCH easier.

[ccolwell]

The airhead (1982-1984) R100RS is everything that the previous posters say it is. Reliable, fun, cool and plenty fast enough to get one into trouble. That having been said, the giggles per mile for a plain R100 (perhaps with an "S" fairing) are just as good. The seating position is more upright and the handlebars are wider apart. This gives one much more leverage initiating turns and the effect is that the handling is lighter. Another plus with this model is that it did not have (nor need) an oil cooler and that makes oil changes MUCH easier.

Ditto. My '84 R100 was the best airhead I have owned or ridden.

[lkchris]

As the owner of three '84s (G/S, RS, RT) I agree.

But, the Oilhead is an improvement, except ...

... BMW's idea of an average person is a bit shorter than the average American.

It's ok on Airheads with bench seats, but on oilheads with two-piece seats, if you're tall, the driver will have the rear of his butt against the split in the seats--not comfortable.

[GlobalRider]

I'm considering buying an Airhead, any comments, thoughts, inherent problems to any particular year/model and useful information would be greatly appreciated.

They replaced the dependable Bosch starter with a Valeo starter in the mid/late 80s. It would drop a magnet rendering the starter useless until you repaired it....mine has been reliable since.

Airheads are easy to work on and contrary to popular belief, require no more maintenance than my oilhead.

[bikerfish1100]

of course, saying that the other way around: oilheads, while giving superior performance (engine, brakes, suspension, handling, electrics, etc), are no more labor or maintenance intensive than an airhead.
depending upon the model, seat height is no different than an airhead (comparing my '78S or RS to my '01 R11S).
The OP started out questioning whether to get an airhead or an oilhead. the oilhead is, hands down, the superior machine, unless nostalgia is your primary criterion.

[GlobalRider]

The oilhead is, hands down, the superior machine, unless nostalgia is your primary criterion.


...or unless you have a need for added complexity that only a cell phone can fix. ;)

[Polarbear]

I thought I would never buy another new twin, BUT the bug got me and I have a ''07 GSA1200 sitting alongside my Classic R100/7. The two are worlds apart in many ways, but so very darn good to have. My R100/7, I bought new, so 30 years and 325000 miles on this bike make it so very special and to this day, a long day touring mount for me:). It clearly has little to prove, but the new GSA has much to prove to earn equal billing, imo. I would ride either anywhere, anytime and be equally happy. I pray my new bike has the"GRIT" my older bike has had for so long. You choose an older Airhead of good vintage like my '78 and it will outlast you, I'm certain:). One of my favorite things about the older bike is its easy to work on, where the new stuff is getting to be quite the challenge. I am a mechanic, so this has been important for me. KBasa says work on the old bikes is a concern? I think not, as the older ones are certainly keeping up, with good prep work and maintenance. I've worked on new and old and my old one is a breeze, compared to some of my recent newer BMW's. My KLT was a nightmare and I'm glad its sold! The KLT was one fine runner, though, but working on one is not for the timid...I am 55 and ride fast twisties, although maybe a bit slower nowadays and both my new and old do the job very nicely. Clearly, the newer suspeneded BMW's are very impressive, but my R100/7 is no slouch and has been upgraded nicely and won't be last:). Randy13233:thumb :usa

[44006]

r100/7 with points and tube tires
absolute simplicity for inexpensive self service
dependability for the commute
enough juice to get your heart going in the twisties
unless you are very good
cheap easy to mount and repair tires
easy mod for cheap large cap lawn tractor bat
very easy to remove tank without tools
detachable luggage cases to cary into work

least dependable parts = speedo/tach

[GlobalRider]

r100/7 with points...

I wish my airhead and oilhead GSes had those. I'd gladly give up the maintenance-free aspect of all my electronics for the road-side repairability. Installing a set of points once a year is not what I consider a hassle.

Same goes for carbs. I'd prefer the option of rebuilding them every 5 to 10 years over all the rest of that complexity now found in my oilheads...and no fuel pump needed.

[Boxerkuh]

My RS started to life as a RT, then turned R then turned S, now to RS. It is the best of all worlds. I do favor the monolever airheads... my food for thought.... :eat :drink

[carockwell]

The oilheads brake much better than the airheads. IMHO that is going to save you something someday....

[osbornk]

The oilheads brake much better than the airheads. IMHO that is going to save you something someday....

The later model airheads stop as well as non ABS oilheads. My airhead has excellent brakes.

[GlobalRider]

The oilheads brake much better than the airheads. IMHO that is going to save you something someday....

On the same rubber, how many feet shorter do you think you can stop a heavier motorcycle in?

Its certainly not a matter of single or dual calipers or how many pistons if you can intentionally lock up wheels on both motorcycles.

[SCQTT]

OK sorry, the airheads look cool, but that is about it.


My 93 R100GS will get ran over in the fast lane on any US intersate. Will it go 90+? Sure, but you have to wring its neck and it takes forever. 70 is comfortable on it, but they do not drive 70 where I live anymore.

The brakes might be better on some of the BMW sportbikes, but they are total crap on the GS.

I traded my 650 Dakar in on my 1150GSA & it was a mistake. I could not part with the airhead because of the way it looked but the Dakar was a better motorcycle in all respects. I should have kept the Dakar and traded the 100GS.

Not certain if the OP has an oilhead and is considering trading for an airhead, but I think for most people it would be a big disapointment.

I struggle to put 100 miles on mine a year.


Sorry airhead guys :dunno


With that said I sure would like to find a nice Curry R90/6 ;)

[BobZ]

I have a '78 R100S with Luftmeister and barbacks ( kind of RT'ed) and a '93 K1100LT.

Absolutely love both. Actually alternate weeks riding them to work. If I'm going out with my hard riding buddies I take the LT for handling and power, but for pleasure cruise with wife on board, we'll jump on the R bike.

You will definitely be pleased with an airhead, especially if you like fiddling a little bit with maintenance. No expensive mechanics needed.

[mikeb921]

On the same rubber, how many feet shorter do you think you can stop a heavier motorcycle in?

Airheads and oilheads are NOT on the same rubber. The later Oilheads have tubeless radials with a larger contact patch. My oilhead weight was approx 550 lbs, my hexhead is even less. How much does an airhead weigh?

Its certainly not a matter of single or dual calipers or how many pistons if you can intentionally lock up wheels on both motorcycles.

I can't lock up the wheels on my ABS equipped oilhead or hexhead. That's the POINT. Your airhead is the exception, most airheads can't lock up the wheels. For that matter, who would want to? Maybe your fear of technology comes from lack of understanding. Let me offer some insight.

An airhead traveling in a straight line a 60 mph crests the hill and finds a stalled dump truck in the road and must do a panic stop. The rider grabs ALL the brakes he can using 90% of available traction (if he's good enough to judge that) still not able to stop in time must initiate a change of direction. NO CAN DO, A change of direction uses up more than the 10% available traction remaining. Result? Going down and still heading for the dump truck because change of direction failed. Impact eminent.

Same sanario on an ABS equipped oilhead or hexhead. The rider grabs all the brakes he can without fear of locking up. Still can't stop in time. Rider changes directions (goes around truck) because tires and available traction remaining are sufficient enough to do so. Result? Accident avoided.

Saying you can brake as efficiently on a non ABS airhead as an ABS oilhead or hexhead and doing so are TWO different things. I'm a pretty good rider ( about a half million miles with one minor accident), but I WELCOME any and all technology that is safety related. Anyone who thinks differently is an arrogant, over confident rider who's ONE incident away from an informal education in pain.

I love airheads and want another one, but I FULLY understand their limitations.

Ride Safe
Rideoften

[AntonLargiader]

Its certainly not a matter of single or dual calipers or how many pistons if you can intentionally lock up wheels on both motorcycles.

You've referred to this several times. Having enough power to lock the wheels isn't the be-all and end-all of brakes. Ability to easily modulate the brakes with light lever effort leaves your concentration and dexterity available for dealing with the rest of the situation.

Maybe you don't appreciate the difference (I suspect you really do) but the last 35 years of brake system development have not been for nothing. I can lock the wheel on either of my /5s (single-disk on one, drum on the other) but at impending lockup my ability to maneuver is very compromised by the intense muscle activity going on in my right hand (with the disc) and by my intense focus on the upcoming need to dramatically reduce lever effort (with the drum). I can get the same braking from my R11RS and still handle the bike normally, not distracted by any of that.

Larger rotors, better calipers, etc. It's all for a good reason.

[GlobalRider]

Ability to easily modulate the brakes with light lever effort leaves your concentration and dexterity available for dealing with the rest of the situation.

Anton, I don't have to squeeze my R100 GS brake lever with all that much effort to lock up the wheels, even with just one OEM disc.

I mentioned locking up wheels because from what I've been reading, it sounds like we have too many pencil pushing sissies on the board. Do they not have any strength in their right hand?

But lets get down to numbers. I was on my R100 GS with Sahara 3 tires. Funny how that 1100XX Blackbird only stopped about 5 feet shorter with real street tires and linked brakes while on an advanced riding course.

Getting back to modulating brakes, both on my non-ABS (by choice :thumb ) oilhead and on my airhead, during all so-called real world panic stops, I have gotten the front tire to "sing" while leaving a faint black line on the pavement (that reads no lock-up)...and thats not under parking lots try-outs, but during real world heavy braking thanks to a brain dead bicyclist that decided to do a 180° turn on a country road without looking. His back tire left a rubber mark on my left engine protection guard. Lets not talk about what his shorts probably smelled like.

As for not having enough power, funny how 150 hp bikes have more accidents.:laugh I guess they just don't have enough power to get out of the way. I'm still looking for accident #1 after 33 years of riding.

And if we are looking for the ultimate in braking, why are we even bothing with BMWs. Riders should go out and buy a Yamaha R1...far better acceleration (for safety), far better braking (for safety) and far far better handling. All thats needed in the equation is the better rider which is the case on a lot of forums.

[GlobalRider]

Same sanario on an ABS equipped oilhead or hexhead.

I've read how some riders use ABS several times a year (I'm being conservative on that number). IF they are using ABS that often, they really need to evaluate their judgement skills and maybe take up basket weaving. Sowith the greater number of ABS equipped bikes, why haven't accidents reduced?

Why are you assuming my skills are at your skill level. In the example in the above post, I was at maximum braking (you can't do much more that squeal a front tire without locking up) while also moving a foot or two to the right to avoid that bicyclist.

I guess when I drove to and from work all winter long up here where we get real snow I should have gone down at every street corner. Sorry to disappoint, but that wasn't the case.

Thousands of hours in the cockpit way above the earth with students have taugh me a lot about remaining calm and decision making.

But ABS is more of an emotional topic than anything. Feel free to buy it. I wouldn't take it if the saleman threw it in for free. In fact I would refuse to buy a bike with it.

[Red100RT]

Well, I gotta throw in my two bits for what little it's worth. If I was told I could keep one motorcycle that being my pristine R100RT or my 1150RT I'm afraid the oilhead would have to go. In fact, in '04 had I known about all the drive train problems that apparently plague the oilhead I would have checked out the Kaw Concours for sure even though I don't think much of 35 mpg on a motorcycle a fully loaded msrp of around 13K without many of the rather expensive to fix problems buys a lot of gas.

[R80andR100RT]

I wouldn't buy an oilhead because of the size, weight and styling. Like I said in the other thread, God help you if you do run into something with that giant bulbous tank between your knees. BMW has even made it worse by sculpting cutouts in the sides of the tanks guaranteed to catch your legs.

[MisterMo]

I have a (new to me) '93 R100GSPD and a '05 12GS. Last weekend I rode from Denver to Austin TX on the GSPD and fell in love with the bike.


I think I prefer the GSPD over the 12GS but like everything, it boils down to personal preferences. Here's my observations:

*Braking: winner R12GS. I've read globalriders commentary on ABS, but for me believe ABS is superior. I know how to brake under control, perform emergency maneuvers, etc, but think the ABS computer's brain is superior to mine. There have been times I've grabbed a handful of brake without seeing the sand on the road. The ABS "sees" it, and keeps me under control. I have read y'alls comments about poor airhead braking and feel the GSPD is fine. I don't have any problems with it, but the R12GS ABS system is superior IMO.

*Acceleration: winner GSPD. Please don't misunderstand. The 12GS will smoke the GSPD anyday in this area. However, the GSPD is fast enough and still makes me grin when I get on the gas. I didn't buy a BMW for it's acceleration and in this area, the GSPD is plenty fast. I actually dislike the 12GS acceleration because the power can come on too fast. Sometimes a little throttle will lurch the bike forward too much. Letting off the throttle quickly, does the same. I know one guy who sold his R12GS citing this matter as the reason. With the GSPD, it seems more controlled and is therefore the winner in my mind.

*Speed: winner GSPD. Here again, the GSPD isn't faster than the 12GS. On the highways of west Texas, I cruised at wide open throttle and never exceeded 90mph (loaded). One should assume top speed on a loaded GSPD is 80-85mph. That's plenty fast for me. When overtaking a car travelling at 75mph, it takes some forethought and planning. If I'd had the 12GS on that trip, I would've been cruising at 100mph or more. The GSPD acted as a speed governor of sorts, which I liked. I didn't drift up to 100 mph as I'm sure I would have on a 12GS.

*Handling: winner GSPD. There is no clear winner here. I prefer the GSPD and even though it weighs about the same, it feels lighter to me. The previously mentioned throttle issue on the 12GS affects handling for me. In mid corner when I hit the gas, sometimes the back end kicks out when I don't intend for it to. For me, the 12GS power can come on too quickly. It should be noted that the GSPD has Progressive springs and shocks, so I'm not comparing stock to stock.

Also, at 6'3", I get terrible buffeting from the stock screen on the 12GS. The GSPD has an aftermarket parabellum screen and offers much better wind control on the highway while passing semis. This isn't a fair comparison since I suspect I could get an aftermarket screen to offer the same on the 12GS.

*Comfort: undecided. The GSPD is more comfortable, but has a Corbin seat. The 12GS has an uncomfortable stock seat. While the GSPD is more comfortable to me, it's likely due to the seat.

*Reliability: undecided. I've had no problems of any substance with either bike since I've owned them. I have read the GSPDs have their gremlins, but can be sorted out with some upgrading of the starter, alternator and suspension. I like the ability to perform roadside repairs and look forward to honing my mechanical abilities. I've already disassembled the GSPD somewhat and everything seems pretty logical to me.

*Cost: winner GSPD. I paid $4K for a specimen with 37K miles, upgraded suspension, corbin seat and aluminum boxes. I paid much more for the 12GS.

*Emotional factor: winner GSPD. I used to race bicycles and developed an odd love affair with my bikes. I reasoned it was because they spent so much time between my legs :p , but it's also because they were an extension of me. I've found the same phenomenon to be true with motorcycles. The GSPD is arguably less sexy than a 12GS, but it has more character. The 12GS is more 'refined', but the GSPD seems more 'genuine' and 'real'. I'm finding that after I get it started, I like riding it better than the 12GS. Starting the 12GS is much easier though, so if I'm off to the store for a quick errand, the 12GS wins.

As you can tell, all of this is subjective. If you posed the same question in the oilhead forum, I suspect you'd get answers biased towards the newer bikes.

[kbasa]

To claim that one is "better" than another on some type of empirical grounds is folly. To claim that one prefers one bike over the other because it speaks to you when you ride it is not.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/16226293_ZwEDt-L.jpg

[mikeb921]

Sowith the greater number of ABS equipped bikes, why haven't accidents reduced?
Because more and more young riders are coming on the scene and like you, they think they're infallible.

Why are you assuming my skills are at your skill level.
I assumed no such thing, as a matter of fact, I think our skill levels and ability to learn are worlds apart.



But ABS is more of an emotional topic than anything.
I have to feel sorry for anyone who believes that. You are undoubtably the best rider that ever lived. Continued good luck to you.

Ride Safe
Rideoften

[R80andR100RT]

Also, at 6'3"......, .

Fortunately, You are exactly the rider that BMW has planned the ergonomics of the oilhead series of bikes around. So enjoy.

Unfortunately for BMW if you look at the potential riders in the worlds emerging markets, BMW Motorcycles will forever remain a minor player.

[GlobalRider]

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/16226293_ZwEDt-L.jpg

IF that red one at the left rear of the pack is a mid '90s Moto Guzzi 1000 Daytona or 1100 Sport, I'll take it over the rest of them.

There is styling...and then there IS styling.

[GlobalRider]

You are undoubtably the best rider that ever lived. Continued good luck to you.

1. When you start believing that, you start making getting in over your head. I'm glad I don't believe that, I guess thats why I'm accident free for 33 + years. :p My insurance company loves riders like me...pure profit.

2. Luck has nothing to do with anything; choices do.

[mikeb921]

1. When you start believing that, you start making getting in over your head. I'm glad I don't believe that, I guess thats why I'm accient free for 33 + years. :p My insurance company loves riders like me...pure profit.

2. Luck has nothing to do with anything; choices do.

You responded to the only line in my post that was meant as a joke. You and your insurance company have something in common. See you on down the road.

Ride Safe
Rideoften

[kbasa]

1. When you start believing that, you start making getting in over your head. I'm glad I don't believe that, I guess thats why I'm accident free for 33 + years. :p My insurance company loves riders like me...pure profit.

2. Luck has nothing to do with anything; choices do.


Heh. 28+ years for me until I got nailed by a Uturner last year.

And that red bike in the photo is my 98 VFR. :ha

[GlobalRider]

Heh. 28+ years for me until I got nailed by a Uturner last year.

What...tell me it ain't so...ABS didn't save you. :stick

And that red bike in the photo is my 98 VFR. :ha

Well there is always time to move up to a nice Moto Guzzi 1000 Daytona...what lines. ;)

http://www.dankalal.net/2005trip14/07_14_2005_C.JPG

I'm sort of looking for one, but then I already don't have the time to ride the bikes that I own.

[kbasa]

What...tell me it ain't so...ABS didn't save you. :stick





I was riding my airhead. Even at a fairly slow speed (20mph, maybe?), I couldn't get it hauled down fast enough to stop. I almost made it around them, but the geometry of our relationship on the road and their right foot conspired to knock me down.

I've thought about it and thought about it and I think, given the circumstances, there just wasn't much I could do. I'm pretty fussy about maintaining margins and such when I'm riding, but in this scenario, I was a goner.

And that VFR's never leaving. I've owned it since new and it still makes me giggle when I ride it. 40K and the only issue I've' had is a regulator/rectifier that croaked about 15K miles ago. Every time I ride it, I get about 50 yards down the street and say "damn this is a nice bike" to myself. :heart

[GlobalRider]

I'm pretty fussy about maintaining margins and such when I'm riding, but in this scenario, I was a goner.

No matter who you are, its going to happen. The trick is to have it happen as infrequently as possible.

And that VFR's never leaving. I've owned it since new and it still makes me giggle when I ride it. 40K and the only issue I've' had is a regulator/rectifier that croaked about 15K miles ago.

I hope its the older gear driven cam, non-VTECH model.

The regulator/rectifier issue is a known issue on that model.

You do know about the Electrex (http://www.electrosport.com) site?

[kbasa]

No matter who you are, its going to happen. The trick is to have it happen as infrequently as possible.



I hope its the older gear driven cam, non-VTECH model.

The regulator/rectifier issue is a known issue on that model.

You do know about the Electrex (http://www.electrosport.com) site?

Indeed, which is why I wear all the gear, all the time. You just never know.

I put a standard Honda r/r in when I replaced it more than 5 years ago. Mine is a '98 model, which was the first year for FI. It's an amazing bike. It's got the gear driven cams, which is part of the charm for me. No Vtec, either. I saw that as a giant leap sideways when it came out in the following generation. I've outfitted it with a /5 power outlet (bolts nicely to the footpeg bracketry with some minor mods), Sargent seat, Helibars, heated grips and also have a set of Givi racks for it that go off or on in about ten minutes. Tina rode it all over the west outfitted like that. It's got about a 160mi range, so it's probably not an ideal transcontinental touring platform, but regionally it's just about perfect. You can rip off a 600 mile day without much difficulty, though the peg position is slightly tighter than I like.

I've also added an Ohlins rear shock and upgraded the steering head bearings to tapered bearings instead of the rollers it came with. They were toast at 15K. I currently ride it like a sport bike, so it's got a set of Metzeler M1 Sportecs on it. They grip like crazy and warm up quickly. I had those tires on my R11S and managed to wear the rears out in 1500 miles. The lighter VFR seems kinder to them, but they're still sport tires and don't wear all that long.

I still can't believe that I first rolled that bike into our garage almost ten years ago.

[GlobalRider]

I still can't believe that I first rolled that bike into our garage almost ten years ago.

As I did my 1990 R100 GS nearly 20 years ago. I'm just sorry to have sold my mint 1986 Suzuki R500 Gamma to buy it. But now, I'd never part with my 1990 BMW R100 GS...both my GS Adventures would go first.

[kbasa]

As I did my 1990 R100 GS nearly 20 years ago. I'm just sorry to have sold my mint 1986 Suzuki R500 Gamma to buy it. But now, I'd never part with my 1990 BMW R100 GS...both my GS Adventures would go first.

It's funny how some bikes just never go away. I've got an 82 CB750F that I've owned for more than 20 years. It's in bits right now, but my airhead resto has helped me build a network of people and businesses I can use to put the Honda back together.

I figure I have a couple bikes that are "in play". The two R1200s are those bikes, though I'd really have a hard time getting rid of either one right now. If BMW introduces a GS that's significantly better than my current one, I'd sell. Same with the RT, but it'd have to be a big jump ahead.