R100GS PD vs. R80GS PD

[RubenJames]

I am going back and forth on which is the better bike for world travel. Any suggestions would help. Thanks for time and consideration. Ruben

[nh7robmw]

Hi Ruben; The R80 should handle better in the dirt while the R100 will be a bit more at home on pavement and provide more carrying capacity. There's probably a lot more to it than that but that's what I see in a nutshell.

I have a absolutely gorgeous R100GSPD sitting in a California garage (fully prepped for storage) that I'd be willing to part with for some serious bucks in case you are interested. It's not getting ridden like it should be as I'm never over there to ride it. Was completely rebuilt/rennovated 5000 miles ago and looks and rides as new. Ohlins, Progressives, Zega boxes, etc. PM me if interested.

Good luck deciding which way to go---they're both great machines for RTW and you won't go wrong with either model.

[tkpinsc]

I am going back and forth on which is the better bike for world travel. Any suggestions would help. Thanks for time and consideration. Ruben

The r80 is smoother, and less stressed due to the smaller displacement. It is also lighter and simpler to maintain due to the monolever driveshaft.

The later bikes probably perform better, but world travel is more about reliability and reparability then performance and even a few pounds will make a difference when your pulling the bike out of a mudhole or trying to lift it upright on a rocky hill.

[Boxerkuh]

I really don't think it matters. If you have neither, you can go with what you will find. Doing world travel greatly depends on the state of maintenance on the bike and if you are planning on doing that you will need to have to through the bike anyway. Money wise they may be very simular. The market does not bear a whole lot, so finding a good example maybe the deciding factor more than anything. Good luck in your search.

[Polarbear]

Had one in 1982 and found it quite an easy bike to fix anywhere, BUT its for a smaller rider. The big 8 gallon Dakar tank is too tight for a long legged rider and I found it cramped my 6' style. The R100 would be better for a big rider, but the weakness is the driveshaft u joints. All else said, the two are very good bikes and go nearly anywhere you want. I have a good friend who rode around the world, two up on a R80GSPD, really loaded:). It took a beating and kept going. He still has it in Phoenix, not for sale. Al Jesse! Randy"Polarbear"

[beemerguru]

Biased here since I've rebuilt/restored about 26 G/Ss and 2 GSs.

G/S has a shorter wheel base and the monolever drive. Early GS bumped the engine up to 1000 and added 3" to the wheelbase with the paralever. Also accelerates better with the change in rear drive ratio. GS has a sturdier front end but that can be retrofitted to the G/S.

G/Ss can easily be bumped up to 1000, 1050 or even 1070 engines. I'm 6'1" and 240 and ride 4 G/S, each with a PD tank. Cross country and Baja are normal cruises with no problems.

Each one can be upgraded to your heart's (wallet's) content(s). Electrical, suspension, gas tank, seats, engine, etc.

MANY common components between the models.