Airhead RS comments?

[nhbmw]

I'm considering buying an early 80s R100RS. Are there any weaknesses or problems specific to this model/vintage that I should look for?

Thanks for any advice!

[aaaaaa]

I'm considering buying an early 80s R100RS. Are there any weaknesses or problems specific to this model/vintage that I should look for?

Thanks for any advice!

If it's clean just get it. You'll have to service whatever you buy.
aaaaaa

[deaconjones]

Owning an airhead is like marriage. Weaknesses and problems come with the package. Been in a relationship with a 78 RS for years now. Wouldn't trade it.

[Bob_M]

I have an 82 RS and just love it. When you go fast, it feels fast and the look is timeless beauty.

There is an issue of valve recession that can be diagnosed by viewing the exhaust valve by removing the pipe. With a new valve job, this is considered by many to be the best vintage of the model. The frame is somewhat stiffer than older models, it has the classic twin shock look, Brembo brakes, full size gas tank, and they have the Nikisil cylinder liners that last just short of forever. Yet they retain the big carbs of the earlier vintage and breath well when on-song.

All airheads require attention to maintenance, but that work is simple and satisfying. The charging system is not an issue unique to the 80s vintage, but throughout the range one needs to make sure ground connections are clean and secure, and that all wire connections are connecting to get full use of the 280 watts of power. Many owners upgrade to a 400W alternator (or larger) and are glad of it

Great bikes.

[jforgo]

I love mine. Ditto on above comments.
The only downside to them is they aren't the best Airhead as a city bike. Mirror position not the best, and the short bars make the city, or unpaved, rather a chore.
But they sing on the open road!

[TGHSMITH]

the only truely model related problem might be the solid lower fairing center section that was used 81-84, rs and rt, but this can be replaced by the grill type that was used both earlier and later, check for cracks in the faring around the mirror mount and turn signal areas, sign of falling over.. all other airhead considerations do apply...

[mymindsok]

I'm considering buying an early 80s R100RS. Are there any weaknesses or problems specific to this model/vintage that I should look for?

Thanks for any advice!

The big problem with owning an RS is that the bike likes to be ridden fast and the faster it's ridden, the better it feels.

Since a good example is capable of speeds up around 125 mph in street trim, this characteristic could become hard on your wallet but on the other hand, it'll ease the burdens of the soul.

Your choice...!

[toooldtocare]

I am on my second RS in about 16 years. The first was a mono-shock version (88) and my second one is a twin shock (78 Motorsport) edition also highly modified. I agree, the K75S bars makes a big difference, at least it did for me at only 6 feet. Other than that, a perfectly stock one will give you many miles of satisfaction.

[macstudley]

ÔÇ£Loud Wheels Save LivesÔÇØ

I bought a new ÔÇÖ84 R100RS and fell in love with it immediately. It currently has 160,000+ miles on it. IÔÇÖve ridden it from the southern tip of the Baja to Hyder, Alaska and a lot of places in between.

It has had itÔÇÖs share of mods over the years. I put a factory sport cam in it almost immediately along with a few other engine upgrades. I also changed the final drive to a 37:11=3.36 so I can keep up with my friends on their crotch rockets in the mountains of north Georgia and western North Carolina.

Needless to say, IÔÇÖve had my share of charging system failures over the years.
I finally had Rick Jones from Motorrad Elektrik install an Omega 400 watt charging system which is quite an improvement over stock and much more reliable. TodayÔÇÖs Omega system is 450 watt.

Back in the day, Koni shocks were the only aftermarket shocks available. But when they stopped making motorcycle shocks I tried Ikon shocks, what a piece of s*#t they were. After six months I put Works Performance shocks on itwhat an improvement that is. Ill never use another brand of shocks again.

I have always had the stock handlebars and windshield on the RS, but at 5ÔÇØ5ÔÇØ itÔÇÖs a perfect fit for me. I also went to a Corbin Canyon Dual Sport seat back in the mid 80ÔÇÖs. As you know, the stock seat is like sitting on a 2X4.

ThereÔÇÖs even a picture of it in the rally pictures from the October BMW ON on page 92.

Mac McEnheimer

[JAMESDUNN]

I feel like I am sitting in the cockpit of a WW11 fighter plane when I ride my ol' RS, which is often. I especially feel this way when I wear my silk scarf! Best fairing.....ever. Buy it, you'll feel the same.
JD

[Krpntr]

don't do it don't do it!!!! Your norml frends will look at you funny. You won't care. I have been riding an 82 r100 for 100k in the city and on he hiway as my primary transportation. When not running it tore my heart out. It will only lead to pain. You will lose time from work caus the bike won't take the exit, your cat will move out,and you will start drinking dark beer.