R100T or R100/7?

[blackhorse]

I have been researching the possible purchase of what I thought was a 1979 R100T airhead. From everything I have been able to tell the serial numbers for a USA delivered R100T fall between 6103001 to 6134000 and 6150001 to 6150396 for the European vesrsion

The bike in question is Serno. 6170### which indicates it is a USA bound Jan 79 built R100/7 (6170205 to 6170354). The title also claims this bike as a 1979 BMW motorcycle (no model indicated).

I thought R100/7 production to the USA ended in 1978 and the R100T was the new base replacement for 1979 and 1980. This bike has the voltmeter and clock pods, the engine guards, the rear mudflap and a seat that looks just like a '79 "T" model. But then again those items would also fit a R100/7

Anybody know what's up? Did they make R100Ts from already produced R100/7s frames and ship them across the Atlantic pond? Is the serial number meaningless? Did someone make a clerical error at BMW?

Inquiring minds gotta know!!!

Pete

[lkchris]

It was simply a change in model naming and in the standard equipment package.

It wouldn't surprise if the official factory serial number records continued to call the bike a /7.

There was no change in the frame. (From '77-'80 in fact.)

The '77 and '78 R100/7 came without extra gauges or saddlebag mounts. It had 32mm carbs and 9.0 compression and a unique rear axle ratio.

The '79-'80 R100T came with bag mounts, gauges, and crash bars. The engine was the same engine as all other R100s for the year, '79 with 9.5 compression, '80 with 8.2 compression, as was the rest of the drivetrain.

Both /7 and T models had drum rear brake, in contrast to rear disc on others.

Info here
http://www.omnilex.com/public/bmw78/

[tvrla]

The T also came with dual discs up front.

But I don't think it had such low compression as 8.2. I believe they went to the 8.2 compression ratio in 86 when they re-introduced the R series again. The T had the same motor as the other R100s of that period with, I think 8.5/1 compression, or maybe 8.7.

Think of the R100T as a naked RS, RT, or S and you'll have it. It also had the /7 seat without the cowl.

[lkchris]

The T also came with dual discs up front.

But I don't think it had such low compression as 8.2. I believe they went to the 8.2 compression ratio in 86 when they re-introduced the R series again. The T had the same motor as the other R100s of that period with, I think 8.5/1 compression, or maybe 8.7.

Nope, all 1000s were 8.2 from 1980-1984.

When reintroduced, they were 8.5.