Topic: 1978 BMW R100S

[jas67]

There are plenty of R100's out there.   If that's what TT wants, that's what he should get.

[754]

Way cheaper to insure a 650 here..
 Sleeper bikes can be fun..

[toytuff]

Thanks guys. I'm still trying to learn how these Germans labeled the model years and engine displacement. 

Actually the R65 is fine for what I would use it for. No long road trips for me unless it was in my new car. In town and local towns is about it any more.

I'm just looking to pick something up, priced within reason and different. A bike to freshen up, tinker, keep hands and mind busy if you will. BMW motorcycles are not in stone with me it just seems there are more of them in my area or at least somewhat closer. No truck, no trailer makes it a little harder too.

I appreciate the replies on the BMW line as I know very little about them but always willing to learn.

TT

[calj737]

Can you put the 900 or 1000 topend on the 650... Or do they not fit.?

They do not fit. The R80 can be fitted with a big bore kit and/or dual plug heads, a better cam, etc. The 90, 100 have the most options. Early '74 bikes and older in the 90/100 also had kick starts, but those were dropped mid-year '74. And, some 90/100s had an issue of too weak flywheel bolts that if you went bonsai with the performance upgrades, you'd shear the flywheel. Short of changing the crank, there was little option to avoid this issue.

My '74 90 has the second generation bolts but even still I had the flywheel milled, the clutch plate, the crank and swapped the 5th gear to a shorter ratio for better in-twon/canyon riding. Mine is not to be set up for highway riding, so I'd rather have the torque.

[754]

Ummmm my R100RT had a factory kicker.. 80 or 81 that one was..
 I think the 650 may tend to be priced softer..if he wants to try out a Beemer..

[Stev-o]

...unless it was in my new car.

What new car?  Let me guess, it's white??!

[simon#42]

Can you put the 900 or 1000 topend on the 650... Or do they not fit.?

They do not fit. The R80 can be fitted with a big bore kit and/or dual plug heads, a better cam, etc. The 90, 100 have the most options. Early '74 bikes and older in the 90/100 also had kick starts, but those were dropped mid-year '74. And, some 90/100s had an issue of too weak flywheel bolts that if you went bonsai with the performance upgrades, you'd shear the flywheel. Short of changing the crank, there was little option to avoid this issue.

My '74 90 has the second generation bolts but even still I had the flywheel milled, the clutch plate, the crank and swapped the 5th gear to a shorter ratio for better in-twon/canyon riding. Mine is not to be set up for highway riding, so I'd rather have the torque.

the weak flywheel issue was on the early 5 series bikes and was sorted by the time the 900's and then 1000 's were released ,your 74 should have the bigger bolts . the kickstarts were around until the 90's the g/s 800 and 650 had them as well as the latter r100gs . over here the police issue bikes also had them . i have just bought one from a late gs for my st , i use the late flywheel which has very little mass and a ceramic clutch plate , after many years of messing my bike does now make decent power .
just to be awkward cal....... changing the gearing will not alter the torque , just the gearing .

[toytuff]

...unless it was in my new car.

What new car?  Let me guess, it's white??!

Nope. 

tt

[toytuff]

Popped up this morning. Sweetness!

tt

[Stev-o]

Like the Guzzi...and the Accord too!

[jas67]

Sweet!     

IIRC, the the 850-T is one of the models that originally had chrome plated cylinder bores.
You'll want to make sure that they've either been sleeved with iron sleeves, or the cylinders have been replaced with Gilardoni nikasill plated ones.

As the chrome plated bores age, the chrome plating comes off in flakes.   These flakes will trash the oil pump, which will result in trashed crank journals and other major damage.

It isn't a matter of if, but, when this happens.   If you buy a Guzzi with the original chrome plated cylinders, don't even start it.   Replace the cylinders right away.

The Gilardoni cylinder + piston kits are about $1,000, so, figure that into the purchase price.

IIRC, all loop-frame Guzzis, and the round-find Tonti frame bikes (at least the first few years) had the chrome plated bores.

The loop frame bikes are the original V7 (not Sport) V700, Ambassador, and Eldorado.    The 850-T is an early Tonti frame with round-fin cylinders.    Other early Tonti frame bikes include the V7 Sport, 750S, 750S3, 850-T, and 850-T3.

That said, that is one sweet bike.    It certainly looks like a restored bike that is being ridden, so, it more than likely has lined or nikasil cylinders.

Popped up this morning. Sweetness!

tt

[toytuff]

Thanks for the info Jay! Yeah, I have a lot to learn.

According to the CL ad (Phoenix) the motor has been rebuilt so that would be a great question. Price is not that bad for a running/titled Guzzi with the stock seat also included.

Did notice the stock air box is missing. Looks like a KN filter.

Ducati went with chrome rocker arms for a few years. Same issue, flaking. Some did, some did not.

Always appreciate the information found on this site.

TT

[jas67]

Thanks for the info Jay! Yeah, I have a lot to learn.

HERE:
http://wildguzzi.com/forum

and HERE:

www.guzzitech.com/forums/

According to the CL ad (Phoenix) the motor has been rebuilt so that would be a great question. Price is not that bad for a running/titled Guzzi with the stock seat also included.

If the price is good, and it is well sorted, buy it, and enjoy it!     You can always sell it for what you paid down the road if when it is time to move on.

[Stev-o]

Price is not that bad for a running/titled Guzzi

Mind if we ask the price? 

[toytuff]

Price is not that bad for a running/titled Guzzi

Mind if we ask the price?

$3500. On Phoenix CL.

tt

[toytuff]

Stand by, stand by please.

Just got a call on a possible project. Waiting on details.

All I know at this time is or was told:

RZ350. Thought a mid eighties bike.

Titled.

Needs some tlc.

Some parts with purchase.

Hope it's yellow and black! 

tt

[jas67]

RZ350 -- COOL!

Those have been going up in value steadily too.

[Stev-o]

RZ is a nice bike! My buddy has one in minty shape. I am dying to ride it...

[toytuff]

Will see guys. Might be a RD400. He did say it was a very collectible bike. It's his neighbor. Getting some pictures and details. If the pictures look promising I'll eyeball it tomorrow with cash in hand. 

He thought it was a four stroke so who knows where this will go.
I ran a project wanted on CL.

Stand by.....

tt

[toytuff]

RZ350 -- COOL!

Those have been going up in value steadily too.

Yes, yes they have.

tt

[Stev-o]

RD400 is a nice bike, I wouldn't categorize it as "very collectible" though. The RZ350, yes!

I bought my RD350 about 3-4 years ago, I like it a lot and is very fun to ride. I consider it a toy because of the size of the frame.  Nice to ride around town but no way take a trip on.

Ive used it at COTA as a pit bike...

[toytuff]

Hoping to set a time today to see just what this actually is. Seller was out of town. His neighbor is the one that called me.

With that being said one report says RZ350 but maybe a four stroke. I'll just have to wait. Plan on some high res shots and will post up if worthwhile.

There were some other bad boys from Yamaha in the mid eighties. The 600 had to be a little screamer not to mention the 1100.

tt

[Stev-o]

I would like any of those three!

[toytuff]

Update:

Don't know about your area but every other person here has the Flu. Well, so does the owner of said bike. Don't need that as my other half has been very ill since December 31 ST. Not getting better either.

So, what do I know dealing with a third party?

Bike is very clean and original. (Will see)

Needs a little tlc I.E.: carburetor work. (Will see) Probably tires and brake work.

Bike is in fact a 1985 RZ350. Color unknown as I believe Red and Yellow for the year. The later is worth more but a clean RZ would be nice addition.

Asking price is 2K. High? Not sure without looking at it. Negotiation. Never hurts to try.

Please jump in here with comments and concerns. You folks like that kind of stuff.  I didn't want to spend that much for a project but for this model I think it would be worth it.

TT

[jas67]

$2k for a clean RZ350 -- jump, NOW!

A clean RZ350 in good running order is worth more like $4k-$5k.
Deduct from there for any needs that it has.