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BMW introduced R100GS (for Gelände Sport, Gelände meaning something between "country" and "field" in German) in 1988, and the Paris-Dakar version in 1990. Starting in 1992, the Paris-Dakar was re-designated the PD due to some legal conflict with the organizers of the Paris-Dakar rally, for which it was named. Details on the BMW GS series can be found in exhausting detail at Jean Moxhet's GS pages.
 The original R100GS had the fork-mounted instrument pod like the R80G/S. The '88 models only had a small tombstone fairing around the headlight. This was probably the most dirt-capable version. |
 The Paris-Dakar model got heated grips, the solo seat and extended rack, 9.5 gallon tank, bash plates, chin spoiler, and the frame-mounted instrument pod (speedo, tach, and clock) and fairing. Starting in '92 this was known as the PD. |
 In 1991, the GS received the instrument pod from the PD, although the sides of the fairing were changed to accomodate the smaller tank. The low fender became standard while the high one was optional. For the GS and the PD: K-type controls and a floating front brake rotor were added and the clock was removed from the instrument pod (the tach became full-size and the clock was a separate unit). |
| Weight | 477 lb. |
| Acquired | May 1999 |
| Starting miles | 38,000 |
| Last known miles | 138,000 |
My bike came to me as Helga from Rob Libbert in NC. It was wrecked, but after a lot of work it re-emerged as Swamp Thing. After numerous other adventures, including being sideswiped by a car in August 2001, it underwent a significant rebuild and emerged as the Yellow Menace. Repairs to this bike over the years have been too numerous to list, but it leads a fairly hard life and nearly everything on it can be considered a wear item, including the crash bars, turn signals, clutch, and handlebars. Most importantly, though, it received a complete new paint job in Ducati Yellow.
Wudo Streamliner windshield
Progressive fork springs
Fox rear shock
Touratech Zega panniers
Centerstand bash plate
Rubber hose mounts for rear turn signals
"Ricky bars" Pro-Taper handlebar conversion.
Driveshaft: although many people have had poor reliability from the driveshaft, I replaced mine proactively at 65,000 miles and found the old one to have very little torsional play. There was some axial play in one part, indicating (to me) improper staking of the bearing caps, but the shaft is still usable. The replacement has been in place for 55,000 miles and is in perfect condition.
I ran the bike with water in the transmission and ruined it. I got a replacement from an earlier Airhead and used it for a while before having it rebuilt to GS specifications (output seal area). Recently I damaged the throwout bearing and took the opportunity to upgrade to the needle bearing design.
The speedometer reads about 10mph fast, but the odometer is within a percent or two of being correct.
Good pictures are on Hilko Siebels' pages on the rebuild and the first ride
Also there are a few shots in the Ocala Story.
Replacement Valeo starters: (also read the rebuilding article)
Bob Spencer
Ace Houston Warehouse
1-800-392-3332
Their part# 432586, was D6RA15
Replacement fork parts:
Forking by Frank:
Frank's Maintenance and Engineering, Inc.
945 Pitner Avenue Evanston, IL, 60202
Phone: (847)475-1003
www.frankmain.qpg.com
Micapeak.com the original GS website
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