Thinking about a motorcycle

[nh500sl]

Maybe soemthing like this.

http://eugene.craigslist.org/mcy/760708286.html

Any first hand experience?

[dynalow]

Nice bike. 55,000 miles on that isn't too much. Is this your first bike? Big machine for a first timer. Suggest you consider engine guards to protect heads. Can't offer any first hand experience or BMW's..sorry.

[cjlipps]

I'm a little biased but that's a great bike! My only reservations are with the rebuilt transmission. They don't typically fail at that mileage (but there's always a chance). Who did the rebuild is my main question. These trannies are not for the amateur to delve into.
My 1985 model is identical to this one except this one is an original 1000cc model and mine was an 800cc that I grafted a 1000cc top end onto.
It will handle very well and be comfortable for all day cruising if that's your deal. Some people find them not suited for interstate drones and prefer a heavier (a la Goldwing) bike for this duty. The BMW is easy to work on, handles well at low speeds and on unimproved surfaces and in proper tune will return low to mid 40's for fuel economy.
E-mail me if you want more (biased) information. I have owned quite a few BMW's and am quite knowledgeable re these airheads.
You might check the price against the classified section on the IBMWR marketplace. Do a search for Internet BMW Riders and you can find the classifieds. This price seems a little high but then if the bike is right, it will give you years of dependable service. I've owned mine since 1990.

[cjlipps]

http://www.ibmwr.org/market/

Found it. Try this.

[kramlavud]

Great bike, I wanted an airhead R100RT or R80RT but bought an oilhead '94 R1100R instead and love it. Spend some time on bmwmoa.com and ibmwr.org for all the information you need.
BTW, BMW makes a wide range of motorcycles; I'm sure you will find something to fit your needs. Also take the basic riders course by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation; it is offered by your community college; and always wear the proper clothing.
regards,
Mark

[WVOtoGO]

Originally Posted by kramlavud

Also take the basic riders course by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation; it is offered by your community college; and always wear the proper clothing.

Best advice here so far.

Anyone who tells themselves “I don’t need that.” is a fool, flirting with having a shortened lifespan.


Known a few BMW riders/owners. They all loved their bikes. I’ve often thought of one myself. (after the kids are off to school)
Don't know that much about them, but that one looks pretty nice to me.

[catmandoo62]

i had a 78 r100s which i regret selling to this day. i now have a 2000 r1100rt-p.as mentioned i would wonder about the transmission work.thats one thing you should never have to mess with.at least not for the first 100,000 miles.

[Angel]

I hear nothing but good things about airheads - but I'm also one of those "prefer diesel and old mechanical stuff" guys that hang out here =)

My father has an R65 that sits, and I'd like to take it off of his hands, but it seems that the R65 is the red-headed stepchild of the airhead market.

That R80/R100 is a good bike, and will last a long time. Expect to get back into valve adjustments and rear-end oil changes.

-John

[123c]

I saw a BMW police bike at a bike wrecking yard in Seattle a few months ago. Some of the plastic on it was broken, but I think it ran well...

[catmandoo62]

you can get the plastic parts pretty cheap on ebay.