Touring on a 1983 BMW R100RS

Reader Contribution by Dennis Wymore
Published on November 15, 2011
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The Wymore’s 1983 BMW R100RS and trailer at Monarch Pass in Colorado.

Salmon against the stream: One classic airhead, one trailer, one wife, many destinations:
Who tours on old – read Classic – bikes these days? I may be a salmon swimming against the motorcycling stream, as my wife, Mary, and I ride a 28-year-old 1983 BMW R100RS. We bought the bike as newlyweds, kept it when the kids were growing up, and have just kept riding it as it is now a member of the family. Admittedly it is fairly well cared for, and has somewhat low miles at around 88,000. We still like it, so we’ve kept it, maintained it, and ride it! Fact of the matter is, it’s only been in the last four years that we have ventured over 300 miles from home. We are making up for lost time!

On our most recent trip, some 3,150 miles, I crossed paths with three “older” cycles out there. Just three! And I can’t be sure that they were not “locals” … who knows? In fact on our trip, which took place on the week just after the festivities at Sturgis, roughly eight out of 10 bikes seemed to be late model Harleys, and my guess is that 80 percent of those were “baggers.” And I saw way too many touring bikes on trailers … what can they be thinking? Call it the Sturgis effect, I guess.

Which raises the question; are the older, shall we say classic bikes in such condition that they are not roadworthy? Have the owners pushed them to the back of the garage while riding a newer model? Or, have they succumbed to the belief that a classic bike is not capable of being pressed into touring service because all that they see out touring are the big luxo touring bikes. A belief that Classic bikes can’t be ridden that far. There is no doubt that modern touring bikes are more comfortable compared to some of the “elder statesmen” of the biking world, however I believe that the classics can still be, and should be put to use. And I back up that belief by getting out and going the distance! They, older machines, are most likely going to ride and handle as good or as badly as they did when new, OK, time does have its way with shocks and springs, bearings and bushings, and let’s not forget electrical systems. But an older bike’s comfort and handling can be improved with modern suspension upgrades to shocks and forks. There have been several articles written on the subject. Often a new touring seat is also worth considering, and often not. Let your wallet and your needs be your guide!

There are mechanical issues that need to be dealt with when your tour on any motorcycle either late model or the classic. Most can be satisfied with either an appointment at a service shop with some cash changing hands, or opening up a repair manual for some quality wrench time. Any mechanical issue that can be dealt with before you leave is best, no, an absolute must. Remember … the mechanic who works on Fords and Buicks in the middle of Nebraska will likely just turn away any motorcycle problem you bring his way!

Making Preparations
Heeding my own advice, I spent a couple of weeks in the evenings prepping our bike for the tour we were planning. My bike’s preparation is a complete change of fluids, a tune up, and a trip to my dealer for new tires, where the wheel bearings were checked out (one needed replacing!). I am as confident in the bike getting us to our destination and back as I can make it. Next add fuel and it is ready to go.

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