Need tips for my R100GSPD

[jimfix93675]

I just bought a 1993 R100GSPD and will be my main touring bike/adventure bike. Weak points are the paralever drive shaft wearing out prematurely and the electronics. Any Airhead Guru's that want to impart widsom my way would be much appreciated. I plan to do the Canadian Alps in late June or early July with this bike. My bike has 27K original miles and is bacially stock except for a Super Trap silencer, rejetted carbs, K & N filter.
Jim

[DaveG]

Why not consider rebuilding the final/bevel drive before it wears out?

[jimfix93675]

What does that entail. The bike just has 27K. Is there an upgrade kit?
Jim

[m0t0-ryder]

Hi JIm,

Nice old PD!

I’ve got an ’88 R100GS.
A friend has a ’92 GSPD.

A couple of weaknesses of the early 100GS’es were the diode board and the electrics rotors.
I’ve gone thru a couple diode boards before I got my heavy duty unit.
It’s diodes are much bigger, reportedly coming from the auto industry.
(I also did the solid mount kit for the diode board)

I would recommend either replacing the diode board with the heavy duty after market unit or purchasing this and carrying it with you on longer trips.

It’s called the Thunderchild…. http://www.thunderchild-design.com/homepage.html

Here’s some more links to help you out.

The Airheads Beemer Club is (IMO) the best place to find info and help on the old airheads!

Airheads Beemer Club…
http://www.airheads.org/

The Tech Tips pages there are invaluable.
http://www.airheads.org/content/category/3/77/98/

Their Airhead wiki…
http://wiki.airheads.org/index.php?title=Main_Page

Here’s an awesome description of the Airhead Electrics…
http://www.airheads.org/content/view/177/49/
(print it out & keep it with your beemer info)


Other sites…

Here’s a good parts reference page…
(not sure if there still in business???)
http://www.bobsbmw.com/catalog/2003_...Head_Parts.pdf

Here’s the BMW MOA Airhead site…
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

Here’s the ADVrider Airheads Tips & Tricks sticky…
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169507

There.... that ought to keep you busy for awhile!

[eye.surgeon]

That bike looks like a lot of fun. From what I've heard despite a few niggles as mentioned above, the essentials are pretty much bullet-proof. Lots of fun riding near Reedley.

[jimfix93675]

Thanks John for the tips and links.
Jim

[kluts]

Jim Your bike is beautiful.

Rather than rebuild the rear now, just service the splines well. The drive angle is what kills it, it wasn't engineered to handle the angled forces coming from the output shaft.

Spline greasing is not too complicated but is time consuming. $325 at your local BMW shop and no guarantee they'll do it right. M0t0Ryder has given you excellent sources and likely the airheads club site has a procedure with pictures.

Some claim that a Honda grease for coating the shaft splines is better than that used by BMW. Likely true, the BMW grease being good for only 10K miles. Since your 93 is, ahem, getting near vintage this job is a good idea even at 27K miles. Grease dries up.

Again, ADV rider forum's airhead and GSPot threads may shed light on this. I am going to be doing my 1200 this spring.

Little else goes wrong than the diodes. However, the charging system is NOT up to lots of electrical farkles and add-ons, and if you use your heated grips, don't use a vest, etc. Grips, vest, add-on lights, foot warmers and a Garmin used together will put you in one spot for a very long time while replacing the alternator core and regulator/diodes.

Synchronizing the carbs is relatively easy and smoothes this beast out nicely. Use 89 or better RON fuel, it won't be happy on cheap stuff. The bike is relatively easy on brake pads. The clutch, while better than the R1100's, doesn't like overloading and feathering. Engage it and leave it. Shifting gears becomes an art, and once you find the shifting sweet spots with your throttle hand, it will do it smoothly. (edit) Also remember to do the valves every 3-4K. Set them on the loose side of the tolerance range. They will clatter a little bit more, but this is good. "Airhead valves should be heard and not seen" is the old adage!! It's an easy to do procedure with very little oil loss.

Airhead GS's generate lots of smiles and conversation. Enjoy!!

[jonboy59]

I noticed you have, or have had another BMW in your garage. If you are not a member of the BMW MOA that would be an idea. Their monthly magazine has a column devoted to airheads and their service issues, that is written by a VERY knowledgable guy. I'm sure the articles are archived so you could access the older ones for info.
Good luck!

[kluts]

NOW I notice you have an R90/6. So you know most of the stuff I wrote. I feel really little

[jimfix93675]

I can't seem to find any vendor that sells handlebar risers and footpeg lowering kits for my GSPD. Any direction would be appreciated.
Jim