What’s the story of finding this low mile, well-kept 1993 R100GS?
I had just bought an ’88 RT without fairing in April of ’23, and within about 100 miles discovered it had been chewing up the right cyl rod bearing, something I can only assume the PO wasn’t aware of. Set about surgery on that one thanks to the Beemer Barn in Lockport, NY and in the meantime needed something to scratch the spring riding itch. The dream had always been a PD, but found this GS with only 15,550 miles in Detroit for what to me seemed a hell of a deal. A couple phone calls and a promise to my wife I’d be back by morning- I left after work on the 5 hour drive and was back by midnight.
Did the seller provide good records and maintenance history?
The seller was the third owner, but had owned it for over 10 years. A former engineer that helped develop some pretty incredible on/off-road emergency response vehicles for the military and first responder contracts— needless to say during his tenure, and those of POs, this bike was kept well. A thorough hand-written log started in the original owners manual, then added later by the second owner in a printed maintenance log, and finally digitized in a spreadsheet with the third owner— it has complete service history. Additionally, it’s been a treat to discover the paint marks on all of the bolt heads, likely reapplied during each service.
Did it come with both the solo and dual seats?
Unfortunately not! This came in stock form with the double seat, which is very comfortable but I love the look of the single. This is a reproduction from Bayer, who sent along one hell of a German pilsner with it and some rad period-correct 90s BMW and aftermarket stickers. Fitment isn’t perfect, and I can tell it isn’t OEM, but it will do for now.
How does the GS and Airhead 247 compare with other bikes you’ve owned or ridden?
I’ve primarily ridden dual-sport bikes, starting with a DR350, then KLR- with one deviation being an ’89 Honda Hawk NT650 (an incredibly underrated bike, btw). That Mono RT I got 100 miles out of and this GS are my first 247s. What initially stood out to me was the engine-breaking, the loping torque-twist at idle and low RPMs, and then that undeniable character of glancing down and seeing those cylinders. It has a utilitarian quality to it, for the most part everything is where it is because it made sense—and isn’t shrouded in miles of wiring and plastic (disregard fairing frustrations to follow). Analog.
What were some of the peculiar aspects of this bike and airheads (in general) you’ve had to process and get used to?
The glaring one that stands out for this bike in particular is the fairing and signal design, then the headlight assembly as I just did the lens swap. Big oof there. A major draw for me into this world comes from the community— that RT came with every Airheads Beemer Club magazine issue going back 20 years- the kind of people that work hard to preserve the knowledge of these machines to increase their lifespan for the good of order. This is the way. And it’s made me step-up my work ethic. Its funny how getting a machine like this with a history like that can compel me to restructure my garage, get a lift, install lighting —all to at least meet, if not exceed, the efforts of those that came before me to continue making this thing spit holy hellfire up two-track roads.
What is the appeal in keeping this bike (mostly) in its “born as” stock form?
I’m sure some purists will balk at anybody claiming this bike to be stock, but it certainly was up until about a month ago when I finished all this work (and have kept every bolt, washer and part to revert if needed). So this has been the trickiest part of owning the GS so far- I have a dream of what I want this bike to look like, but its in such beautiful shape as-is its a battle to fight against my urge to personalize it. It will stay as it is for now, but if I’m able to, I’d like to find a replacement tank, fairing pieces and side covers and have them painted. It would alleviate some nerves for when this thing hits fire-roads / on the 3000 mile trip to the California coast I’m doing this June. Ultimately, for better or worse, I’m not in a position to have a bike like this as a show piece- so we’ll see what itch manifests and some winter tune-up and down time makes for scratching.
Repairs and maintenance you’ve done during your ownership tenure?
1 Filter change, 3 oil changes (probably overkill)
Trans fluid
Rear drive fluid
Top end reseal, kit from Boxer2Valve
Neutral safety switch
Heidenau K60 Ranger tires
Delete of fuel solenoids when fuel hoses cracked
Replace corroded collector with Y-pipe
Replaced leaking rear shock
Side cover grommets, rubber exhaust stud.
Centerstand plug
Speedo grommet
New plugs
Prior to me was a spline lube 500 miles ago, with an inspection of the driveshaft
Modifications you’ve done and ones you are considering?
Boxxerparts.de Dual-lens Headlight
Single Seat and rack from Bayer
TracTive X-Cite Shock from Beemershop
Deleted Pulse Air-Injection system
LED Taillight
Tank pads from CSS
Cacko Tall Windscreen (not pictured)
SuperTrapp Y-Pipe and Muffler (7 Discs)
Euro style, early starter cover
Considering: (this is where things get uglier for the purists)
Driveshaft form Beemershop
Barkbusters
Bar risers
Signal minder
Charging system upgrade
Clearwater Lights
PD or HPN Tank
High Fender
R1100GS Rear End with disk brake conversion?
As part of the “next generation” of airhead riders under 40, what do your friends and contemporaries say about your bike?
I’ve got a buddy that rides nothing but Yamaha, another only Buell (maybe a similar level of enthusiasm among those fellas), and the rest are riding T7/AT/GSA or whatever the next new thing is. There’s a blend of ‘Hell yeah, brother’ and ‘That thing is too old to abuse’. There’s something to that last point— they’re probably only going to get more valuable.
I can only assume its been the case for the life of these bikes, but it’s very much a ‘if you know, you know’ thing. I’m new to this world but my take is that overall, it’s pretty easy to assume that anybody on an airhead anymore is a fanatic and a bit quirky, so its been a fun ride getting to know the community and the different types attracted to these old air-cooled twins.
