Is This 1977 BMW R100S The Perfect Vintage Bike?

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On this episode of Dude, I Love My Ride we check out a 1977 BMW R100S with well over 100,000 miles. ( www.alltfl.com/ )
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[@alynnhiscox7303]

Nice video. I have a '76 R90/6 with 322,000 miles that's been in my family since 1977. I've owned it since 1994 and put 265,000 of the miles on it myself. It's more of an old friend than a machine at this point.

[@nonsononessunooko4066]

part of the family

[@duncanmacpherson2013]

Nice bike and nice video. I have a 75 R90/6 here in London which has now been around the clock and is a similar red colour. I have had it over 20 years and I use it most days. This started out in Boston USA but a motorcycle dealer imported it to the UK

[@carlarthur4442]

These bikes speak quality 👌 I have a 1987 B M W K75c had it about 15 years , done about 76000 miles , but still going strong , Great bikes .😊

[@holzig5229]

I bought a new '78 R100/7 when starting my career. I'm retired and still have it. Many long trips in the Texas Hill Country and Rocky Mountains kept my sanity. I'm an engineer and really appreciate it's design, functionality, simplicity, maintainability and reliability.

[@noelbrown6771]

Back in 1983, a coworker German immigrant Welder rode his to the jobsite everyday rain or shine. It had over 300,000 miles on it. His dealer mechanic had registered the motorcycle at 200,000 miles with BMW Motors. He was awarded with commemorative " 200,000 mile club" BMW replacement tank emblems installed on his bike.

[@zaum2002]

Word. I have a 1980 R100 (no suffix) in schwarz with that fairing, Krauser bags and the BMW logo, 75,000 miles. After having many other bikes I keep waiting for something to go wrong but it never does. Wish I had two.

[@BillACK]

This bike predecessor, the R90S, introduced for the ‘74 model year, had twin front disks. Also, the bike should run fine with one petcock on. (There’s a crossover fuel line that goes through the airbox.) Sweet bike!

[@swampy6194]

Agreed, had a '75 with the new switch gear & twin discs.

[@johneastman1905]

The design, manufacture, durability and longevity of this series is most enjoyable.

[@chrispiatt2235]

I've a 77 R100S myself. It's great. That's it!

[@funhog24]

Someone probably already mentioned it, but the R90S was the first to have twin front discs. Nice to see you talking about these cool bikes!

[@gregshamieh6339]

Actually, although I have an R90S, it wasn't the first with a dual disk front end. Suzuki's water cooled 2-stroke triple had them in 1973, and MV Agusta sold a bike called the MV Agusta 600 Turismo that had them in 1966.

[@MarcS4R]

just beautiful to see and original that has not been butchered into a cafe racer

[@dalejones4322]

That is a beautiful bike. The color of the paint is what sets it off for me. It's funny that the red faded into such a cool color. Great video. Thanks guys

[@vonryansexpress]

Great video - very enjoyable to hear solid proof of the legendary reliability and durability of these old Airheads 😀

[@OnTourWithPattiSmith]

Mr McDuffy lived three doors down from my parents ... .. and he had one of these in all white. It was the birth of my fascination with motorcycles and the reason I have only ever owned a BMW motorcycle (3 different BMW motorcycles).

[@davehamley3258]

Yes, they all feel that comfortable. I had a '78 R80 that was that exact color, also with the "aftermarket" Krauser OEM bags.

[@edwinthompson159]

Great patina on the bike. Always loved my R series BMW's - had several R90S', R100, R5 as wel as sevral other BMW's. Out of 55 bikes I just keep coming back to BMW.

[@brucepietro6046]

I purchased a 1976 R90/6 with 26,000 miles in 2023 in the end of August. Beautiful 350 mile ride thru Northern Michigan. For a 48 year motorcycle it rides and feels like a brand new motorcycle.

[@richardthibert3222]

I have 81 R100cs, with same setup except mag wheels, this bike still ride amazing. Usually the valve get changed since this mc was made for led gaz. With new valve you need less frequent valve adjustments.

[@bernaro]

I remember mine I bought in the end of 1979. Suspensions was one of the main very good surprise with this great motorbike. My model was equipped with a kind of direction brake with four positions to turn from 0 to 3 in the center of the handlebar where this one got simply the BMW logo. It was very helpful at high speed over 140 km/h.

[@sida388]

Had a '77 and loved it. Did a '78 shift linkage update and big improvement. Could not keep it, low bars aggravated an injury. but kept my /5. Great handling bike with the low cg.

[@GrumpyIan]

My dad basically gave me his R65 as my first bike, it's been sitting since the 90s and I'm gonna work on it over the fall & winter to get it running again.

[@EPeltzer]

Color is stunning. I can say this because I've had my R65 since '83 - I certainly wouldn't say they had cutting edge technology even at that time! The basic engine design dates to 1923 . . . Air cooled pushrod twin, when ohc and then dohc fours were coming out of Japan. BMW was known for heritage, solid engineering, decent power and torque, touring comfort, relative lightness given displacement. The r100 had the long travel forks especially and were always known for being cushy. BMW WAS the flat twin, when they actually tried to get more with the times and move to a multi with the k100 flying bricks, it was huge and controversia. I always loved the S and the RS but the sweet 650 stole my heart (and in college I couldn't afford the big beauties!)

[@regsparkes6507]

Beautiful motorcycle! I lusted after a BMW all my life, and never had a chance to buy,.. no dealer in my part of the world. But I did buy a 1985 Goldwing, not the same, but it got me through. I still wish I could have bought an R100 back then.

[@rickyloganjr.2362]

Great video Kase 🙂.

[@georgemorley1029]

Nice. Coming back round on the clock is really nice.

[@tcmits3699]

It may not be the best, but it is "The Greatest." Can it go cross country like a Gold Wing? YES! Can it take back roads like a Ninja? YES! Can it take to the desert like a KTM? YES! I can't think of a better word to describe a BMW TWIN

[@robertlewis3712]

Love the bike. It’s one I wanted when I was younger but couldn’t afford.

[@derniederrheiner4518]

I bought my first BMW in 1983. Back then you were an outsider. "Old gentlemen riders". Parts of it are still in my Boxer sidecar today. I also have various Boxers, old and not so old, in my stable. The old Boxers train you to have a forward-looking, round driving style.

[@jeremysmith9898]

love that faded paint job!

[@stephenbaron5681]

I rode one back in the day and the suspension was always floaty. I much preferred my Norton Commando for back road blasting, maybe not as trouble free but way more fun, still a wonderful classic.

[@kevinblock2307]

Brandon has everything! That guy has a lot of cool vehicles

[@davebramsen100]

I like your funny observation of foot position. It’s true though I’ve never physically noticed it.

[@Fresnomad1984]

I have read that the Suzuki GT-750 was the first production bike with dual disk. Additionaly the first with first bike being liquid cooled with a radator.

[@jimmarshall807]

Beautiful bike, that faded burnt orange is stunning

[@pw9150]

Thx for this wonderful Vid about a special brand over the years, especially with such an story telling familiar eye catcher 😍🤩👍🏻 …

[@tunkunder]

Nice bike I bought same bike some weeks ago Cant wait til spring

[@peterreece6547]

I had 3 years experience on the 750 version which I was doing100 miles a day, erm it was not mine, in the 1970s I was a UK Police motor cyclist and this is what the police force used. It was totally reliable and there were no aches or pains experienced after 8 hour tour of duty each day. It knocked spots off the Norton 850 which I used prior to the force change over to the BMW.

[@girlinagale]

I got back into bikes in 2012 after 20 years doing other things, bought an 80s r65. Delicious bike.

[@martinfpc]

What a great bike. The POV perspective and sounds when riding brought back many happy memories. I'm 99% sure that the key folded so that if you left it in the steering lock when parked and accidently straightened the steering, you didn't snap the key off in the steering lock, it just bent out of the way. Attention to detail or what?

[@cayote1]

Great video! I have an '81 R65 w/ the Krausers and a factory paint match Leufmeister fairing. I bought that one in 1982 off the showroom floor.. and did the mods. And I just bought a 1984 R100 all original with Krausers as well. As far as the cushy suspension question? I can't comment because I've only ridden these two machines since my Dad had a Kawasaki 100 street/trail and then went to a Honda CB175. To long ago to remember lol!

[@shingerz]

What a good video I have a 79 r80 7 very enjoyable to ride handles Brilliant easy to maintain 👍

[@jamshedsethna3428]

These 70's airheads were the best for me. They were all based on one bike with the difference being naked R, bikini fairing S, full sports fairing RS and full touring fairing RT. The stroke 7 for me was the last of the ones made in the original factory, about 1977/8, till they started to be made 'lighter. The plushest, simplest, ultra reliable, shaft drive, air cooled and top quality build.For long distance touring, check out the RS and RT models of the 70'S and early 80'S. I had a 77 S, today I have an 83 ST, which is monoshock, shorter wheelbase and lighter and smaller, not the same as the golden oldies, which just ate up the miles, great bikes.

[@marylandflyer5670]

Love it!

[@chadkline4268]

My favorites, like 71-86. They'll last forever. No problem to hone cylinder heads and replace piston rings. Easy to replace crank bearings if necessary. I don't know if it still exists, but there used to be a Million Mile BMW club.

[@TxCxx]

Amazing bike!

[@tiboreeb5360]

Nice to see a review about the R100S :) I have one too and its really a georgeous motorcycle, in fact, the one i have made me get the license... because i had to have it. At least my example is also very cushy suspensionwise, and here in gemany, they have the name "Gummikuh" (rubbercow) for a reason. Its beacuse the way the whole bike lifts butt first while accelerating. A few thinks i can tell from the one i have: Yes, the badges do fade to that gold colour, hte one at the rear isnt original and has been designed for another location (the bulged ones are very expensive compared to the flat ones) Be very carefull with the ones on the tank, they are easy to loose because the glue/foamy stuff that holds them in place is very tired abter the years. I would take them off and redo the glue for safety. Another small detail: When you open your seat theres a empty space over the battery behind the side covers. originally there would have been a shaped tray with a rubber lid with the toolkit in it :) And its not a bad idea to clean and rebuild the fork after so many years, there are little plastik bumpers in it, that tend to desintegrate and clog up the metering holes of the suspension. You truely have a wonderfull bike there, i hope mine serves me as well as yours did :) I got it after it was sitting partly outside for more than 12 years, i had to rebuid the carbs and get another Tank due to corrosive fuel sitting so long and rebuild the whole break setup.

[@441rider]

A German girls dad told me it was the Rubber Duckie BMW, LOL! he was glad I had a Shuberth helmet for her too.

[@davebramsen100]

Sorry for previous typos. Voice text. Your bags are Krausers; Yes, similar to stock BMW (on which the hardware and design is a bit cleaner. ) I’m surprised if your instruments still work. Oh! I’m listening: you had yours fixed. The instrument odometers seem to destruct around 100K. I think the flipper key design may be so you don’t snap off your key if you leave it in the fork lock and turn the bars.

[@davebramsen100]

I’m re-doing my 1975 R90/6 which I bought new when I was in the Marine Corps and rode to Alaska in 1980. It’s been to Key West a couple times and Nova Scotia and I am planning to ride it to the far north of Alaska this year. (BTW - The first of this series of BMW came out in 1974. And the Goldwing came out in 1975. It was a good deal more technologically complex than the BMW and it had twin desk brakes about the same time. You are incorrect about the petcock they are not there because there’s a carburetor on each side. they are on both sides. The hump in the gas tank separates the two sides. So you do not need to turn them both on at the same time. but you need to use them to drain both sides of the tank. I love the history of your bike, a little similar to mine. Let’s ride!! Just had my first two grandsons in March.

[@steveb2145]

stunning

[@NoelSquitieri]

I bought the next-year Smoke Red version with cast wheels. I should have bought the 1977 like this one or even a 1976 R90S. The cast wheels complicated rear brake and tire servicing and changed how the bike balanced on its center stand with one wheel removed. Nothing insurmountable, just more time-consuming and generally less convenient. It was my newest of four air-heads, the others were 1970 R60/5, 1974 R90/6, 1976 R75/6, and is my least favorite. But the 1977 would have easily been my most favorite. I missed the hydraulic steering dampener of the /6-era airheads and would have refitted it. Health issues now prevent me from riding. But if I still could and price were no object, I'd buy either a decent daily rider-quality 1977 R100S like this one or a Daytona Orange 1976 R90S.

[@wimsigma2046]

the small fold-out compartment under the seat used to contain an instruction booklet

[@tomwalzem8797]

My 1992 R100R has a very soft ride too.

[@rmcdudmk212]

Beautiful bike. Very similar to my dad's 72 r75/5 that I earned to ride on. 🎉

[@johncranwell3783]

These are Krause panniers…they made BMWs panniers. Don’t recall black rocker covers and black brake callipers on the 78 model….were a feature of 82 models onwards. I have a 1980 R80/7 exactly same spec…S cockpit fairing is just right on these bikes…they run happily all day and never feel fatigued riding these… I still have mine since owning since 84 Beautiful

[@jfp2922]

Regarding 'flush' key: Supposedly this is a carry over from when the switch is mounted between the clocks, just above the handlebars, in non-faired 'beemers'. If the rider comes to a sudden halt, the key will not be protruding and will not cut open the chest as the rider slides forward. At least that's what the lads at Paddy Maddock's BMW dealers (Wicklow, Ireland) told me when I purchased my lovely R45, in 1985. [Still runs very nicely.]

[@allwinds3786]

Those Kruser bags are original equipment dealer installed opton. I bought a NOS set in the early '80's. The "S" faring is original equipment for the '77-'84(ish) R100S. The '74-'76 "S" was called the R90S was the first BMW motorcycle with the dual disc, you might have heard of that model 😂. I did have an hour at a dealership to test a brand new Cobalt Blue '83 R100RS in July of '83.

[@allwinds3786]

Oh yes, the original BMW emblems are aluminum and have a thick plastic that yellows, they attached with double sided tape. The emblems on my '77 delaminated and the plastic came off and now they are anodized and wth white is bright.

[@dunec4039]

The plastic compartment under the front of the seat is for the 'Rider's Manual'.

[@johneastman1905]

Like this style simple and minimalist fairing for it’s attractive addition to a bare bike .

[@golfbravowhiskey8669]

Also called a 1/2 200. Named after Continental 0-200 airplane engine which is the 4cy horizontally opposed.

[@441rider]

My RT has 144 000 but rebuild at 100k with EME and Endurolast stuff. A pal has a 78 RT with 440 000kms never been apart except 2 clutch replacements.

[@richardstoffel6585]

I’ve been looking at some 70’s bmw. Just to go coast to coast on. Next year :-)

[@bmwloco]

Those would be Krauser Bags. Supplied by Butler and Smith, but when BMW corporate took over, roundels on bags. Bit more robust; later bags could be keyed to the ignition key too.

[@yorkchris10]

BMW kept the air-heads in production during inline K series. The Oilhead kept a lot of sounds from this engine.

[@GrumpyIan]

And they're still making them in their heritage line.

[@brianperry]

I believe the BMW R900S and R100S were the first to use a bikini fairing. Also the paniners were Krauser, I had them on my BMW R80, later swopping them to a R100RS...and you're correct they did have the BMW logo on them. If there is one Bike I ever regret selling it would be the R100RS. They are loverly Bikes, well made, pretty well 'bullet prove' They exuded quality.. I cannot comment about the earlier models because I never owned one but certainly the /7 series were beautiful...Thats a loverly bike.

[@tiboreeb5360]

Yes, the R90S /6 had the first Bikini fairing from factory and the R100RS /7 had the first full fairing from factory as it is said.

[@thomasxl200]

In my totally unbiased opinion (I have a 1978), yes, of course they are

[@UncleLongbeard]

defo good looking motorcycle

[@jamesfairmind2247]

The R100S may have been the first production BMW with two front discs but the British Police had twin discs on their 600/750's for many years before, as did most European Police forces. I always thought the Krauser panniers were so great, they literally look like normal suitcases when you unclip them and walk into your smart hotel in Bavarian alps.

[@duncanmacpherson2013]

I have always prefered top loading panniers because the suitcase style side opening ones [like on this bike] can deposit all your belongings on the floor if you open them carelessly when they are on the bike

[@stevecolwill9761]

I have a ‘73 R50/5. I can and have ridden it all day without being uncomfortable. Everyone should have an airhead at least once in their life.

[@davesy6969]

I used to have an ex police r75/7, it's the only bike i regret selling. Krauser panniers are well known for bursting open at inconvenient moments.

[@rogermiles7800]

I absolutely adore that bike but I could never own it because of the offset foot pegs

[@josvandencamp8441]

In Europe the R90S had also twin disks up front.

[@shitloveaduck]

Nice bike,,, the colour,,,,, how lucky it faded to that vs some of the reds that fade to ugly or white. Great interview!! I know Kase loves classics, but he seemed much more “into” this bike than many others. That’s a GOOD thing. Brandon is so easy to listen to and he communicates well. He is quite comfortable on camera now. Maybe it was the close personal ties to this bike, but he is obviously enamoured with the bike himself!! The phone for the mic was kinda was right for this interview. Gave it a different feel to suit the subject! Haha. Great job Brandon &vTeam TFL!!

[@collinsimmons7156]

My favourite bike was the Rz 350 Yamaha 1986 brilliant bike and I did have a ride on a Rg 500 Suzuki that was fun just wanted to wheel stand.a

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Nice

[@michaeldiamond2605]

The compartment under the seat held the owners manual.

[@panji7793]

thats one of my dream bike

[@GrumpyIan]

I hope you find one that hasn't been majorly modified (because of the cafe racer trend)

[@duncanmacpherson2013]

That little compartment under the seat nose is supposed to be for the first aid kit. It is compulsory in many European countries for all motor vehicles to carry a first aid kit

[@toddtonis]

I have one of these models too. Great bike and yes, the suspension is pretty soft. Mine was repainted as well, but the pinstriping wasn't added back on the bike. I'm surprised neither the owner or you mentioned the weak brakes. The bikes also came with a manual tire pump under the seat or in the backbone under the fuel tank.

[@TxCxx]

I still have my manual tire pump under the seat. Nice feature.

[@gregshamieh6339]

In stock form, these motorcyles had a cable operated master cylinder under the tank. The cable operation was a source of some play and the Master cylinders themselves were prone to leakage which -- because they were hidden -- usually wasn't promptly detected. Installation of a more modern handlebar-mounted MC from a new BMW is a trivial exercise, and, combined with some stainless-steel lines, will get one all of the braking that the tires and suspension can handle.

[@freemenofengland2880]

The BMW R90S would have been the first production bike with twin brake rotors as standard, probably followed by the Gold Wing in 1975 and the Ducati 750 Desmo SS.

[@paramount10987]

Every part down to the smallest screw is available. 140k is not a high mileage bike for these.

[@55ablebof]

Unfortunately the layshaft for the gearbox is impossible to find. The cogs in 2nd gear can break.

[@macmorgan6685]

I bought a R100rs in July 1977 and still have it! I don’t ride it much, has less then 20k on the odometer! It’s had its ups and downs but I’ll probably never let it go! Congratulations on yours! 2:52

[@battleshipnewjerseysailor4738]

I don't know why they mentioned that both petcocks need to be on as there is a cross over fuel line so both carbs will receive gas from just one petcock

[@BFitz1976]

Any link to the owners KZbin channel?

[@biondanishgenomeinstitute8193]

I know a way to improve the accelleration quite a bit, without engine modification.

[@possisvideos]

r90s had, as the later r100s, twin discs as an option.❤

[@renatogaston6404]

Wanderfull tank👍😝🇨🇱🏍️🏍️

[@timothyswartz5292]

I always assumed the key could be flipped to flush so you don't snap it off if you accidently leave it in the steering lock :)

[@ronchristie898]

The concept of the folding key is to take the load off the tumblers. picture someone, with a bunch of extra keys and little decorations, for lack of better words, with the extra weight every bump can put a little stress on the inner workings of the ignition switch, when you fold it over it eliminates a lot of the stress, correct me if I’m wrong, but a mechanic once told me he’s replaced many ignition switches on cars, where the owner has all sorts of extra keys ect on the key chain.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Ja, es war lange Zeit unterwegs

[@bubot17]

That is the sport model, the r100rt is the touring kind

[@whosthis9369]

The R90S had twin discs. it was made '74-'76.

[@fostexfan160]

Great bike until you need to buy parts for it. In the UK we are ripped off with the prices

[@steppenwolf5956]

Krauser is the manufacturer of the bags

[@d-baserox2773]

Hey tfl fans or for that matter tfl staff Mr Casey and very respectfully for the life of me I can't remember the other gentleman's name that does the bike videos. Anybody happen to know what kind of motorcycle that was that Arnold Schwarzenegger was riding in The Terminator the first film?

[@brucepietro6046]

1974 BMW R90S Had twin front brake rotors.

[@got2kittys]

I've had lots of motocycles in my life. I got my first BMW, an R1200. The reason I did is it's probably going to be the last motorcycle I will ever own.

[@johneastman1905]

The early comment “Nice and quiet” help sum it up and is in contrast to all the others …

[@sydsacks9097]

IThese are wonderful bikes. I have owned a 1975 R90s for the last 46 years and 130,000 km; still mechanically perfect and totally original but heaps of patina now. I refuse to restore it as every scratch and mark tells a story!

[@nigelthompson874]

Lovely. Consider however, after multiple old beemers and R90S I have never turned on BOTH fuel taps. I think it just allowed us e of the last drops of fuel

[@MotoTvWoodsFarm]

🏅🏅

[@jamesperrin5691]

Oh it stopped now, great

[@markmath2883]

I had a new 1978 R100/7 in Orange. Was a good bike until a lady pulled out in front of me.

[@pdm2201]

The bike has a “quarter faring”. A “bikini faring” is smaller like the one that came with the Moto Guzzi Le Mans. The speedometer on my 1982 R100CS also failed. The clock on this one is not working.