Zack reviews his dad’s 1981 BMW R 80 G/S in Vermont | Daily Rider

[@RevZilla]

Find the right mount for your phone with Quad Lock! rvz.la/3NL3baQ Check out Zack’s article on his dad’s G/S on Common Tread! rvz.la/3yKRMTX

[@nathanbarrett6178]

Best daily rider to date

[@MrJE728]

@@nathanbarrett6178 agree 100%

[@hulkhatepunybanner]

*In this episode, our hero returns to smallville, now devoid of children, to show us where he honed his superpowers... and gives us a few hints why he moved out?* Good show.

[@alanbstard4]

BMW were going off road into the Australian interior in the 70s on r75/5. Amazing where try could go for a road bike

[@BoycottChinaa]

I snuck dad's 1980 r65 BMW out at 13 years old and taught myself to ride, mostly in the sand along the Rio grande in NM and the Sandia mountains above it.. bought a 1991 r100gs when I was older, a 2002 r1150gs adv when I had my first real job, and a 2005 r1200gs in 09'. Still have all 4 bikes and a DRZ400 susuki rigged as street legal. Loved this episode for the dad's bike action and formative feelings, thanks a bunch! ADV

[@mikephillips742]

Loved the emotion that was displayed on this ride. Isn't that what riding is all about? Thanks for the insight into your life, specifically your childhood. Great video Zach!!

[@mikephillips742]

Dang the spelling of the name! Sorry.

[@gokulkrishm51]

@@mikephillips742 You know you can edit it, Mike :)

[@mikephillips742]

Lol. Nope. Makes sense though.

[@gokulkrishm51]

@@mikephillips742 Cool 😅😂

[@jpqch7323]

I like your comment and what you said about what riding is about, i gotn looked down cause i have a cfmoto 650 but that was qhat i can afford.

[@ahhhhchoo]

One of the best Daily Riders ever. I'd love to see more of them off the beaten path so to speak. Thanks for inviting us in to your beautiful home town stomping grounds.

[@basedpatriotLT]

Are these still comfortable ride bekng 40 years old? Or in other way, how much is the new one more comfortable to ride than this one?

[@victoralley708]

@@basedpatriotLT I've never ridden a bmw, let alone a GS, so I cant speak to that. However, in my overall motorcycling experience I have come to the conclusion that, generally speaking, older bikes are typically more comfortable. Due to the superior engine performance of modern bikes, they often have sportier ergonomics compared to similar, older bikes. Also, older bikes tend to have much cushier seats.

[@mriegger]

No wonder Zack is so happy all the time. Imagine having that childhood, living in that area, with a dad like that? (Also being 6 foot 2)

[@Racer57]

As a Vermonter, I've waited so long for this.

[@bsmukler]

On the one hand, that area is so beautiful that I wonder why anyone would ever want to leave. On the other, I could see getting on that great old bike for a short hop and accidentally riding to Tierra del Fuego. And those features! Tons of fuel range, adaptive lighting (I.e. fog lights), and rider moods (you can drag the boxes or back it in when you feel like it).

[@gordonlbelyea4409]

Rider «moods» - that's a good one!

[@jsteinbeck07]

As someone who resides about 15 miles away from Chelsea I can answer that, there ain't shit to do around here lol.

[@markbock3027]

@@jsteinbeck07 Lots of great motorcycle riding though!

[@anxiousappliance]

@@jsteinbeck07 LOL - but it depends on what you like to do. For young people it is a little (lot) slow.

[@markkeyser]

I've been riding since the mid - 1960's and I love the 'spirit' of the old bikes. In my 70's I've returned to an old bike in spirit - one that's simple, reliable, and easy to work on - a 2014 KLR 650. It suits me.

[@mikemoore-hehim1149]

+1 for KLR :) And Zach just mentioned this option a well !

[@leslieaustin151]

I’ve done the same, back to two wheels in my 70s, and riding an imported from Japan Serow (XT225). Reliable, light and manageable. Just what I always wanted.. Les in UK

[@gkm3838]

I also have a 2014 KLR 650 for the same reasons you do. I also own a 2021 R1250GS and I love both bikes for different reasons.

[@markkeyser]

@@gkm3838 I've had 4 BMW's - all glorious bikes. The other day while making my pilgrimage to the post office, I bumped into the freshly retired service manager of the local BMW dealership. He had his brand new 1200 GS out for a spin - a beautiful bike! Of course we talked bikes and our various 'histories'. My history beginning with a Sears Gilera 106SS, through various Hondas, Yamaha's, BSA's, a Norton, BMW's and, finally, a KLR. He asked what it was that took me on that particular 'route'. I told him that there were a number of different factors money being one them along with the complexity of newer bikes. He had similar feelings but had not reached 'that' point yet. As a retirement 'gift' his shop gave him a 'deal' on the GS and, thankfully, he said, "I've got access to the computer and software and special tools required to work on the it." It's all about what we're 'looking' for and our desire to continue our joy of the ride in a manner that permits us to do just that as long as we can.

[@JonBecker81]

I had a 1st gen KLR 650 and I’m seriously considering selling my 2010 1200 GS adv to get back on one again. Probably the new one with the fancy fuel injection ! The only problem is that the tenere 700 exists. Decisions…

[@davidwilliams4845]

I noticed how quiet the bike is, something I really appreciate.

[@wannabeadv5183]

The best review and scenery I've seen on this channel. The motorcycle fits the environment perfectly. This is a true wonderful ride down memory lane.

[@jberejik]

Dude, THIS IS BY FAR MY FAVORITE VIDEO. The connection betteen your dad, the bike, and your life on two wheels. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@thunderbolt854]

The simplicity of the looks, the feeling of riding a non tech assisted bike, the memories from years of riding his old bike makes up for any shortcomings i would think. Now we know where that love for bikes of yours is coming from .. wholesome content.

[@grandenauto3214]

Honestly…. That was my favourite daily rider. Thanks Zac. What else does dad have in the stable? Maybe something next year for Father’s Day

[@AppalachianLife]

Hubert Auriol won the Parris Dakar rally in 1981 and 1983 on a BMW R80 G/S. Inspired by Auriol's win in 1981, that same year my buddy purchased a R80G/S. The NC dealer made him deposit the total price before they would order it because they said that they would never be able to sell it if he backed out to the deal. To this day, he still rides this bike.

[@vincemarshall8550]

great story ,no regrets buying it then

[@jimmarshall807]

Loved this, great to see Zack head back to his roots. Traffic looks hell in rural Vermont. Cherish your folks while they're around, lost my bike-loving Dad earlier this year and it hurts.

[@nathanhernandez1864]

This is probably your best daily rider review ever. Fantastic job Zack!! Thank you for sharing with us a piece of your childhood! Not a lot of people are brave enough to open up like that to others around them. A bet your father and the rest of your family couldn’t be more proud of you. Keep up the great work bro!!

[@wavecreatures]

My big takeaway from this very fine Daily Rider is that Vermont is beautiful and I want to visit!

[@pauls8456]

Yes modern Moto Guzzi’s are very reminiscent of air cooled BMW boxers - that’s why I bought one. My V7III is just like the R65 I rode in the eighties and I like it....

[@flobeck832]

Never been to the US let alone Vermont but you've managed to make even me feel nostalgic as hell. Absolutely great video and what a story behind it. Well done folks

[@cosef4491]

Best daily ride ever! This is what motorcycle content should be about. The journey and memories we make riding two wheeled motor bikes. A motorcycle can be a companion, friend, or even family. The journeys and memories are what gives a motorcycle special meaning otherwise it’s just a dangerous pile of plastic, metals and rubber for degenerates. Motorcyclist understand something that most non motorcyclist never will and that is adventure is never far away when you are sitting on a motor between two wheels.

[@roydhodgson8581]

This Epp was so cool with the scenery. I would love to see the daily ride in new locations every now and again! Thanks dude

[@oskarfrye9971]

Love this window into your motorcycling evolution and intersection with your father.

[@tonym8047]

Great to see someone for whom bikes are an enduring and big part of life. You and your dad, childhood in the country, the tinkering, the thrills and spills. All that stuff that can’t be bought, has to be lived. No wonder you put out such solid content and this one is absolutely right up there.

[@julianfsg6966]

That was fantastic! Thank you for taking us along for the ride! And thank you for what you guys bring to the motorcycle community!!!!

[@ThaReilDeal]

Awesome I live in milton, vermont grew up in burlington, vermont cool to see one of my favorite reviewers comes from vermont

[@kittywampus]

I believe that this is why Zack could appreciate the Himalayan. Simple and functional. I enjoyed seeing where you came from. Reminds me of my hometown except mine became a sprawling bedroom community. Thanks for sharing.

[@KWlion]

Nice bike, all business. AND in a place to make Pacific Coasters jeaulous!!

[@pars5027]

This was the perfect video to start my Saturday! My Dad was not a motorcycle rider, but in 1972 he bought me a brand new Honda SL 70. Bright yellow. And I'm recovering from a crash that totalled my 2005 R1200ST . Thank you for your memories and reminding me of my Dad.

[@samstoney2864]

Nice. I sold this to Tim years ago to help pay for a Ducati. Interestingly, after 30+ years and owning dozens of other bikes of all sorts, the street version of this - a plain Jane 1986 R80 is what sits in my driveway today. Many times I offered to buy that GS back, but I’ll settle for this. Come down for a ride any time!

[@stephenwilson2504]

Best Daily Rider episode. I'd take that ride over LA traffic any day.

[@dandrawsandskates]

Would love to see you and Ari do a new england cruise, especially through the white mtns in NH.

[@Arthurzeiro]

This makes me want a R Nine T Urban GS even more.

[@feuerreiteroderso8655]

If you get your hands on any R Nine T look up Wunderlich conversions for the maschine.

[@saidnobodyever711]

This was brilliant Zack. Must have been an amazing place to grow up, especially riding bikes.

[@markmc9229]

I’m only a minute in, but when I hear Zack talk about wheelies on that GS as a young rider, can’t wait to see him do it here …

[@andiheinrich2830]

I'm a little late for commenting but I can explain the "springy" side stand: In Germany it is law that the side stand of a motorcycle has either a spring to bring the stand up if you start to ride or a device that stops the engine if you put in the first gear. So nobody will get hurt because the side stand is down und you want to ride a left hand curve.

[@jendrarambharos4379]

I wanted to hug you when you got choked up. Love you and your stuff man!

[@jeremylocklear6583]

Love this review and that Z is beaming happy in this review, even moreso than usual. It's always good to go home.

[@Doncan0823]

This is definitely going to be one of my preferred all time Daily Ride videos. Thank you for taking us down your memory lane. Nice town and nice bike on a beautiful day. Huge contrast between where you grew up and where you live now.

[@Onewheelordeal]

Nothing better than a ride on a machine that never stopped doing it's thing since the day it was made. 100k+ miles? You just love to see it

[@moorgoon]

Cool ride - nice to see your home town

[@fountainofyouth5]

I learned to love motorcycling while riding on the back of my dad's 1981 Honda Goldwing. And because of that, owning my own Goldwing has always been a dream for me!

[@Euryheli]

Loved this trip with you. Probably the best daily rider ever. Thanks for taking us home with you.

[@ernier9033]

The GS is only scruffy superficially - one of your KZbin colleagues in England has ridden over 400,000 miles on his 1991 GS/Paris Dakar. Your Dad's bike is nicely run-in🕊

[@BMWHP2]

I have build several motorbikes with these BMW R engines, both GS enduro-like and a caferacer. I love those engines, specially the 1000cc versions. The 800 is llighter thou. For more charm, i would put the old round valve covers on.

[@ernier9033]

But these valve covers are stronger and resist impacts better when the bike gets dropped🕊

[@BMWHP2]

@@ernier9033 Agree, when on an enduro type bike, and riding in rocky terain, put the stronger covers on. But everyone will know what bad driver you are when you put on the ugly covers :) Just never drop the bike, specially when on a Caferacer.

[@Bdub1952]

This was the perfect daily rider in the perfect location. Thanks for sharing the memories with us, Zack. You grew up in an idyllic location.

[@fchanMSI]

I have a 1979 Honda CX500 that used to ride but stopped due wife not letting me so I stopped riding. However, recently my son wanted to start riding so I got another bike to ride with him. I would like to get the CX500 running again to ride with my son. Vermont is beautiful so I would like to go riding there.

[@brianwood58]

Thanks for sharing some of you're history with us Zach..what a great video. Reminded me of my youth in the country with my 1977 Honda XL 100.

[@JBinFL]

XR 75 here, but same.

[@marcoluoma3770]

SL 125 here, same idea.

[@yammienoob]

Nice and wholesome, as always but more this time

[@FnuMnuLnu]

Getting an old GS and restoring it for your next giveaway?

[@anthonysilvestri4946]

Maybe you should ride Spites KLR the "long way down" to Sao Paulo this summer? 🙂

[@ferociousfrankie]

Quality over quantity

[@FnuMnuLnu]

Just kidding. Just saw your video today, RIP dirt boii Yammie.

[@barrettwbenton]

Talk about beautiful intersectionality: a home town, a parent who also rides, and the bike he seriously rode far-and-wide with. Stirring up some dirt, and maybe a few emotions as well. More of this? I say hell-to-the-yeah, Zack. (Plus…Vermont. Haven't been there in two dogs' ages. Way too long, methinks.)

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

Enjoy the time with you’re Dad Zack 👍👍 I lost my Pops 3.5 years ago and it hurts everyday to think about him☹️☹️ would love to have ridden with him but his best friend was killed on a bike. So he never had a good thing to say about riding. Be safe everyone thanks for taking us along for the ride Zac very cool to see where you’re from originally 👏👏👍👍👍

[@Anath525]

This one is hands down my favorite daily rider ever. Just so good man.

[@ewenbruce5851]

What a joyful video. Thanks Zack

[@georgecook5120]

It's cool you got to do this on your Dad's motorcycle that you grew up with. Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us.

[@ribbit1964]

What was best was not the review of dad’s motorcycle but of young Zack’s early years! Great insight!

[@minimoe2008]

I have a 79 R45 I just rode to the BMW MOA in Springfield Missouri. Great bike and easy to work on. I'm lucky a BMW airhead specialist lives down the road and helps me out. He's taught me a ton!

[@dionoliveira4058]

Very fond of the R80 GS and where it's taken so many. Great journey Zack thanks for taking us home with you, very endearing getting to know you more over the years.

[@mohammadahmed1976]

Thanks for the Ride experience in the Beautiful Woods Just fantastic The GS Bike is Superb Very smooth and pretty robust too Thanks once again

[@jimboinvt]

Thank you Zack for the opportunity to share your history on your Dad’s bike. My first bike was a ‘77 R100/7 and I loved it so much I also bought a ‘73 R75/5 that was soooo much fun to ride. Did I take the 1000 on class 4 roads in Vermont? Yes I did! Dirt roads? Ummm, yes! But I think I may have paid too much for mine. $2500 in 1999. I put 100k miles on that bike in 5 years. Loved every minute.

[@650thumper]

I was lucky to meet your dad and ride that bike while passing through Chelsea doing the Puppy Dog Route. Great bike and very hospitable gentleman. I love Vermont rural roads and get down there from Montreal whenever I can. Thanks for showing us around your hometown.

[@guywolff]

That was a great story . I cant remember where I saw it but your writing was very entertaining

[@pax1980]

Aww man Zach thanks for sharing a piece of your life with us. I felt the nostalgia along with you. I hope I can impart in my kids what your dad managed to impart on you through your shared love of motorcycles. So cool.

[@mhurley13]

you are a great guy Zack! always love your vids.... your hometown is awesome.

[@johndibling8091]

I've seen almost every Daily Rider. This was the best one. It's not close. Thank you for bringing it to me.

[@xJadenx22]

Not sure this is the best Daily Rider, but it is definitely one of the best.

[@triumphbill]

I think this is my new favorite episode ever. You need to revisit and put at the top of the classics.

[@JonBecker81]

I can understand why you would like living in a city now but I grew up in a city and id love to live in that area. I went and googled Chelsea and it looks beautiful. I bet its great in the winter too. I wish we got snow.

[@JasonYergin]

Freaking awesome video. Loved going on this little trip with you

[@michaelhayward7572]

What a beautiful part of the world. Best motorcycle on the Daily Rider, so far. Air cooled, pushrods, no electronics. Loved it.

[@TheVwboyaf1]

Man, this video brought back so many memories of growing up in southern VT, and bombing around the old gravel roads on dirt bikes.

[@Buckarooskiczek]

This was great! Have to say, I’m partial to those 60s, 70s and early 80s boxers (having been weened on them.) But what really got me here was the roots of Zack and the place you grew up…thanks much for taking us to this beautiful place and count yourself lucky. (I KNOW you do!) Ask your dad if he remembers the Windjammer.

[@sare1052]

Zack, I loved the segment. I ride Vermont and will be in your hometown area riding with the MOV group in July riding the NEK and lake Carmi loops. Loved the old bike. I ride a 2002 R1150rt and a gs and love the gs on the country and dirt roads. Like to see more of these segments. Keep them coming…. Jim

[@88888888Rocket1]

From an entertainment perspective, this may be the best Daily Rider yet! Thanks 🙏 for sharing all those great memories.

[@philbert2184]

Loved this one. I shouted "Cherry Garcia" out loud when the Ben and Jerry's question came up. Absolute classics.

[@pourquoippaass4284]

If I remember well, the R80GS won the Paris-Dakar rally few years in a row when it came out. That was the launch of the trend of the twin-cylinder offroad bikes. As for the original dual purpose bike, I would say it was the EXCELLENT XT500.

[@SigmundQuadros]

I couldn't take my eyes off that Speedo. The needle kept bobbing between the actual speed and a few above and below. Love it! My uncles old 1965 Royal Enfield Bullet used to do that!

[@VitaliZhulkovsky]

Best episode, thank you so much for sharing a wonderful piece of your life with us.

[@VTPyzon]

Love to see you riding in Vermont!

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

The R80 is a legendary new step in motorcycle history, and riding one that your dad owned makes it extra special. Thanks for the ride!

[@robhigginson5667]

I’m an old Montrealer and in the 70’s we split our riding between the laurentians and Vermont. I had a 72 R75/5 and spent many weekends camping and riding around Stowe with my girlfriend and now my wife. After many bmws I presently have a 09 R1200RT but still miss my old R75. Great vid Zack!

[@mikestuart80]

A friend who was a Tech in Edinburgh's BMW dealership bought one in 1980 when they were launched, He loaned it to me for a couple of days at one point. Having previously ridden an R75/6, I found it to be a revelation. The lighter flywheel and Kinematic gear linkage made a big difference to the way the engine revved and the gear change was much less clunky. The handling was much lighter and more sporty. The grin factor was much greater than any previous Boxer. I never did buy one back in the day but the experience no doubt contributed to me now owning my fifth R1200GS. Great Daily Ride report. Just the right amount of nostalgia which ain't what it used to be, in any event... ;-)

[@UncleVom]

A beautiful video, you got the emotional bond between a motorcycle and its caretakers across to the audience. You are lucky that you can go back and time has almost stood still. The places I used to ride dirt bikes as a kid long ago, are now subdivisions and golf courses.

[@tchandler187]

Best daily rider yet! The raw emotion is always appreciated, keep it up!

[@ephin47]

Great video. Loved hearing about your Dad’s adventures and your youth adventures from your hometown.

[@250f5.6]

Thanks for this special ride. Motorcycle history, personal history and what motorcycling is all about. Lovely.

[@jamesrichardson1455]

Another epic review!!! Andnits your father's ride!!! How can you not get emotional? Also, just for the notion, it could, and should be #1 on both sides of the board!!!! Its your DADS!!!!

[@saddlsor]

I've seen many of your Daily Rider episodes, and with all sincerity, this is one of your best. I appreciate the ride with you down your personal Memory Lane; Chelsea appears charming, endearing even, and that is without my natural anti-LA bias. This DR episode is special, and I know it was special for you. Thanks, Zack. Very well done.

[@Janduin45]

This was brilliant. Thank you Zack for sharing this Daily Ride with us.

[@ComandanteJ]

Awesome episode, and so cool to see where you started loving motorcycles. And that bike, well, probably one of the most important bikes ever made, it's legacy lives on to this day and it's the benchmark against every other bike is measured to.

[@Greetings666]

Hands down my favorite Daily Rider ep ever.

[@colpitts350]

Been waiting for this! I have my dads 81 RD350LC in my shed. I remember sitting in front of him holding the gas tank as a young kid. I learned to ride it. Learned to fix it. I need to take it for a rip later.

[@jefflilly5819]

Thank you for bringing back memories! I had a beautiful 92 R100GS…. Purple. Lost it in a wreck.. My favorite.. the sound, the smell.. everything.

[@DakotaDoc]

Loved this flash from the past. Top 10 of your vids, maybe top 5. Though this may not advise me to my next daily rider, unless I tripped across a gently used one (not likely) this really is a testament to the GS legacy. Thank you for sharing the history and stories of your youth. This 1964 model rider enjoyed this.

[@renegadegreg6428]

I had one! So much fun in Arizona. Mine was a Paris/Dakar

[@gregorysteffensen3279]

Love the old school aux lights. So much custom stuff on here that was clearly ahead of its time when you look at how ADVs are put together now

[@darkjedib4132]

Thank you so much for producing and sharing this video. It was awesome to see you simping on that classic BMW in your childhood stomping grounds.

[@kc95gs]

The best Daily Rider I have seen, hands down.

[@gomudhen]

Killer bike. Vermont looks beautiful. Old airheads are the best. Simple, reliable. Maintain them and they’ll outlast us all. Great video.

[@dukie1616]

Thank you so very much Zac for showing us around your hometown, I was definitely feeling the nostalgic vibe. You’re a good dude, your videos are always excellent. I’ve watched every Daily Rider. I’m in it for the long-haul. Thank you again my dude you are the very best!

[@ctjanney]

loved this ride. I grew up in rural Colorado, and have a lot of the same experiences growing up, and love motoring through it.

[@jasonbeun682]

Man, this is by far my favourite daily rider ever!! Loved seeing your home town and all of the scenery. And combined with your genuine enthusiasm and joy, I loved it!

[@OpeoAslam]

24:55 Pretty much why I'm hoping I can get my father's '91 GSX-R1100 restored and running again.

[@danieljudnic2702]

Best Daily Rider ever. And one of the best (and most genuine) pieces of moto-journalism I’ve seen in a very long time.❤️