Hello All,
Back in about 1994 I sold my most favorite bike... 1987 R80GSPD. It was a blast! I have posted a picture of it on the site somewhere in the past.
Since that time I have owned a '76 R60/6 then a K100RS and then I found a R100GS bumble bee project about 4 years ago. I restored it and I really like it but for back road exploration I do not find it as nimble as what I remember the R80 to be; I also prefer the simplicity of the single pivot swing arm, the smoother 800cc engine, and overall styling.
A couple of weeks ago I came across a 1981 R80GS, produced in 11/80 serial number 106 - bought it on sight. The bike has been run by a moto collector for the last 6 years as a daily commuter/work horse so it runs great, it is all original but is cosmetically challenged with light surface rust on any black parts and the tank could use a refresh if cosmetics were really critical to value.
looking for opinions...
A) do i ensure the mechanics are all sound then ride it as is....
or
B) restore it with new paint job for frame and tank?
Which will result in a higher value in years to come? clean restore or not restored?
I live in Ontario with 1000's of km of gravel and forest access roads to explore... so I plan to use it with TC80 or more aggressive tires periodically. This bike will not sit in the garage collecting dust. R100GS will get less aggressive tires for longer distances.
Things I will investigate or do immediately:
- desmog?... seems it has a lots of piping that was intend for USA bikes... will look into whether I should remove or leave? New to me as Canadian bikes did not have this stuff typically.
- Speedo.... current is broken, seems common. Will look into restore but in the meantime bought a replica from India for $72 including shipping
- fix oil leak (no crush washer on drain)
- clean and tune carbs
- check the valves and timing
- refresh all fluids...
- Suspension refresh and valving
- Tires and Tubes
and most important - get blue and purple decals for the tank whether I restore it or not
Here are the pictures ( I do have good side covers but removed them for the trip on the trailer home):
Back in about 1994 I sold my most favorite bike... 1987 R80GSPD. It was a blast! I have posted a picture of it on the site somewhere in the past.
Since that time I have owned a '76 R60/6 then a K100RS and then I found a R100GS bumble bee project about 4 years ago. I restored it and I really like it but for back road exploration I do not find it as nimble as what I remember the R80 to be; I also prefer the simplicity of the single pivot swing arm, the smoother 800cc engine, and overall styling.
A couple of weeks ago I came across a 1981 R80GS, produced in 11/80 serial number 106 - bought it on sight. The bike has been run by a moto collector for the last 6 years as a daily commuter/work horse so it runs great, it is all original but is cosmetically challenged with light surface rust on any black parts and the tank could use a refresh if cosmetics were really critical to value.
looking for opinions...
A) do i ensure the mechanics are all sound then ride it as is....
or
B) restore it with new paint job for frame and tank?
Which will result in a higher value in years to come? clean restore or not restored?
I live in Ontario with 1000's of km of gravel and forest access roads to explore... so I plan to use it with TC80 or more aggressive tires periodically. This bike will not sit in the garage collecting dust. R100GS will get less aggressive tires for longer distances.
Things I will investigate or do immediately:
- desmog?... seems it has a lots of piping that was intend for USA bikes... will look into whether I should remove or leave? New to me as Canadian bikes did not have this stuff typically.
- Speedo.... current is broken, seems common. Will look into restore but in the meantime bought a replica from India for $72 including shipping
- fix oil leak (no crush washer on drain)
- clean and tune carbs
- check the valves and timing
- refresh all fluids...
- Suspension refresh and valving
- Tires and Tubes
and most important - get blue and purple decals for the tank whether I restore it or not
Here are the pictures ( I do have good side covers but removed them for the trip on the trailer home):