That's a shame, Simon.

I don't think that the BMW airheads have aged that well. It was 40 years ago on the 22nd August that I collected my R100RS - something I had aspired to for years (after reading about them in Motorcycle Sport since 1977) & could barely afford even at 2 years old S/H. After Japanese / East European bikes it was a steep learning curve to get to grips with, but at the time was probabaly the best long distance bike going. 2 up, loaded with camping gear it would sit on the Autobahns at 90+ for a couple of hours to a tankfull & was the only bike I have done over 600 miles in a day on.

Not that reliable (mine broke down the next month while on holiday in Switzerland - the only bike I have had break down abroad) and quite labour-intensive for servicing. I tried again a few years later rebuilding a similar age R100RT & eventually moved that on after getting bored with it - only wanted to ride it on longer tours as it was not that much fun as a "daily rider".

The model I disliked the most (and moved on after the shortest time) was a model that seems to sell for a premium now - a first model paralever R100GS. Uncomfortable, rough-running, un-economical (38 mpg !) and badly finished it really didn't live up to expectations.

Mrs B still has the R65LS she bought at 6 months old in 1986 - still likes the rattly old lump as well !

How about an original RE Interceptor - late model Series 2 750. That would be something different ?

Nigel B.