We got a call to look at an old BMW motorcycle that had not been run in at least ten years. There was no mention of it running except for the last run to Bend, Oregon in 2004ish. What we found was a complete, never been taken apart, 1978 R100RS that was remarkable for two things, one how unmolested it was and two, how covered in cobwebs and dust it was. Normally a bike this deserted is beyond our abilities, but we have seen R100RS’s selling in the $9,000 range and more recently, having sold two ourselves in the past fourteen years for over $7,000 each. So it is was worth the effort to show the bike to the world rather than leaving it for some hacksaw wielding, crescent wrench twisting, hammer hitting backyard expert to disassemble, never giving the bike the chance it may deserve to be brought back to it’s past glory.

We have made no attempt to start the bike or anything but give it a visual inspection. One of the important items was the inside of the gas tank, no visible rust and the original coating inside. Another critical item was the fork legs were not rusted or pitted. The tires are rotted, the seat cover intact, the paint original and everything else in tack. Back to the last road trip to Bend. Apparently, according to the brother in law, the front brake caliper was dragging. Instead of resolving it, the owner moved them to the side so they were not contacting the rotor and drove it that way, with no front brakes. Inventive and desperate all in the same sentence.

Three items I noticed with interest. The air cleaner cover on the back of the case is ventilated like it was suppose to be on “S” and “RS” models. It has 40mm Bings and the last and most unusual feature is the 5-Speed Transmission with the Kick Starter. BMW quickly disposed of these as it weakened the transmission internals.

The bike needs everything, but it is more than worth the effort, time and expense if you have a passion for Air-Head BMW’s.

The selling price is $2,495 and the VIN 6092684R100RS. Miles showing are 35,884. For other interesting bikes and collectible vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287.

Automania LLC is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest