I am narrowing my search for a R100GS or a GSPD. Down to about 3 bikes, 2 well farkled GS's (92 and 88) the 88 has mikuni carbs, higher compression pistons, bit of a hotrod..ahem..for an airhead. The 92 has upgraded charging system, ohlins,two seats, and more. 3rd bike is a 90 GSPD, also well taken care of and well farkled, ohlins, winshield etc. All look to be very well cared for and all have had the cir clip installed. They are all under 55k miles and within $500.00 price variance from each other. I am kind of leaning toward the Dakar. Which way to go, GS or PD? Looking at future value etc. I know this horse has probably been flogged to death in countless threads but it is always nice to get fresh perspective. Thanks all
For an edge in re-sale go with the PD... if you are going to ride off-road go with the well farkled GS... avoid the hotrod since you already have an R100S
Tough call. Ohlins and more wattage are nice, but I really get spoiled by large fuel tanks. Very handy feature on a bike day in, day out. imho.
Get the PD. The big tank is good. The glovebox in the big tank is even better. The rack on the back will give you hauling capabilities just short of a compact pickup.
The hot rodded GS would have little interest to me, you never know what your really getting with one. I'd go w/ the PD also, both the 90 and 92 have ohlins which is good. The drawback tot eh PD will be the charging system, b ut has larger fuel capacity that would tip the scales in favor of the PD though. Easier and cheaper to find a smaller tank if that's what you want later.
I have a 92 PD, my buddy has a 93 GS. The GS is a little easier to handle off road and rides smaller because of the standard size gas tank. PD offers over 9 gallons of fuel storage and the handy storage compartment. The only real difference in the two, from the factory, is the tank, side fairings pieces, skid plate and front fender. PD plate offers more protection. Often owners will add a larger plate to a GS. My PD came with a 4 way flasher and heated grips. Some GS models have them others don't. All things equal the PD probably has a higher resale value, especially the 90 with the clock in the dash. Of the three I would get the one that has had the drive shaft replaced most recently, if at all. I was sold on the PD I got only because the owner just had a new drive shaft installed, with less than 200 miles on it. Service records and receipts also make a difference.
It's a heck of a lot cheaper to make a PD lighter with a smaller tank then it is making a GS into a PD by getting a bigger tank. So that's something to think about. Especially if you find that you like dirt riding. The PD should hold it's "value" for longer, but the GS will be no slouch in the coming years either (Assuming the economy doesn't go totally pear shaped and we have an "American Spring" Personally I'd rather do any customizing myself, making sure the parts I get fit the bill I want And not adjusting my bill to fit the expensive parts already on the bike. But with decent suspension at least it's easy to get it set up for your personal riding style. Engine tuning, that's something totally different.
The PD has had the drive shaft replaced, actually all three have, so that is good. I agree with you all, the PD is more of a possible classic going forward, plus it is the model that actually says Paris Dakar on the tank. Hmmm.....the only sticky part is buying from a distance. I have talked to the owner on the phone and he seemed very meticulous in his maintenance. I have bought sight unseen before and been lucky (that can always change !) They are are really neat bike. Hard to find one that hasn't been thrashed. I have a 04 1150GSA and I do like the extra fuel. Around town I only fill it half full. The PD I like does have the clock but the owner put in a voltmeter instead, he still has the clock.
I have a '92PD with an upgraded charging system, Racetec cartridge front end, Brembo caliper, gearbox upgraded with circlip by Anton, rebuilt Fox twin clicker, rebuilt drive shaft by HPN. I like the bike and find it a pleasure to ride. I have 4 other BMWs. It's horses for courses. I find the front end is very light and flickable and I can see the road in front of me better. And I like working on a two wheel tractor. The larger tank is a plus until you have to remove it to do some work and it's full. I don't think I would sell mine first before I got rid of the others. Just my POV.
BUY the PD...I feel positive vibrations... If you hate it, you could always sell it. Which you won't.
Until it needs a driveshaft! I'm a Luddite and a cheap bastard. I'd rather have a monolever than a paralever, even though the paralever handles better.
I'm not a cheap bastard, and I'll take the better handling motorcycle (for the cost of two driveshafts ).
Another question. I live in the west where humidity is a non happening thing. Do bikes from a humid area have any unique problems. I have considered bikes from TN and GA etc.
I currently have this Uploaded with ImageShack.us I used to have this Uploaded with ImageShack.us I love them both, but off road the GS is better with the less fuel weight on board ( I had stock forks on both ), but for long distance the GSPD was fantastic with that 35 litre tank and I was able to store my mobile phone and wallett etc in the storage box built into the tank. Both are great, it just depends on what you want to do with it. Cheers Geoff.