Airhead: quirky is as quirky does.

[SteveD]

So Grant and me moved a nice R100RS from a seller to a buyer this last fortnight.

Explaining the quirks we all know was an interesting experience, trying to blend accurate & useful information as credible sounding fact.

Examples include:
Preloading the gear lever
Always turn your taps off
Fill to max, but don't be surprised if the oil moves to half way then stops
Avoid parking on the sidestand otherwise you''ll occasionally leave in a cloud of white smoke.
The GEN light on at idle is normal.
Headshake at 35-70kph might be tyres, tyre pressures, steering head bearings....

Some of these sound like excuses for problems, but in fact are just what we all know and understand as normal behaviour for these bikes.

Have you got any others?

[khittner1]

--These pre-'85 cast wheels were made to run with inner tubes.
--The correct tires for this otherwise metric bike are measured in inches.
--That rectangular light above your RS's headlight is the parking lamp.
--Good occasional maintenance does require that the transmission be disconnected.
--The side covers were really designed to be held onto the bike with a rubber band running between them over the battery.
--If you're lucky, your bike isn't one that has the "ball-buster" storage compartment.
--Your "red smoke" bike hasn't always looked this color.
--Get some earplugs; there's no better effective solution for reducing noise on this otherwise quiet bike.
--Gee---nearly everyone else loves RS handlebars.

[SteveD]

These pre-'85 cast wheels were made to run with inner tubes.
The correct tires for this otherwise metric bike are measured in inches.
That rectangular light above your RS's headlight is the parking lamp.
Good occasional maintenance does require that the transmission be disconnected.
The side covers were really designed to be held onto the bike with a rubber band running between them over the battery.
If you're lucky, your bike isn't one that has the "ball-buster" storage compartment.
Your "red smoke" bike hasn't always looked this color.

I only mentioned one of those.

[tsa]

The triple function of the speedo cable retaining screw; battery ground connections & ventilating the gearbox in addition to the "primary" function. Don't overtighten it, too easy to strip the threads.

And whilst in that region; make sure no rainwater (or pressure washer ditto) gets into the speedo cable boot (zip tie it, or fill it with silicone sealant) that sits on top of the gearbox, or it will leak into the latter & emulsify the gearbox oil, and increase gearbox bearing wear.

The main raison d'être for the fuel tank cap lock is to prevent anyone from stealing it, not the fuel, which can easily be drained off from the petcocks.

[SteveD]

Thanks tsa. Good points.

I'll add another.

The stands are shite. The bike we sold had the oem side stand which extends forward under the cylinder so it's hard to see/reach.
The centre stand had the lowering tang missing, so needed to be lowered by hand, unless you're wearing some winklepickers. Try preloading the lever with them puppies!

[SteveD]

The threads on drain holes are delicate. Take special care to tighten just enough, not too much. Use new crush washers at every oil change.

-Gee---nearly everyone else loves RS handlebars.

Oh yeah..combined with screen height some customisation can transform the RS experience. My bars are stock but the screen is cut down to reduce buffeting.
K75, K1 or 65ls bars fit and reduce the forward lean. 22mm bars fit, 7/8" don't.
If replacing bars, know what the perch wedge is and don't lose it.

[Bamboo812]

...and yes, the foot pegs really are two different lengths.

[khittner1]

Many OEM saddlebag brackets have broken and been re-welded.

[SteveD]

The fairing mounted motometer voltmeters can't be taken at face value, unless you're lucky enough to have a good one still. You need to know the relationship b/w battery terminal voltage and the vm. Knowing how it behaves, where the needle usually rides and recognising a change is what matters.

[Duane Ausherman]

Send the buyer to one of the websites that have this info. Suggest that he read for a long time before riding it. Suggest that he go to a forum like this one before starting to "fix it." Asking is free.

Rule #1, keep your money in your pocket. Avoid dealers.