Gonzo (my 1977 R100RS) and I are going to be on the road again on our way to Todd Trumbore’s home where he is hosting his third airhead 40th anniversary celebration of bikes designed by the legendary Hans Muth, on September 19-22, in Harleysville, PA. (Yes, an ironic location for a BMW airhead rally 🙂 ) This time Todd is celebrating 40 years since the introduction of the iconic R80 G/S and the R65LS models in 1979. Once again, Hans will be in attendance along with a notable list of other airhead and motorcycle legends who will be speaking. You can see the details here:
–> 40TH ANNIVERSARY RALLY TO CELEBRATE LEGACY OF R 65 LS, R 80 GS
R 80 G/S Started the Adventure Bike Category
R65 LS – Distinctive, Minimalist Styling
The first rally Todd hosted was in 2014 for the R90S and the second was in 2017 for the R100RS, which is the rally Gonzo and I first attended. Even though my garage does not yet include an R80 G/S or R65LS, Todd was happy to let me attend the festivities despite riding “only” an RS.
The R80 G/S and R65LS are the last two designs Hans developed for BMW before starting a design studio, Target Design, with some friends, Jan Fellstrom and Hans-Georg Kasten. One notable design from the Target Design studio was the Suzuki Katana in 1980. I find the lines of the R65LS and Katana are similar, as if Hans extended the design vocabulary the BMW R65LS and to the design commissioned by Suzuki for the Katana.
Suzuki Katana-To Me, It Echos The Design Vocabulary of the R65LS
When Gonzo and I went out in 2017, we had an adventure when the shift cam retaining circlip in Gonzo’s transmission came off the shaft. The BMW dealer I ordered it from supplied the wrong size circlip and I was not attentive enough to notice. Gonzo and I ended up being transported to the rally hotel by Scott Mercer with assistance from Tom Gaiser, and Keven O’Neil. Tom Cutter, at Rubber Chicken Racing Garage, one of the best airhead transmission re-builders, was a speaker at the rally and put Gonzo on his trailer while I followed him to his shop riding his “most excellent” R100 “Fake S” bike. He took apart the transmission on the Sunday after the 2017 rally while I watched and assisted with cleaning parts, and I was back on the road that Monday. Here is the story of my adventures going to the 40th anniversary of the RS rally in September 2017.
Although Gonzo and I are very appreciative of Tom’s generous assistance. we plan to avoid imposing on him again on this trip. 🙂
Since I \didn’t complete the entire trip last time in 2017, I am going to take the same route out and back this time. Somehow that seems appropriate.
Gonzo now has “matte” clear coat, which is correct for the 1977 RS bikes, but due to my failure to communicate with my painter, he was repainted with gloss clear coat back in 2017 when I did the restoration. He is also sporting the commemorative badge Todd provided to the participants of the 2017 R100RS rally. I think it’s a very nice touch and a lot classier than the cheap decal BMW originally used on the cowling in 1977.
Gonzo ‘s Matte Clear Coat and Commemorative 40th RS Rally Badge
Rear Cowl With Original “Cheap” Decal BMW Used in 1977
Gonzo and I are looking forward to attending this last of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Hans Muth designed BMW motorcycles.
Gonzo’s Excited to Go To Another Todd Trumbore Hosted 40th Anniversary Rally
Would be nice to be there too. I own a 83′ G/S and I am the first and only owner since then.
I have seen all zeros twice on the clock (km)
Too bad there is too much water in between, I’m living in Switzerland. But the riding here is great.
Enjoy!!
Martin
Hi Martin,
Ah, that would be an “adventure” ride, wouldn’t it. 🙂 You must be pretty proud to have that many miles on your one owner G/S. That’s impressive.
Best.
Brook.