Post Listing Update: Despite 75 bids up to $10,900, this RS did not meet reserve.
The first year of BMW’s class-defining R100RS was 1977. Bikes built in the first model year was also known as the “RS77”, and they worth the distinction due to year-specific features like silver/blue paint, blue anodized calipers, and blue pinstriping. They’re rare enough, but this restored first year example also has the distinction of being originally owned by Malcolm Forbes, if you care about that kind of thing at all.
Weirdly, this is not the first bike I’ve featured that Forbes used to own – that distinction goes to this fantastic Krauser MKM1000. Back to the RS77 – as told to me by reader Jihelle (who owns an example himself), the spoked wheels were eventually replaced with the well known ‘snowflakes’ and the blue ATE calipers became black (and then became Brembos in 1981). The motor was the same throughout the run, a 980cc boxer twin that was produced 70 horsepower and was able to get the bike up to 124 miles per hour. Between 1976 and 1984, BMW built 33,648 examples of this model. For more on the RS, check out this article on Motorcycle Classics. Or, check out this site dedicated to the first-year models.
This example (VIN: 6180044) has been with the current seller (the third owner) for the last 26 years. 14 years ago he had the bike restored, and it now shows 37,015 miles on the odometer. The seller claims that everything works except for the clock, which is a little bit slow. Highlights of the restoration work included rebuilt forks, Dyna ignition, Westco battery, BMW touring bags, Brown side stand, CC aluminum triple clamp, Luftmeister windshield, repainted bodywork, powdercoated frame, and more. Per the seller, “this bike is not perfect nor do I claim it to be but I seriously doubt there is a nicer one out there that is ridden.” and he also says that “you can get on this bike today and ride cross-country with confidence.” The sale includes everything that came from the dealership, including the tool kit, tire pump, tire repair kit, embroidered shop rag, owners manual, shop manual, parts manual, original parts that were replaced, documents from the two previous owners, and even the original tires.
Find this RS for sale in Stewartsville, New Jersey with bidding up to $10,300 and the reserve not yet met