1978 BMW R 100 S

1978 BMW R 100 S sits above the R100/7 and R80 as the sportier, more serious sibling in BMW's air-cooled boxer lineup of the era. This is a bike built for covering real distance at a solid clip, not for weekend posturing. The boxer twin and shaft drive combination means low maintenance fuss and a planted, predictable feel through fast sweepers, while the riding position leans slightly forward compared to BMW's touring models, rewarding riders who want to cover ground quickly without abandoning comfort entirely. It's not a bike that wants to be thrashed like an inline-four superbike of the period, but it holds a highway pace with a confidence that still impresses today. The 1978 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year, so buyers comparing it to a 1977 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences. Typical buyers are experienced riders and BMW loyalists who want an honest, mechanically simple classic for long rides rather than garage display. Collector interest in the 1978 BMW R 100 S remains moderate, driven by slash-seven-era enthusiasts rather than speculative investors, which keeps prices grounded relative to rarer variants.