Seat rail bolts

[R75_7]

Tom & Kbasa,
I will look at the backrest tomorrow. Thanks for the advice. I will also clean it and bag it. I would like to get those rails if they came stock on the bike. Also, what is the right thing to do as far as keeping the bike original or modifying it with updated technology? I'm typically a purist. When I restored my old bug I did it showroom original. But I don't know what's acceptable in the BMW motorcycle world. What about the shifter upgrade I read about in ON magazine last month? Seems smart and invisible to the eye. Any info is appreciated because i'm trying to figure what to do with this bike and how to do it. What about the backrest bolts, do you think they're the same as the rails?
Thanks,
Michael

[kbasa]

Not sure about the bolts, but I'd upgrade the ignition system to an electronic unit. That bike will start more easily and run better with better spark. I'd also look at putting in the 400W charging system Motorrad Elektrik sells. It'll keep the battery healthy and let you run some accessories.

[R75_7]

Kbasa,
Lastnight I must have pushed new thread rather than reply. Can you attach this to the bottom of Tom's seat rail bolt thread? I think the bike already has a "Boyer?" electric ignition. And one of the previous owners put two spacers or seals rather than one on the cylinder closest to te engine block. Rick Monohan at Black Kat Motorwerks said they probably did that to keep compression down for the "new" unleaded fuels.
Thanks,
Michael

[R100RS]

Originally posted by KBasa
I'd also look at putting in the 400W charging system Motorrad Elektrik sells. It'll keep the battery healthy and let you run some accessories. This probably isn't necessary. I, too considered the 400W alternator, but unless you need a new alternator in the first place I'm not sure I'd consider it given the price.

Given, I don't run a lot of accessories (read: almost none). The 280W alternator should supply enough juice to run everything plus an additional light or two plus some heated clothes. The problem is keeping the battery charged.

I used to have problems with battery charging. Not anymore. Get the police model voltage regulator (battery charging starts at 1500rpm, not 3500rpm) (I purchased mine from Eurotechmotorsports, no affiliation), and a sealed lead-acid battery (holds a charge longer when the bike isn't being used) (I got a Panasonic from gotbatteries.com, they had an Airhead discount and still might). Those two items will make a world of difference to a properly operating airhead charging system.

[PeoriaMac]

R75/7 said: I will look at the backrest tomorrow. Thanks for the advice. I will also clean it and bag it. I would like to get those rails if they came stock on the bike. Also, what is the right thing to do as far as keeping the bike original or modifying it with updated technology?

I'm not sure there is a "right thing to do" unless you plan to show the bike a lot. Any bike that's ridden for many years gets modified in a number of ways. I have the electronic ignition,
reinforced swingarm, dual plugs, and lately non-BMW forks, handlebar and bag mounts. (Although no-one could probably tell the difference)
Others add modifications such as aftermarket fairings,
stainless steel bolts, rearsets, mufflers and let's not forget seats. The stock 78 seat was well-known for being hard, thanks to a German law that motorcycles had to carry a first aid kit. The RS and RT models had a place at the rear of the seat, but to make the /7 seat comply, the company hollowed out a section under the front of the bench seat--leaving less padding in front. Ouch!

Mac

[R75_7]

Tom,
What are step downs? Is your seat rail offer still good? What I meant by upgrades is that I've been having problems with shifting and the false nuetral and after reading the article in ON Magazine I thought I might do the upgrade. The paint on the bike is so faded I can see the fiberglass on the fenders and I can't see the stripes on the tank so I wanted to freshen up the old bike. I wondered if I changed te bars to Maguro Eurobars and the mufflers to British aftermarkets would that cheapen or lower the value of the bike as far as resale? Before this bike my only experience with old machines was VW Bugs and there is a school of thought that's once you lose the original part it's gone forever or until someone buys a new one. Also never cut or drill the metal. I didn't know if it was the same for these bikes. I'm of te sort that believes it's better to keep it as original as possible BUT there are always deluxe models or special items that improve function as well as value. Are the bolts for the backrest the same as for the seat rails?
Thanks,
Michael

[PeoriaMac]

R75/7 said: What are step downs? Is your seat rail offer still good?

Do you mean rear sets? Rear sets were used to
move the shifting mechanism up and to the rear. Useful if one is roadracing. not terribly practical otherwise.
The seat rail offer is still good, but honestly, I haven't
gone through my stuff. I'm in the process of re-roofing the
garage, and replacing the floor, so things are a mess.

R75/7 said: The paint on the bike is so faded I can see the fiberglass on the fenders and I can't see the stripes on the tank so I wanted to freshen up the old bike. I wondered if I changed te bars to Maguro Eurobars and the mufflers to British aftermarkets would that cheapen or lower the value of the bike as far as resale?

You're really talking to the wrong guy here. I've had my tank repainted twice over the years...the last time a non-BMW
color (Lincoln Metallic Black). In my experience, people who buy used BMW's are more interested in how the bike functions mechanically than than worrying over whether some OEM parts
have been replaced. To be brutally honest, your bike and mine aren't "collectable". An R90S and some R100RS BMW's are,
and will command a higher price than origional purchase cost.
Just enjoy the bike, modify it to fit you, ride it, and do the usual maintence items, and it'll last a long time.

Tom

[R75_7]

Tom,
Thanks for ALL the info. I located my backrest it is made by Reynolds. If you find your seat rails let me know.
Thanks again,
Michael