Looking at a 1976 R-90/6

[twins4life]

60k miles, new points/plugs. He says runs 100% perfect. Good rubber, seat & paint. Saddle bags (BMW) $3600

I had an R-90/6 in 1980 and still miss it.

Comments on known problems with that model/year and anything else to look out for. Comments on asking price too.

TIA

[manicmechanic]

Doesn't sound bad. How does it run and ride? And, being totally objective, does it make you smile?

[Bill Burke]

It's been said by at least one airhead guru that 76 was the best year of them all. But the proof is in the pudding. Any sign (sound) of crunchy tranny bearings? Will be due for new rings and valves in the next 20K miles or so. Crank sprockets/timing chains poop out between now and 80. Hard to say how long that clutch will go. Have the electrics (diode board, rotor, starter relay, voltage regulator, battery) been updated at all? Do the instruments work? How about cables (throttle, clutch, tach, brake, speedo) - been renewed at all? How are them brake pads and shoes lookin'? I would say that the asking price is fair for that classic bike if at least some of the stuff above has been attended to and the bike has been protected from the elements. If it's all oem, I'd want about $2K in the bank AFTER purchase, to bring the bike up to where you want it to be. Others will have their own points of view. That's mine.

[crazydrummerdude]

That "farm equipment" is "not so pleasant to operate."

Oh, wait.

If the bikes in great shape, that sounds like a pretty ok price. If you can work a deal, go for it.

Check ibmwr (http://www.ibmwr.org/market/adlist.php?cat=abs) and/or ebay for similar bikes/prices.

If you get it, post lots of pictures.

[BobZ]

If it rides out good and has no weird noises, has not sat out in the rain for years and no crashes, it's probably a good deal. Maybe you kind find a little flaw and offer a couple hundred less.

As far as wear and tear on my '78 (50k), I've had the heads and cyls off and transmission out. Splines looked like new, compression in excess 160# both sides. Out of guilt I'm putting new diaphrams and gaskets in carbs. But nothing is really needed.

The old airheads are just great fun.

[AntonLargiader]

Nice bike. '76 had some engine improvements but the tranny didn't really improve until about 1978. But that shouldn't be a dissuading factor for you.

As mentioned, between 60k and 90, 100k you will probably benefit from a top end overhaul and a timing chain. If that stuff has already been done (and done well) it would be great.

[lkchris]

Bike is overpriced unless an R90/6 is only what you want.

You can get a pretty good R100RT for that price.

The last year of most models is usually the best, and /6s did improve some.

Known problems? Points ignition.

[twins4life]

I was wondering is it was over priced.

Anyway, I asked him if he knew anything about transmission splines (condition - lube status) and the condition of the rear wheel splines, plus a couple more questions.

He didnt answer; I guess I have mine.

On goes the search!