Newbie question?? [Archive]

rjp3579

09-28-2005, 06:52 AM

I have recently purchased a 97 R850R. This is my first street bike. Am I correct in calling this an "oilhead" or is this an "airhead" since it uses air and oil to cool? Thanks for any info on this bike...

lorazepam

09-28-2005, 07:31 AM

It is an oilhead. Oilheads all use air/oil cooling. They have 4 valves per cylinder. the 850R is probably one of the smoothest oilheads out there. Enjoy, and welcome to the forum!

BubbaZanetti

09-28-2005, 08:17 AM

the only years the oilheads and airheads were produced at the same time for the US market was 93-95 (some airheads were made for europe in 96)

knary

09-28-2005, 10:46 AM

rjp3579

09-28-2005, 11:46 AM

Thanks for the info....

The_Veg

09-29-2005, 01:05 PM

the only years the oilheads and airheads were produced at the same time for the US market was 93-95 (some airheads were made for europe in 96)
It's actually trickier than that. '95 was the last official year of US Airheads, but my Airhead has a December '95 production date (BMW model years advance in September) and the emissions stickers under the seat describe it as a "MY96 50-states" and "1996 BMW 47 E 0980 motorcycle" (the labels go on to address strictly US emissions laws as well so no doubt that it's a US model). And yet all official sources say '95 was the last US year. my guess is that they ran the production line until the parts ran out, which coincidentally ran into what should have been the '96 MY, and simply found it easier to keep selling them as '95s. But still doesn't explain the labels on my bike.
Confusing enough???

BubbaZanetti

09-29-2005, 02:17 PM

veg,

you probably have one of the "newest" airheads in the entire country, its funny, i don't think i ever saw your bike at Lima.............

The_Veg

09-29-2005, 07:44 PM

Yeah I was parked way out on the far shore of the lake over by BG and Loraz. I guess that means you'll have to be sure to see it next time we're in the same town!