Lester Wheels on an R90S

[RoboRider]

Back in the 80s, we considered Lester wheels a big improvement on airheads. Now, I'm looking at an R90S with Lesters. Does anyone have an opinion on weather they increase, decrease, or have no effect on the resale value?

[lkchris]

Think they decrease the value, as the wire wheels are hard to come by.

Plus, they have known mechanical weakness.

[mikeb921]

It's my opinion (worth what you're paying for it) that the more original the bike is, the more value it would have. I sure wouldn't pass on it because it had Lesters.

Ride Safe
Mike

[Radar41]

Back in the 80s, we considered Lester wheels a big improvement on airheads. Now, I'm looking at an R90S with Lesters. Does anyone have an opinion on weather they increase, decrease, or have no effect on the resale value?

Agreement on not passing it up because of the Lesters. If it is a true R90S (check the VIN # to be sure) and the price is reasonable. It may take a while and some searching but you could find a set of wheels for the original look.

Just one opinion.

[RoboRider]

What am I looking for with the VIN number?

[Yarddog]

I have Lesters on my R100/7, and would REALLY prefer wire wheels, but I didn't pass up the bike because of that...I've heard mixed stories about Lesters... there is no doubt, judging from other threads in this and other forums, that some Lesters had problems, but some of the experts will allude that there is some doubt in this regard...for me, I'll not toss them until I have to, but on the other hand, stock snowflakes also had some problems...when the time comes, I'll source wire wheels...much more modular, in my estimation, much nicer looking, and I can paint the rims and have 'em laced up with stainless spokes...

[RoboRider]

I think I will buy it if he drops the price. I would rather have spokes, too. $7000 seems like a price for a more original machine. This has a Corbin and Lesters. He does have the MOM and toolkit though, which is nice.

[98lee]

What am I looking for with the VIN number?

Assuming that it is a US spec bike:

Last seven# of VIN:


4950001 - 4951005
4980001 - 4981738
4990001 - 4991260

[RoboRider]

Wow, thanks! Is there a VIN on the bike and the engine, too?

[airhead78]

Yes, both VIN in engine block by oil filler hole and by frame neck and bottom rail under the cylinder (right side). They should match.

[RoboRider]

The internet is a great thing. All of this expert advise just at my fingertips. Thanks guys. We'll see. I too would prefer original wheels. But the bike is in great shape otherwise.

[20774]

Here's one...there are a couple more...

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

[Radar41]

Yes, both VIN in engine block by oil filler hole and by frame neck and bottom rail under the cylinder (right side). They should match.

Robo,

Get the Vin # and go here to see what the bike left the factory as:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?kind=M&arch=0

When I was looking for my R100RS I found several which were converted RS's but not REAL RS's.

Always good to know what you are getting.

[mymindsok]

Think they decrease the value, as the wire wheels are hard to come by.

Plus, they have known mechanical weakness.

What problems have you had with Lester wheels?

I'm asking because, after lusting after a pair for a long time, I found a mint- set for my bike and have been very happy with em.

Mine are the tube type, though I've heard that they also were made in tubeless form. The weight is somewhat less than a set of Snowflakes but the Lester's don't bend as easily and are WAY easier to keep clean!

Back in the late 60's and early 90's the only way to get a set was to buy a bike with them installed and then switch the wheels and flip the bike. Now that we have the inter-web we can find em on IBMR, though prices have gone way up.

If I could find a tubeless set, I'd be one happy camper....!!

[20774]

What problems have you had with Lester wheels?

Oak indicated that the problem with Lester's were inconsistent internals making it difficult to set up the preload. His suggestion was to strip out the hub internals and replace with BMW parts.