Complete Restoration of BMW R75/5 into Cafe Racer

[balkowitsch]

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[balkowitsch]

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[balkowitsch]

We started with 2 bikes, here is the bad motor we are just sourcing parts from.

[balkowitsch]

This is who Josh uses to rebuild the motor, all boxed up.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/recommended-...-san-francisco

Thanks,
Shane

[DUCMONZA]

I learned how to ride on a 78' R100. Damn BIG bike, but I did it. To each his own I say. However, I do agree that after many motorcycles, I truly loved my 76' CB750F that I turned into a cafe bike. Do it, learn from your mistakes, and have fun. This is your labor of love. Don't let anyone on here hit you with a case of the "Should nots!" Afterall, a Vespa handles more dangerously than any cafe bike Iv'e ever ridden. A rule that I have lived by, and has saved my life many times over, "If you ever get too comfortable on a motorcycle to respect what it can do, it's time to get rid of it!"

Best of luck on the build!

[balkowitsch]

I learned how to ride on a 78' R100. Damn BIG bike, but I did it. To each his own I say. However, I do agree that after many motorcycles, I truly loved my 76' CB750F that I turned into a cafe bike. Do it, learn from your mistakes, and have fun. This is your labor of love. Don't let anyone on here hit you with a case of the "Should nots!" Afterall, a Vespa handles more dangerously than any cafe bike Iv'e ever ridden. A rule that I have lived by, and has saved my life many times over, "If you ever get too comfortable on a motorcycle to respect what it can do, it's time to get rid of it!"

Best of luck on the build!

Thanks for the words of advice and the input, it is much appreciated.

Thanks,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

I am happy to share a very detailed Tech Update from Josh on his blog, check it out:

http://beemersandbits.com/2012/06/st...aring-install/

Thanks for all the support everyone,

Sincerely,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

Josh is doing his thing again,

http://beemersandbits.com/2012/06/ra...rs+and+Bits%29

Thanks, Happy 4th of July everyone!

Thanks,
Shane

[RINTY]

Josh is doing his thing...

Ah you got the aftermarket triple tree. That's one of the best things you can do for an airhead.

...Happy 4th of July...

And same to you Josh. I'm celebrating the Canada Day Weekend by riding my new ST around the Highwood Loop. I'll do the obligatory summit shot on the highest (road) pass in Canada.

[balkowitsch]

Ah you got the aftermarket triple tree. That's one of the best things you can do for an airhead.



And same to you Josh. I'm celebrating the Canada Day Weekend by riding my new ST around the Highwood Loop. I'll do the obligatory summit shot on the highest (road) pass in Canada.

Sounds like a great trip, be safe and take care.

Thanks,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

Sometimes even the simplest of tasks for a build can be difficult, as Josh found out when he tried to install the lock for the steering.

http://beemersandbits.com/2012/07/st...rs+and+Bits%29

Hope you guys enjoy the most recent Tech Update on the blog, have a Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Thanks,
Shane

[BimmerCrab]

Why do you need a steering lock? It's not the sort of bike you leave in a Holiday Inn parking lot overnight...

[balkowitsch]

Why do you need a steering lock? It's not the sort of bike you leave in a Holiday Inn parking lot overnight...

I don't think it is a necessity, but the bike originally came with one, so Josh wants to get everything in complete working and functioning order, if you are going through the bike to this degree, might as well do it right. It is also interesting that this is another similarity to the Porsche, there is a similar locking mechanism for the gear box near the shifter in the car, you can lock it into any gear, a 1965 security system if you will.

Thanks,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

Josh had to go to the parts bike motor and found a rebuilt or brand new ROTOR, exactly what he needed for our bike, the other one on the build engine is no good. What a find! It is a cool concept to use 2 bikes that had no chance to drive on the road and make a good bike out of them both, a little DNA from 2 bikes to make one good bike, I like that thought.

Thanks,
Shane

[balkowitsch]

Good afternoon, we have a little lull in the build, Josh is teaching some classes and has not had time to work on the bike in a week or so, as soon as I get any updates, I will post right away. Have a great weekend.

Thanks,
Shane