A New Airhead Saying Hello

[michaelc]

Hello all,

Just dropping in to throw my hat into the ring as a proud new BMW owner restoring an old airhead. I see a couple of other folks here in the forum also going down the same path. I just picked up this cherry 1973 LWB R75/5:



I know it doesn't look like it's in that great of shape, but I knew I couldn't pass it up when I looked at the speedometer:



Just one mile ridden! Unbelievable! Clearly the previous owner was a little old lady riding it to church on Sundays only.

So far I'm learning to enjoy the marvels of German engineering. I had no idea electrical tape and zip ties were used so freely at the BMW factory.



In all seriousness, I figure I'm looking at a years-long project. Job #1 is to get it running. After that I'll probably tear it all the way down and start restoring it from the frame up to get it looking pretty. The back wheel rolls in all gears, so I think it has some potential, mechanically. Still, it looks like it was used, abused, and probably dropped at least once.

My Dad and I rebuilt an old Lambretta scooter from the 60s when I was in high school that was in far worse condition. I just moved to Northern California to be closer to pops now that he's in his 70s, and we're going to work on this one together as well. He's a mechanical engineer, and an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to motors, but we're both BMW newbies.

Hope to see everyone in the forums and on the road sooner rather than later!

[lmo1131]

You gotta lighten up a bit Michael.... don't take this sh*t so seriously, it's just an old BMW. But seriously, I'd just gas 'er up and ride!

Welcome aboard!

[geisterfahrer]

Saweet! You probably should put on some rocker arm covers before you ride it

Welcome to the forum!

[michaelc]

Hmmm, I took your advice and tried gassing her up. I ended up with a wet pant leg. At first I thought I was just excited about getting her on the road. Now I'm starting to doubt there's as much technical expertise on this forum as I've heard...

[88bmwjeff]

I just moved to Northern California to be closer to pops now that he's in his 70s, and we're going to work on this one together as well. He's a mechanical engineer, and an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to motors, but we're both BMW newbies.

Where in N. Ca. are you? There's a good number of us folk (airhead owners) around here. Without a doubt you will run into something that would be beneficial on having someone more experienced around for advice. You should consider joining the local Airheads group. Anyway, best of luck on getting the bike running and the future restoration. Don't forget to stop by and give us updates.

[lmo1131]

I took your advice and tried gassing her up. I ended up with a wet pant leg.

Prolly just a loose petcock... .. . er somethin'.

[photorider]

I'm no expert but I think you're gonna need carbs.

Welcome to the forum!

(don't worry we're not ALL smart asses like me)

[TURK]

You gotta Keep the Seat!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .....Al

[michaelc]

Where in N. Ca. are you? There's a good number of us folk (airhead owners) around here. Without a doubt you will run into something that would be beneficial on having someone more experienced around for advice. You should consider joining the local Airheads group. Anyway, best of luck on getting the bike running and the future restoration. Don't forget to stop by and give us updates.

The bike is at my folk's place in Saint Helena, about 30 minutes north of Napa. I'm in Rohnert Park near Santa Rosa. They have more space to work out here, and my Dad has a lifetime of tools built up, which is handy.

The airhead group is a great idea. I'd love to meet some people who actually know what they're doing! I'll feel like a chump showing up without a bike yet, though!

I'm no expert but I think you're gonna need carbs.

Thankfully, I do have the carbs. They'll need rebuilding, according to the guy I bought it from. Most of the pieces I need to rebuild the bike are in a few boxes of parts that came with it. It shouldn't be that hard to figure out what goes where, right?

You gotta Keep the Seat!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .....Al

Yeah, that seat sure is a looker, eh? I think it was modeled after Grimace from the McDonalds commercials.

[doktortim]

If you are a nOOb to Airheads, you have no idea just how much fun you are going to have completing that project, then putting on the miles. Do join the Airheads.org and meet them at a local Barley Therapy. The depth of knowleged available is matched by no other machine ever produced. Take the time to get the info. Just to get you started a fraction of my favorites..........

http://www.beemershop.com/
http://www.ibmwr.org/faq-files/addresses.shtml
http://marketplace.ibmwr.org/
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?vin=&kind=M&arch=0
http://www.largiader.com/index.html
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/techni...icles-list.htm

Welcome, enjoy.

[20774]

There's also a growing list of links and references here:

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=47142

[TURK]

I went to a Tech Day in Oklahoma before I bought my R100s and I couldn't have felt/been more welcome!!

Everyone was more than willing to share their time and expertise!!

Don't forget Yahoo groups I found out about the tech day thru OKAirheads.

The airhead group is a great idea. I'd love to meet some people who actually know what they're doing! I'll feel like a chump showing up without a bike yet, though!

[toooldtocare]

Glad you have a sense of humor, you will need it.......

Other than that, I have seen much worse really look good with some work. Enjoy the time ahead, photograph each step and post your progress. Welcome to good group that will help you along the way.

Wayne

[michaelc]

Thanks for the links doktortim and 20774!

I have seen much worse really look good with some work.

That does make me feel better. Every time I look at it I see something new to replace or rehabilitate. The gas tank is about the cleanest looking piece, but I'm not sure it's original.

Speaking of, anyone know anything about the type of tank I have? I admit, the only gas tanks I've seen on /5s either have the toaster side panels or the rubber pads. This tank has neither. It does have some pretty large dents, but I assume those were not stock

[20774]

Speaking of, anyone know anything about the type of tank I have?

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R75-5.htm

They came with either the 4.5g or 6.3g tank. But, then again, you might actually have a /6 tank, 5.8g. See this:

http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/specpages/R75-6.htm