OK...now what

So after playing around with the new to me sidecar rig I went for a ride in the R80.  Very fast bike, But after a short ride I noticed an oil leak from the front engine cover.  Looks like it might be the front crank seal, so I went back home and parked the bike.  I guess tomorrow I'll open it up and see what needs to be done.  With luck it's a minor problem and I can be back to riding again.

I had enough wrenching today with reassembly of the other bikes cylinder.  Time to ride....so out comes the R100.........bye!

Small steps, big results.

OK, here we go.  The R80 is up and running, tuned to factory spec's but I have a broken neutral switch.  The front brake was not working but I was able to rebuild the master cylinder and it works again.  I have to admit it is a real nice bike and Ed if you are reading this "Thanks Again" and don't forget to come to Maryland to drive your old bike this fall.  I do plan to use this bike for my road trip, I just need to put a few miles on it plus replace the front inner tube because after a few days the pressure drops.  Everything else about the bike is nice, from engine, drivetrain and paint.  I just wish I had the stock seat and not the Corbin.  I spent about $450 on parts to make the bike road worthy again, not counting many hours in the shop.

The R60 is nice and running but I am not 100% confident with the bike and for that reason the R80 takes center stage.  Not sure what to do with that bike.  I have about $500 in parts and A Lot of time working on it.  If someone offered $2700 I think it would be out the door.  I hope to trim all my machines down to the R50/2 conversion and the R80 for my motorcycle passion.

I picked up a Moto Guzzi California just because I could.  Beautiful Machine and like a young Italian Woman, curvy in the right places, strong and graceful.  They really know how to build a bike.  It's a 1997 with 106,000 miles but pampered all it's life and if I didn't tell you the mileage you would have never guessed.  New tires and clutch, a paint scrape here and there (but difficult to find).  Not sure what to really do with it but too good to pass up.

So, the blog is still active.

Ed you might like these shots!

Where to go from here

The R60 is up and running.  Not as well as I would have wished and really not to where I feel it's up to a good x/c run.  Today I got in the colorized and large wiring diagram for the R80.  The R80 has some minor wiring problems and with this diagram I think I can finally make the last repairs so I can start riding this bike for my trip.  I have the area were the wiring is not correct, I think it's a bad diode for the start system and a bad neutral switch.  Once I get that corrected and ride the bike a bit I'll head out.

Hoping that this will finally get me out the door............

So here is what is going on.

Well the bike runs...but I'm not real happy with it.  Little things keep popping up.  If not a fuel problem it's a shift problem or brakes or lights or...you get the idea.  Now I'm not really complaining, hell, it's an old bike that wasn't maintained properly over it's time away from the factory.  It sat under a tarp in some ones back yard.  It's had mis-fitting or just plain wrong parts installed and besides needing a lot of TLC it was a bike without a proper home.  It has one now and I'm slowly getting it back in shape....but it's taking longer than I wanted.  I should have been on the road, maybe even heading back by now.    The only thing that has been keeping me sane is riding my R100 sidecar rig every chance I get....mainly to build up riding time.

My friends say repaint the bike.  I like the patina, it shows its age but it also shows it's poor maintenance over the years.  To me as long as it runs strong and starts easy, that's what I want out of the bike.

Anyway, that is where the R60 stands right now.  The R80 will be on the road this weekend for a long shake-down.  I only wish it had a kick starter.  I might wind up taking it on my ride.  We Shall See.

Carb back together

Yesterday I was able to install the new needle valve and so far it's holding and no overflow.  I wanted to go ride today but it's raining.  I need to put more local miles on the bike before I head out on my ride but it is getting difficult to do that with parts needing and or rain.

Since the rain is here again I will do a general bike cleaning today.  I might even try to re-stretch that seat cover the previous owner had installed.  It is a little loose and tend to fold when sitting on it for a while making it uncomfortable.  I wanted to install a solo seat but it was becoming a major task so it's back to the stock bench seat.....I can live with that.

Hope I can head out soon.

Parts

Well I'm waiting for my new needle valve and seat for the left carb.  It continues to overflow and that's not good.  I hope it arrives in todays mail because I still need to get the bike in a dependable condition.  The R80 is going back together later this afternoon and I hope to ride it on the road tomorrow.  If it checks out ok I'll give  Ed a call and invite him down for a ride out on his old bike.

I've been driving my sidecar rig as everyday transportation so to get use to being on a bike all the time since my trip will be many days in the saddle.

For Sale. One left shoe soaked with gasoline.

Yeah, you guessed it.  Left carb float got stuck while riding and my foot was slowly getting fuel all over it.  I tapped on the bowl but it would not stop so I drove home with one foot in the air.  More work needed........oh, well.......

Went back to the shop and dropped the bowl.  Float seems ok and I checked the drop.  Might have to replace the needle valve.  Very frustrating but better to happen here than on the road west.

Took a break from the bike and traced the wiring on the R80's electrical problem.  Starter switch is now working but still not getting enough power to the solenoid.  Must be a week wire or internal break somewhere in the line.  I plan to put a temp wire and try again tomorrow. 

Back from Mexico

I returned from Mexico not really refreshed but lets just say I'm back.  Went to the shop and installed the mirrors on the R60 and removed the crash bars that I got and reinstalled a pair of factory bars.  They are two piece and hang much lower.  I like them a lot even though they are a little rusty.  I'll up date the post with photos.  I want to take another test ride but it looks like it might rain so I am holding off for about an hour.

I did take out the sidecar rig for a run this morning and it was good to be back on the road with the bike.  The R80 electrical problem is still not solved but I do have an idea where the problem is located, just need to do a little more troubleshooting.

Well it's about ready.  Need to get a bolt for the muffler clamp, wash the bike and service all the lubes.  I'd like to finish putting on some more miles locally.   Now to get back to that R80 electric problem....but that's for tomorrow,  time to ride a bit.

The Post Office...and other stupid things.

OK, so the other day I ordered my mufflers. Same place. Same time. Box separately but mailed same time.  Today I get the left muffler....Post office tracking says I get the right side on Tuesday.  The crash bars will be in Tuesday UPS from Illinois,  the solo seat arrived today from Virginia.  The seat will work, not perfect but it will work.

Here is what the new mufflers will look like vs the old.

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I checked my email this morning and everything I ordered has been shipped....with tracking numbers too!  Not a lot of news but GOOD NEWS!  Anyway I'm heading to the shop and do some more prep work.  I still have to get the rest of that silicone off the tank....what a pain.

Where are my parts!

Bike is running well.  I have been waiting for some parts that I have ordered that are not arriving in a timely manner......The muffler order is on back order so I contact another company, waiting for response.  The seat cover...just got an email last night, back ordered, so I made contact with a guy in VA that has a solo seat that might work, he's going to ship it to me today.  I have a slight oil leak at one of the push rod tubes that I was hoping would go away with running the bike since it has not run in a long while.  It's about the same so I will have to change the rubber seal,  I have spares for that in the shop.  Bike starts on first or second kick.  I'm still cleaning up that silicone mess on the tanks, and have the knee pads ready to install.

I have everything ready for a oil change when I'm ready to roll.  I've put together a small spare parts inventory to take with me and the tool kit it also ready to pack.  I have a pair of drape over saddle bags that will work well and I am still planning to add one of the carry racks I have.

That is where I am....Now Where are my parts!

R60 update

Fired up the bike and rode around for about 30 minutes then the rain came in....fast.. so I headed back.  Got the mirrors in...but didn't fit on left side, right side is ok.  Made a template for the solo seat using cardboard then cut out the pattern in 1/16" plate steel.  I'll mount the seat to the plate and the plate to the frame.  Ordered the new seat cover.

Yes I know it's not a Beemer seat but I had it left over from my scooter building days.  Very comfortable and adjustable frame.  These photos are of the seat placement, cardboard template.

What happened?

Well, I was on my way to visit a friend in Mexico but had a passport problem and had to return.  Finally got that straight but now I have to wait for another flight so it's back to work on the bikes.

Yesterday I went to Bob's BMW and picked up some new fuel valve gaskets (I bought a new set of vintage leather too) for the R60.  In the shop today I changed my plans about removing the mufflers from the R80 and put on the 60 so I reinstalled everything.  The new starter relay came in yesterday so I installed that (just plugs in).  I am still trying to remove the last of the silicone that the previous owner used to install the knee pads.  I almost have it all off but those tiny specs are giving me a hard time, plus there is a silicone film on the tank too that will need to be removed for the double stick tape to work.  I use double stick carpet tape to install the pads, thin and strong.

I have been following a blog about traveling route 50.  Riding the Horizon, it's interesting but they seem to be having a lot of delays along the way.  They are driving Urals.   http://ccjon.blogspot.com/ is the blog if you would like to follow.  I think they are now in Utah.

I've been mapping out my route and making a list of spares needed along the way plus a list of BMW dealers for parts too.  I do need to do my Mexico trip before I do the bike trip, it's a commitment I made to my friend.

Lunch is over so I need to get back to the bikes and take the R60 for a run and build up some riding time on it to check everything out.  I'd like to restart the R80 today too, maybe take it for a spin if I have time.  I know I will be riding the R100 this evening down the  lake for some fishing.

Yes, 3 BMW's can be a challenge to maintain but all being Airheads makes it easier.

As thin as a hair.

I don't know what gauge wire it would be but that Bosch starter relay must be assembled by Fairy's.  The coil wire is so thin it's almost invisible.  When I tried to start the R80 again I got nothing.  I traced it down to the starter relay and coming from a manufacturing background any thing that can be built can be disassembled.....and so I did.  If you look very closely where that blob of solder is you will see the end wire of the coil.  Corrosion got to it and with the heat from applying 12 volts the wire broke.  But I found that this relay was upgraded for the Volvo radiator fan to a better and stronger unit so not wanting to give Bob's BMW my hard earned cash for a stock Fairy built relay  ($30) I bought a better unit online delivered (in 5 days) for $14.00.  Hope the Fairy, Goblins and Troll's Local 763 doesn't find out about this!

Saturday.

After a long ride to nowhere on the hack I started up the R60 and just drove locally.  When I returned I went to work on the R80 and concluded that the starter relay is acting up.  I plan to bench test it tomorrow and if necessary replace it on Monday.  I also want stock mufflers on the R60 so I plan to remove the ones on the R80 and use them, putting the R60's onto the R80.  But that's for tomorrow too.  Time to take a break........

Went and got some ice cream on the sidecar rig. When I got back I removed the R60 exhaust and got ready for the swap....but that will be tomorrow.  And it does look like I'll need the new starter relay after all.....

Mufflers.......

The R60 does not have it's stock mufflers.  I'm not really sure what the present mufflers came off of but one thing for sure....I don't like them...too loud and upsweep too much for my taste so I am looking for a set of original ones.  I was looking at Emgo's but would prefer BMW stock mufflers....just hard to find at a reasonable price.  So...if anyone out there has a set to sell please let me know.  I'll keep up my search, but if time is running out Emgo's will be on the bike.

I just couldn't stand it anymore!

The R60 center stand was a mess.  It was worn thin and cracked.  Every time I set the bike up it would wobble back and forth a few seconds and I would hold onto it just incase the stand failed.  I was going to repair it....but wait!  I had a like new stand on my R100 and with the sidecar attached it did not need the center stand....that was an easy fix!

 

Nice looking, strong and stable.

IT's ALIVE ! IT's ALIVE !

YES it runs....and very well too.  The R60 was making me work at it but after adjusting and readjusting I was able to get everything correct and the bike starts up on the second kick...no need for and electric starter here. 

After a short while I reinstalled the air tubes and front engine cover.  I now have a small oil leak to tend to at one of the pushrod tube bases.

The only things left to do are; reinstall the seat cover, properly mount the seat (yes it is off it's hinges in the video), lube all the cables, wheels and install the hardware and knee pads on the fuel tank.  Then it's time for a ride on the road!

The heat and carburetors

Wow, it's hot out today but I was able to do some cleaning of the carburetors on the R60.  It looks like the needle valves are sticking on the seat so I will order new ones online today and replace them asap.  Floats look ok and the fuel bowls had no debris.  I think this will take care of my fuel problem since everything else has been changed.

On the R80 the circuit is open on the starter solenoid, it might be a broken wire but right now it's just getting too hot out to continue so I'll try later in the day or better yet first thing in the morning.

Current status.

First of all my cancer is on the mend.  The last biopsy that I have been waiting on shows that the main cancer area is no more but I do have two areas showing unusual cell growth, not yet considered cancerous, but we need to keep and eye on it.  So the next biopsy is in January 2015.....Great News.

The last two days I have been getting my doctor stuff out of the way.  This afternoon I will remove the carbs from the R60 and completely clean them.  Yesterday I wanted to start the R80 but the starter would not engage so I need to check that out.  I wanted to start riding the R60 this last weekend to put some miles on it but that fell through.  I did ride the sidecar rig just to take a break and clear my mind for the doctor report.  I think it helped.

I'll update later.

Yesterday and today.

Friday all I did was run out of all the electric lines, check fuel lines, check lube points and fuel up the tanks.  Today was a day of play, really work, at my annual volunteering in Clarksville, MD.  Spent 9 hours in the sun helping out.  Rode the R100 and set it up at the car show.  Many lookers and photos taken. 

Now What?

The R80 is almost finished.  Just need another once over and fill the tank. 

Todays efforts were on the R60.  I setup a test light and popped the flywheel plug, turned the flywheel to "S" and adjusted the plate with the test light.  It started right up but soon ran out of fuel.  Yes, valves were open but fuel bowls did not fill so I must have some sticking float valves.  It started to get hot out so the bike went back into the shop and I started the final checking of all my wires, connections, nuts, bolts, screws and you get the picture. 

Went to Bob's BMW picked up some hardware and asked about a used center stand....they wanted $80....ouch!  Looks like I'll have to repair the one I have.

Back at the shop installed new fuel filters on the R80.

On the R60 I need to install a new seat post pin.  I'll have to gas weld it on maybe this weekend.  The old one is completely missing, but Bob's had one. So while I have the ox/ace torch out I'll take some chromemoly  and fix the stand.  Tomorrow I do my volunteer work and if I have time will start all the bikes for a while.....heck, might even go do the work on the R100sidecar rig. That would be fun.

What a motorcycling day!

After a brief ride on my 1977 R100 with Velorex sidecar I went and did some volunteer work for a few hours then went to work on the bikes.  Rolled out the R60, Checked all my settings but still more backfire than running.  Through the carb and, also, still poor fuel flow from the carb so I'm pulling those suckers off tomorrow and doing a gumout spray can overhaul.

Moved over to the R80, replaced the fuel lines torqued the head, installed the battery (new), set up the fuel tank and fired her up. Varooom! it runs and pretty nice too.  Called Ed on the cell and left a BMW running with an rpm rev voice mail......he texted back quickly.......and happy too, sounded more than me.  Tomorrow I'll  recheck the fluids, add more fuel and run a while longer.  While the tank was off I topped off the brake fluid and checked over the wires again too. I'll  recheck the head torque before restart and make sure everything else is snug.

BUT STILL the R60 is not where it should be.......I don't want to get frustrated with it so it's better to tinker then take a break.  It will run by weeks end.

Back to work...or sort of.

Today I wanted to improve the startup.  It was taking 6 maybe 7 kicks and I want it down to 2 or 3.  I checked the points and closed them down to .016 since they look new but are not.  I got fire through the carbs so I readjusted the timing and it started to run but fuel ran out, so I replaced the fuel lines with new and checked the flow all the way down to the bowls.  I took a break to rechecked all my numbers and look over anything I might have missed.  At that point I was loosing light and will put off the restart until tomorrow.  BUT, it's very close to test ride.  We shall see tomorrow if I'm on the road.........

Finally MONDAY !

OK, yeah I know it's early but it's MONDAY and I'm off doctor restrictions so I hope to get a lot done today and I'll post the results later in the day.  Lots planned and hope to get everything up and running.  Let's see what happens.  I have to admit the rest did a lot of good.  I feel great today.


Almost ready to remount the fuel tank and leave it on but second thought has me wanting to replace the fuel lines with new so while everything is easy to get to I will do that tomorrow.  Bike starts up but still taking too many kicks.  I'd like to get it down to 3 or less so I will check the timing and points again and go from there.  Hope to be on the road testing this weekend.  That is the R60 update.   On the R80 I have to re-torque the heads and start it up, everything else seems ready to go.

Time Out!

Doctors' on me about doing too much too early and said take it easy the rest of the week.  You can get back to your "motorcycle" on Monday but now I want you to rest, no lifting, no bending, no coffee, no citric juices, no sex (Whoa Doc) for 7 days, (Phew that was close), no alcohol, no excessive anything.....period.  See you Monday.   I get the picture.  I'll post on Moooonnnnddddaaayyy.


BUT, if you are interested in the BMW R100/7 with side car I barn found go to my blog:
http://www.finallyhacked.blogspot.com

What happened to Tuesday?

Sorry but NO work on the projects.  I feel better and should be back on my feet today.  Yesterday I may have done something stupid but I don't think so.  Looking for used parts on the internet I ran across a supposed parts bike ad but it turned out to be something even better and bought it for a future project.  And it was only about 2 miles from my friends Annapolis, MD home that I visit.

So, what did I pick up?

 

A real "Barn" find, from an estate. Always dealer maintained, ridden last summer 1977 R100/7.  I think it will be just a clean and go bike.  Only thing I found wrong with it was a low tire on hack.
(The picture was provided by the executor.  I forgot to take one with my phone.)

I remember when I was living in Texas back in the 70's, helped a friend remove his bike (R90) with sidecar from a barbed wire fence that he tangled up with after getting a blowout on the sidecar and loosing control winding up staring at some heifers just outside of Marfa.

Still alive and ready (almost) to ride.

Made it through the biopsy this morning.  Still need to take a break for a few days and no lifting for five of them so things will be slow on the projects.  Results of this one will be in about two weeks but Doc says it's looking good and expects no further treatments for a while. 

Another Airhead Sunday.

Well today is very different.  I will not be working on the bikes today.  This morning I went and picked up Bob's (New To Him) 1971 R75/5 that he bought off Craigslist.  $2000.  Not too bad and very fairly priced.  A rider for sure, not a beauty queen.  Runs and rides well and everything you would expect in a bike of this vintage.  Many new parts and some still needing.  Bob has been coming over and helping where he can on my R60 and had the BMW Airhead bug for some time.  Today that need was filled.

Seems happy to me!

The rest of today is resting up for tomorrows biopsy.  Something I do not enjoy at all.  It really knocks me down for a while and I already started taking the antibiotics needed for good after the fact results.  I might go later and look over the wiring on the R80 but not much else.

Big update....so I went back to the shop to mess with the R80 but I couldn't keep my eyes off the R60 wondering why I can't keep it running.  I readjusted the timing a bit an VaRoooooom!  She started right up on the second kick.  I ran it for a few minutes just to make sure I was not dreaming.  A little more tweaking and ready for the road.  I feel much better and now happily look towards tomorrow (not really).  One down and one to go.

Almost...that is...part 2

Anyway, after playing around with the R60 I spent a little time finishing up the alternator wiring on the R80, hooked up the choke cables and adjusted the linkage.  I'm down to just a few parts to install one being the small hold down clamp for the wire to the points and crudded up bolts that I can't identify....oh, and 3 spacers about 1/2" in length.  Can you id any of these parts for me?

Went to Bob's BMW and bought a NEW (as in Brand New ) battery for the bike. 

Almost...that is....part 1

OK, can't seem to get the R60 to start.  Yes, it pops and even shakes a little but will not stay running.  I took off the fuel cocks and cleaned them.  fuel flow was very weak but now much improved...even flows.  Took off carb fuel bowls and let the fuel run, cleaned the vents too.  Still, not running.  Good spark and seems to be at the right time....so time to step away for a while and install NEW foot peg rubber......nice and soft, not like those harder than steel ones I took off.

OK, now tell me this doesn't look like a bike that wants to run......

 

 

 

 

 

 

Everything starts tomorrow

Tomorrow, if it doesn't rain, I will attempt to start both bikes.  I need to pick up a battery for the R80 but everything else is hooked up and ready to test run.  The R60 is fueled but the R80 needs the tank mounted and fueled.  I just wanted to do a once more look over before mounting it.  Bob said he was going to stop by to help so no one out there in Beemer land should do any rain dances tonight, please.

Tony also stopped by and dropped off a few more spare parts that he had for the R60.  A nice pair of cylinders, some brackets, a new helmet, and electric items including a starter!  Thanks again Tony!

Rain, rain, rain

Almost rained out today.  Wanted to start the R60 but too much rain.  Got about 90% of the wiring done on the R80, installed the kickstand and springs for stands.  Down to about 8 fasteners left in one tin can to install.  Bought the carb piston at Bob's BMW today and reassembled the carb and installed it on the cylinder.  Very little let to do but still need to find a battery for that bike.  Walmart? maybe.
Fuel lines were cut to sizes and plumbed up ready for install.

No photo today but I'll make up for it tomorrow.

Ciao!

The Most difficult Job is now complete !

You guessed it, Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles, (MVA).  It's not the lines, the screaming kids, the people that haven't bathed in a while or for some reasons don't bath at all, it's the attitude when they take your money and practically throw your paperwork and hunk of metal with funny numbers and letters printed on it at you.  Like the lady said "1970 and 78, why would you want to ride on something that old?"  My response was "and how old are you?"

So now I proudly display (with proof of insurance) my new Maryland Tags.

Right after I mounted the tags the sky turned dark (again) and rain began to fall.........but while in the shop I installed the new fuel line with filters, air filters, R80s intake tubes, so it's time for lunch and when the rain stops back to work on the bikes.

Getting closer.

Today I tried to start the R60.  It ran for about 30 seconds then stopped.  No fuel flow.  Have enough fuel in the tank it's just not getting to the carbs fast enough.  I'll work on the problem tomorrow.  Also, I wish the Federal Government made people take a test before they are allowed to use silicone.  The tank on the R60 has enough on it to seal most bathroom shower stalls and tubs.  I've been picking at it all day on and off to try to remove it so I can properly install the knee pads.  You'll see what I mean in the photo.

On the R80 I continued using up the parts found in boxes, bags, tins and plastic cups.  I'm down to a small handful and know where they go, it just takes time to clean and inspect them before installing.  The most difficult job for me today was installing the rubber cover for the driveshaft to trans.  Went on ok but I always have trouble making the camps look even.

 

The next major purchase will be one new carburetor piston.  The one I have was left unprotected while in storage and is damaged.            I think it prices out at about $90 plus tax at Bob's BMW.

 

OK, so its lunch time.

Let's see how far I got on the R80/7.

From this:

To this:

Just need a few small parts to finish and then try to start........

Not bad for 5 hours.

New day, time to play.

Started as soon as some daylight was present.  The /7 "kit" as I am calling it is being unloaded and inventory being taken.  Started inspection and assembly of chassis to make easy to move around.  Cleaned, inspected and measured clutch disk and was pleased to see it well within spec's.  Found some parts that I thought was missing so I need to send Ed some more money.  He discounted $150 because of missing parts, I'll pop that in the mail when I send back his tie-down straps. (Ed I'll get that all in the mail today).

Here is my alternate bike for trip in kit form and clutch disk.

The nicest people have BMWs.

Phase two of my adventure has started.  Before buying the R60 I inquired about an R80/7 in New Jersey that was for sale and disassembled...but priced very well.  I had made contact with the owner, heard the story about the bike and decided that if the R60 does not pass its test runs it would be nice to have an alternate bike to use for the trip....boom!...I bought the R80.  A quick trip to Woodbury, NJ...a quick overview of the disassembled bike and eyeball inventory and $1050 later it was loaded onto the truck for a ride back to Maryland.  Ed and his wife were very nice to meet, the bike was well cared for in his ownership since 1980 and to me, not that disassembled, more like apart for decarbonizing and a new clutch disk.  I promised Ed he can ride it any time he comes down or even if I drive up.

 

And I should have added....it's never that easy.  After I had my preop doctor visit in Baltimore I drove to Northeast, MD to help my friend Rich with...Ahumm..one thing on his boat...well that turned into three and not all that easy all done out on the mooring with a 15 mph breeze.  That was for the use of his truck that I filled with gas (the tank was almost empty) and I left him my car to drive to his other house near me, forgetting my cargo straps in the trunk and power cord for my cellphone that was almost dead.  See what I mean?

Hmmmm, very interesting.

A few minutes ago Peter Joyce of Al Jazeera America  tv stopped by to look at a tender that a friend keeps at my farm.  We talked a bit and he told me a story about some friends that bought some older BMWs and rode from Kansas (or was it Arizona) to California and had a great time touring on their old bikes.  It was both interesting and encouraging to hear.  I told him my plans and he thought it would make a great adventure....soon the conversation turned back to sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

I love sailing the bay.

Sunday, Day of rest? No, not really.

Went to the shop today for more tinkering.  Installed the battery I had charging overnight and powered up, checking lights and seeing if I had spark on the plugs.  Flushed out the fuel tank and put it back into position, fuel cocks seem to be working and not leaking.  Removed the carb fuel bowls, nice and clean no corrosion but did a once through cleaning of the carbs.  Getting ready for the start up but that will be tomorrow evening.

Need to pick up a fuel cap gasket and rivet.  I freshened the fuel lines, all systems are ready for launch, green go on the neutral light, gen light working, oil pressure light working, head lamp H/L, turn signals and brake light up.

Ordered new foot peg rubber off ebay, NOS R60/5.  Hardware list is complete, not changing much,  still would like stock mufflers but that's a week away.  I registered the bike the other day and have my new "Historic" MD tag to proudly display.  Valve settings were checked, points checked as well as plug gap.   Have cancer treatment in the morning then off the NJ to pick up a R80/7  ($1200) that will be the fall back bike if I am not happy with the local test runs.  Only the engine is disassembled but not too much,  And really had no problems, just one of those wanna-do's that never got done.  Should be able to get that back together "toot-sweet"   ('tout de suite" if you prefer).

That's it for todays progress.  I'm on a mission and that keeps me going.  Ciao!

Patina, patina, patina vs BLACK paint

Why does everybody paint things black!  Take for example the carb intake tubes.  They come from the factory silver and with age and miles turn a shade of orange.  No, not like the fruit, but a beautiful orange blush, a color that can not be duplicated with a spray can, a color that comes with age, like when a woman has a grey hair or two or you have greying temples.  It shows not only the age of the bike but it's miles.  Anyway, enough of that.  Someone in this bikes life decided to paint the tubes BLACK.  So I sat down at the shop with a bucket of warm water, a soft scouring pad and a little time and gently removed the BLACK paint to bring back that aged beauty of Orange Blush.
Yeah, I know, what a waste of time, but as I worked on the tubes I would look over the bike to see what else needed to be done and also reflected on things I read in the past posted by W6rec, Duane years ago and looked over at the clutch pivot arm and other things I remembered from his site when I had my R75/5.


This is what I started with:

This is what 25 min. of cleaning gave me,  Patina!  99.95% clear of BLACK paint.

And so I begin

Today I rolled out the beemer without it's fuel tank to give a wash down and discover what needs to be done.  Tony the other day asked me if I started the bike....well...not yet.  I want to do my inspection and cleaning.  By cleaning the bike I can see what needs to be done before starting up.  Right off the bat a few wires were unhooked including one to the right side coil and a wiring ground on the chassis.  I like doing to wash downs, first to remove the heavy stuff and the second to make it look a little prettier.  The oil pan area had a lot of crud which can only mean it had been running in the past, to me that is a good sign.  Todays wash was completed with a 100 psi blow dry.  Photos attached  are of todays activities. 

Thanks Ed!

Yesterday I got an email from Ed of Annapolis.  He offered a white Luftmeister  fairing he had just removed from his new to him 1975 R90.  So I drove right over to his place and picked it up.  He gave me a nice back rack and helmet box too.  Also he had another fairing in a dark chocolate brown color.  I'd like to pay in forward so if you need it drop me a line and it's yours. (If you want to send something to Ed I'll pass his info on to you).

Here is Ed with his 1975 R90, full engine and drivetrain overhauled too!  Very nice original paint and patina.  Thanks again Ed,  your gifted parts will make my trip more "bug in my teeth" free.

Today I will try to start the bike.  Yesterday I also noticed that although there is a gas cap on the tank there are no inner parts, just the cap so I'll have to find one of those too.  I'm going to make my list and see what I have in my inventory of spares.

Well the bike is unloaded and in the shop.  Tomorrow the look-over and punch list begins and I'm hoping it will not be too extensive.  I don't plan to tear it all the way down.  Just open her up a little and get the engine running.  A good clean-up is needed and hopefully I can get a future biker to help in that department.  And to think I sold all my pin-stripping supplies thinking I would never need them again.......big mistake.

OMG! I'm doing it again!

Wow!, I can't believe I'm doing this again.  Tony gave up his 1970 BMW R60/5 to me for a few pieces of paper, whose value is dropping everyday.  The bike is loaded, the bike is strapped down, the bike is on it's way to a new adventure in travel across the USA. 

I've done this before and I guess once it is in your blood it never leaves.  I've taken a fall or two, got up, dusted my self off, picked out the pieces of gravel , relaced my shoe, thanked my helmet for doing what it does best and motored on.

Tony's bike is....well...let's just say a bike that needs a lot of LOVE.  And under all the sadness is a heart of gold, an adventure of adventures, a breath of new life ready to run down the pavement, spew it's exhaust, leave a little rubber along the way and say "I'm Back where I belong".  No more canvas cover to hide under, no more piece of plywood to keep me level on my stand, no more cobwebs between my bars nor little creepy crawly things walking up and down me wondering what I am doing here.

A NEW DAY has come to this 1970 BMW R60/5 piece of German engineering and factory pride.  It crossed an ocean to get here NOT to be hidden away, NOT to be cast aside like another possession, NOT to be neglected and NOT to say I should of; but I can.

Tony is handing over the title to me.  I'm on the left, the guy with no money in his pocket.  The bike in question is on the truck.  The truck is in Tony's driveway.