Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

My latest project is a 1982 Honda Goldwing - strangely similar to the BMW in fundamental design with the boxer motor and shaft drive. So it has been a while since I visited the forum... Took the 65 out yesterday and a very strange thing happened. Lost my rear brakes and discovered the linkage had ja...

Mal - Please keep posting. You provide the insight of a seasoned and talented mechanic - machinist. I for one am interested in the tooling you have available to do the machine work you do. The more work you can do yourself the more satisfaction with the results (and it saves a bunch of money, too). ...

Sorry but couldn't help jumping in. If you want my opinion just ask - or wait. I bought and fully restored (myself) a 1965 R50. I previously did the same with a 1971 R60/5. The R60 is a completely different animal and not part of this discussion. The high compression motor is not comparable to the /...

It is the end play you need to measure - not side-to-side You should measure end play with the bearings clean (no oil) and it should be approximately 0. If yo have any end play that can be felt probably a good idea to take it to a machine shop for a true measurement and possibly a re-build of the cr...

I see these for sale on ebay. Was this ever offered as a factory or dealer option? They look pretty small. Just wondering if they provide any protection. It also looks like it might obstruct the sight-line to the speedo? Does anyone have any experience with them? If so I would appreciate your opinion

Glad I asked. Kurt - I have no proclivity for non-detergent but I thought I had read it was recommended for slinger type motors.

Checked the SDS for Amalie 30W non-detergent. ZDDP content: 0. I think I'll switch to Valvoline VR1

Thanks Klaus,

what is the source of this document. It would suggest that I use a high detergent oil as my motor only has about 800 miles on it since a complete re-build.

Further research shows that API SB is suitable for engines up to 1951 My bike was built in 1965 I unfortunately don't have an owners manual so can't check that. Took a look in Barringtons but have not found any specifics there either. Just non-detergent to avoid filling the slingers, I guess. Don't ...

First - Yes - I searched for similar conversations but no luck. I am curious about what kind of oils everybody uses. Specifically in the twins but chime in if you like on the singles. My dealer (Max BMW) sells me Amalie non-detergent 30W for the motor and same but 40W for the tranny and shaft and re...

A friend of mine bought a repop tank for his Chiang. R71. I assume it is an indian repop because of the price he paid. It came painted and pinstriped. The screw holes for the roundels were full or paint. Not sure if the R71 has a frame for the knee pads but if they do it was missing. Paint was margi...