Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

In order to test the resistance of a condenser, you have to have the right tool. I do, and I can read the resistance for what it is worth. I agree, this is not a main issue here, as I erroneously thought the condenser itself was melting but now see it is only the plastic or synthetic ground material...

There may have been a clear coat over the satin finish but no, the wheels are polished and then pinstriped. St.

So looking at the pictures, am I correct in assuming it is not the actual condenser itself that is melting but is the black insulating block going into the points can at the terminal end? That changes things a lot. LOL, you have to understand Dave, no disrespect but I HATE points! In all honesty, I ...

Hello Dave, I am still digging for a possible answer. As to testing a condenser, yes, they can be tested. They can be tested for resistance in the micro ohm or micro farad scale, sorry, I am trying to dig out the specs as to values expected. Generally condensers don't go bad so this is a novel thing...

Okay Dave, I have worked on that point system on my friend's 80 RT so I am vaguely aware of the set up. How about if you could post a picture of the failed parts, just to clarify the issue? I have to dig back into my teflon memory a bit and some of the knowledge may have slipped out. Caferacer's rep...

I do believe 81 was the first year for electronic ignition, I have never heard of 80 bikes being built one batch points and one electronic. However sadly my experience with the R65 bikes is limited and they can be a different animal in some cases. A great bike, don't get me wrong but I wonder someti...

Hello Dave, Double check and triple check your wiring to the coils and points. Also, at my friend's shop it was mentioned that yes the higher output coils could cause problems, sadly none of us have heard of melted condensers. FYI, here is an interesting article about /5 system however the theory is...

Not to put a fly in the ointment but, if you are going to buy racks and bags I would suggest you find a shop to buy from where you can talk directly to them to assure you are getting the proper fitment. Sadly my friend at his airhead shop is dealing with an R65 situation where Hepco Becker bags and ...

Dave, yes there is a problem, LOL, sorry for the laugh. You should not be melting condensers period. So, I would get yourself a wiring schematic and very carefully go over the ignition wiring circuit with a fine tooth comb and look for either a short, a wire out of place in the system. Did you insta...

If you mean by instrument lighting the lights in the clock and volt meter, I can't say much. As for the tach, speedo and idiot lights the best thing you can do is install a Katdash system. No more burned out bulbs, no fiddly foil contact patches to fuss with just bright, dependable, fuss free lighti...