Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

Hi fellahs,
I'm restoring/rebuilding an R12. I have done the gearbox, which was a basket case on purchase and I have noticed an oil leak from the rear cover. Is this normal ( by leak I mean a few drips over a week )

Graeme,

I've rebuilt a couple of R12 gearboxes but haven't done many miles on either, but sitting in the garage neither have leaked (having said that I bet when I check next time they'll both be dripping a little). All three of my old BMW's drip a little from somewhere and I keep trays under them in the garage, its just a pain when I pull them out of the garage onto the drive to find a few drips on the paving!

A few drips over a week doesn't seem excessive. How is the rebuild going?

John

Its going slowly. The engine is 1937 and I reckon its not been used since the 50/60s so its been a plod. I now have a rolling chassis with engine in though. Hope to have it mostly done by the end of the summer. As you can see I've had a lot to do. The fork shrouds were shortened and mudguards were non standard. I'm now rebuilding, the fork shrouds were interesting as they were the only parts not painted over in red oxide when I received the bike. Gloss black as the bottom layer with subsequent coats of feldgrau and several shades of green.

Is it a P numbered civilian bike conscripted into the army?

Are you building the engine yourself?

Whereabouts are you in the UK? I'm in Surrey.

Regards,

John

Engine has been rebuilt. I had the crank checked done . I am in Essex so not too far away.

Graeme,

Who rebuilt you engine? Was it someone in the UK?

John

Chris Applebee near southend, on recommendation of an R12 owner.