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What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

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vechorik1373
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by vechorik1373 »

There is only one speedometer currently available for the R51/3 with the correct way speed for a 35/9 final drive.
The part number is: 62 12 8 080 060 and it is a Veigel speedometer in Kph only.

When I owned Bench Mark Works, I kept one is stock at all times. Check with MAX BMW using that part number, since they bought Bench Mark Works from me, and have all my stock.
This is basically what it looks like. But, this is not the one for a 35/9, this is installed in my R67/2 with a s/c final drive.
speedo.jpg
Vech
Technical Adviser, Former owner, Bench Mark Works
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therealkennyboy
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by therealkennyboy »

Vech--I am curious: can you explain the shift point markings on that Veigl?

It appears the first gear limit is below 0 mph? (Edit: Sorry, 0 kph)
Ken Walker
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1960 R60 (currently), 1974 R75/6 (past), 1981 R100CS (currently), 1984 R100RS (past), 1989 K100RS (past)

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vechorik1373
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by vechorik1373 »

"Vech--I am curious: can you explain the shift point markings on that Veigl?"

Well, why the one blue line is below zero, I don't know. Actually, I never paid attention, and noticed that. But get out of first and into second at the two blue lines and so on. I know the shift marks are lower on this one, since it is a s/c speedo, than they are on a solo speedo.. I don't you, but I shift by ear anyway, and don't pay attention the the shift marks on the face.
Vech
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jwonder
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by jwonder »

I am quite sure those blue and white "ticks" sit between the bezel and are not attached to the face. At one point in its life the bezel was rotated on the speedometer. I had one like that and when I got it back from rebuild the ticks were rotated properly, the face was not replaced.
James Wonder
Vice President, Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners
2022 BMW Friend Of the Marque
Long Island, New York

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Hoffner
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by Hoffner »

Thanks Ken and Vech!

Seems like a good plan would be to buy one of the reproduction units while continuing to search for a correct original unit.

Good to know Vech's knowledge is still available out there!


Cheers!

mh
Michael
1951 R51/3
1976 R90S

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Hoffner
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by Hoffner »

James and Vech,

On the Veigel unit, it looks like there is a separate shift point "ring" that floats in front of the faceplate. If the ring is clamped into the bezel, it may be possible to rotate the speedo guts independently of the ring.

This is definitely possible on the VDO unit I have - the photo in the original post shows an octagonal hole in the rear of the speedo housing that mates up to an octagonal shoulder on the speedo guts, meaning that the speedo guts can be rotated in any increment of 45 degrees relative to the housing. The only impact inside the headlight (I think) will be the position of the instrument lamp.

Cheers!

mh
Michael
1951 R51/3
1976 R90S

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schrader7032
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by schrader7032 »

Look at the first white line at about 11:00 on the edge. That should be further around to the right. In fact, the middle of the blank space between the two white lines should probably be at the 12:00 position.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.

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Hoffner
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by Hoffner »

Here's what I found inside the old VDO unit I have:
IMG_4772 annotated.JPG
I think I could fix it if I could get a replacement for the shredded brass gear. Probably not much hope for that though, right?
Michael
1951 R51/3
1976 R90S

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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by schrader7032 »

There are a number of speedo repair shops in the US that you could contact on possibilities. Terry Vrla is a well thought of as a small one-man shop that does good work. Maybe see if any of them have some ideas and/or parts.
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.

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Hoffner
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Re: What is the Factory Correct Speedometer for 1951 R51/3?

Post by Hoffner »

Thanks, Kurt!
Michael
1951 R51/3
1976 R90S

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