Info on 1951 R51/3 please

[butch housman]

Buy a one gallon can of Gunk Carb cleaner & soak them over night, if they don't come free easily soak them until they do, It won't hurt the carbs.
b

[stephan.pretorius]

I am finishing up the wiring on the motorcycle...

It has been awhile since i took the motorcycle apart and I have NO IDEA how to hold the lamp holder assembly on place inside the bucket. This is the twin bulb holder for the charge and neutral lights. Also, how are the lenses of those lamps held securely to the lamp bucket.

Thanks in advance.
Stephan

[808Airhead]

The lamp holder is riveted in place (the 2 small "bumps" under the lights. The lenses are "melted" into the holder at the extra tabs molded into the lense.

[stephan.pretorius]

Thomas,

Thanks! I saw on a picture (borrowed from eBay) that I was missing some hardware. When I removed my lamp bucket, it had damage in that area and the piece of hardware you described were not there...Where the rivets are supposed to be, I have 2 nice round holes. I guess i am now looking for that holder or something equivalent to hold the bulbs in place.

Thanks for your input!
Stephan

[Darryl.Richman]

Of course,the original poster, seem to be talking about the headlight shell for a 1956-1969 "/2" bike.

A 1951 R51/3 headlight would have a round, green neutral light behind the speedometer, a round, red charge light to the left of the key, and a red bakelite fuse holder to the right of the key.

[stephan.pretorius]

Thanks Darryl, I think by now I recognize that my motorcycle is not (by a long shot) an original anything...The numbers seem to indicate something while the parts show us something different. It's like an adopted kid I guess: not the original, but still a blessing and worth loving.

Best wishes,
Stephan

[stephan.pretorius]

I am having the toughest time getting the handlebar to go into the stays...Any advice please?

I have tried to wedge the ring open, but I am afraid that I may damage the stays.

With thanks
Stephan

[robgernstetter]

great bike and story....as to the issues on chrome, BMW sold an /2 accessory tank in the late 60's with chrome side panels...reference 1968 accessory catalog...as for paint, starting in the mid-sixties you could special order a bike in any BMW car color available that year for an upcharge

[808Airhead]

Stephen,I had the same issue,I did get a couple scratches on the handle bars but this worked for me.. You can use a small chisel and tap it in the groove close to the edge of the hole,tap in the chisel tip,they are tapered and will open the hole gradually. Use some WD40 or lube to help it slip on,the hardest part is around the bend. These are pretty strong and as long as the chrome is good/not too thick on the riser,the chrome should not crack even when opening the hole wide. Good luck!! Here is my 1951 R51/3

[stephan.pretorius]

Nice motorcycle.

I tried a flat head screw driver (much less aggressive taper) and it did not work. I will set it aside for now and return to Mr. Betjemann, who lives nearby. Together with his wife, they wrote the book on restoring the R51s and I also purchased the stays from him. I'm sure he'll help me. My attempts have already left some marks on the chrome and I'd rather not damage it any further.

Best wishes