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New guy w/ 1959 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
New guy w/ 1959 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
I've ordered some goodies from Blue Moon in GA., real nice folks there. I'm going to a solo seat, petcock, low bars, new cables and grips, the bike did not come with a center stand so I'm getting one.
I can't figure out how the key works, heck I'm not even sure that the thing on top of the headlight is the key. Can someone please give me a little help?
I'm in Northern Indiana, I'd like to have the engine looked at / rebuilt, I figure most seals and O ring need replaced. Any good guys in the tri state area that are good???
Any assistance is appreciated...Thanks!
- schrader7032
- Posts: 9081
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:00 am
- Location: San Antonio, TX
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Re: New guy w/ 1956 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
Tanks came from the factory with a red coating, so what you see might be original. As for the key, it is affectionately called a "nail". There's a plastic slider on the top of the headlight and inside is a hole. The key, with its various grooves, is pushed into that hole. Don't slam it in...just give it a solid push, maybe wiggling a bit. Once home, the generator light as well as the neutral light should come on...the small red (generator) and green (neutral) lenses on the headlight shell. The bike can be started with the key in this position. Parking lights and headlights come on if you turn the key either left or right...I forget which is which...I never run with the headlights on.
You should know that the stock ignition system is a magneto. The bike will run without a battery...the battery is solely a storage device to power the lights, etc., when the idle is low and the generator is not putting out full power.
I get most of my parts/supplies from Bench Mark Works in Sturgis, MS. Got some cables early on from Blue Moon and didn't really like what I got. Bench Mark can do all the repair you need. But there is also a vintage bike owner named Richard Sheckler who lives south of Toledo, OH. He's very knowledgeable but not really in the repair business, just an enthusiast like the rest of us.
Let us know what you find as you go along.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
- CWRoady
- Posts: 91
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Re: New guy w/ 1956 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
You are starting off with a very desirable bike IMHO. I second the Bench Mark Works reccomendation, in fact they are a rarity in that I don’t recall every reading anyone that isn’t a fan of them. They have parts availability as well as wisdom they freely share, that is second to one.
Careful, you have stepped into dangerously addictive waters
1955 R50 / 1973 R75/5 / 1974 R90/6 Hack / 2015 RT
Yard Art 1968 +/- Hodaka & SACHS
Re: New guy w/ 1956 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
I really appreciate the help and the info..............THANK YOU Gentlemen!!!
- schrader7032
- Posts: 9081
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:00 am
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Re: New guy w/ 1956 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
But in looking at this, your VIN matches up more with a bike that was built in last August 1960. That suggests that the bike might really be a 1959 model, or could be called a 1960 model. This assumes that model definition is defined as they are today with motorcycles and cars where September sales/models are considered the next year model. BMW didn't necessarily change models that much during this time. But there is some "general" cutoff for model year.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
Re: New guy w/ 1959 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
http://barringtonmotorworkspublications ... lery/14/97
Bill Husted
Barre, MA
Barre, MA USA
1963 R60/2 w/ 1955 Steib S500
1973 R75/5
Re: New guy w/ 1959 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
I had a great conversation with Vech, what a hoot, great guy, he no longer does this kind of work. He directed me to David Woodburn, another great guy and a blast to talk to. I'll put the bike in his hands and know that it's right.
Again, thank you Gentlemen for your time!
- skyler.robbins
- Posts: 228
- Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2018 4:14 pm
Re: New guy w/ 1959 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
I'd say keep the patina and get it running reliably/safe.
Post pictures.. we love that here!
Re: New guy w/ 1959 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
I'm not too strong in the tech crap......
- schrader7032
- Posts: 9081
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:00 am
- Location: San Antonio, TX
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Re: New guy w/ 1959 R50, knows nothing, tons of questions
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.