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‘57 R50 Question
‘57 R50 Question
I want a bike from this decade, extremely bad. My goal would be to make it a solid rider, then eventually move it towards a restored condition. Honestly, I just want to ride it, now.
(I used to be a Harley guy, but sold them and now ride an ‘05 RT1200, which I love. I’m extremely green in the vintage BMW bike world, other than the fact that I think they’re the pinnacle of what a bike should look like.)
Any thoughts, advice or experience very appreciated.
- jwonder
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Re: ‘57 R50 Question
Pics and abilities would help.
Vice President, Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners
2022 BMW Friend Of the Marque
Long Island, New York
Re: ‘57 R50 Question
Thanks for the immediate input already. That’s what I’m looking for. I’m not a bike mechanic, but I’m able to do a lot. Videos, manuals carry the rest. I’m wondering what it’ll take to get on the road first. (ex: “ I had a bike like that and I spent $_____. my first 12 mo just getting it road ready. Then $____ making it pretty.”)
- San Arthur
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Re: ‘57 R50 Question
Arlo, without knowing exactly what is wrong with the bike and what parts you would need to replace, what you are asking about this motorcycle in particular is extremely challenging to answer and even more difficult to put a Dollar sign.
Even among exact same models, all restoration projects are different.
If the petcocks are not working, it is possible that the fuel is going through the valves into the engine.Son puts gas in now, but he says it’ll disappear, no puddle.
Ethanol in gasoline is a hygroscopic material and attracts water and moisture and could contribute to the corrosion of some parts.
I wish I could be more helpful and good luck with your project.
'58 R26 '76 R90S '88 R100RS '94 R100GS/PD
- malmac
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Re: ‘57 R50 Question
My guess is that you will spend another $10,000 in the next two years.
After that we can draw the prize and then set up a new gamble for the following two years.
I hope for your sake I am the highest figure and have estimated a much worse result than what you end up spending.
Cheers
Mal
Toowoomba- Australia
Re: ‘57 R50 Question
Re: ‘57 R50 Question
Im sure many of you have found bikes like this and can generalize that “they will cost you a lot of money regardless.” Dropping a few thousand to get it to run is one thing. Spending thousands every year to keep it going isn’t what I want.
- schrader7032
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Re: ‘57 R50 Question
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
Re: ‘57 R50 Question
Re: ‘57 R50 Question
Barre, MA USA
1963 R60/2 w/ 1955 Steib S500
1973 R75/5