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R12 runs
- Bruce Frey
- Posts: 536
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:00 am
- pierce7221
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:33 pm
- pierce7221
- Posts: 38
- Joined: Thu Dec 14, 2006 7:33 pm
R12 runs
amen to that. first time i got my r50 back from the dead, smoking and coughing on one cylinder after 30 minutes of kicking, i felt like i just won on american gladiators or something.
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- Posts: 149
- Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:23 am
R12 runs
You see nearly all the old bikes Ive bought have been " basket cases" that is the only way I could afford to buy them at the time I paid $2000 for the R12 and in addition there are not a lot of pre war BMWs in this country
so the aim of bolting it all togeather and run it for a season is simply to prove it and make sure every thing fits before painting it all and so far Ive had to make all sorts of bits and straighten all sorts of brackets etc.
So next time it will be a simple matter of strip and Paint reassemble ... Boy how I envy people who get them original and complete. And the best bit is that I get to ride it for a season
Because I have so many Basket cases (7 at last count and another possible R5 on the way) I wrote a poem about it ... it was published in BMOA mag a few years ago I might post it once more for the ammusment of our newer members
REgards Peter
- Darryl.Richman
- Posts: 2140
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R12 runs
BTW, my R60/2 came as a basket, and I did what you're doing with it. My R51/3 came put together and running, but the cosmetics weren't so good and the mechanicals needed serious going through; and after I was in an accident on it, it needed a restoration. So I can definitely see the wisdom in doing it this way.
Again, congrats on getting it running, Peter!
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- Posts: 149
- Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:23 am
R12 runs
The Restorers Lament
My old BMW came to me in chests,
Each one an adventure, or was it just a mess.
A feast to feed the senses on, a puzzle for the mind,
Each one a rarest treasure, or was I really blind?
There were bits of perished rubber,
Bits of brass and steel,
Spokes and brakes and axles, and a pair of rusty wheels.
The seat was broke, the foot pegs missing, as were many other parts,
This bike is really quite complete,... well, maybe it’s a start.
There are no lights, the Speedo's gone, the mufflers are still missing, but
I'll get them from the local shop, but maybe that's just wishing.
So in my shed I'll labor, and work all through the night,
And if I'm very lucky just one piece will turn out right.
First I took the frame in hand, and checked that it was straight,
Then I put the front forks on, it started looking great.
What next I thought, then wheels in hand, I placed them fore and aft.
I hadn’t any tyers yet, it looked a little daft.
Then the engine to put in place, which way did it fit?
Where was the bolt that held it up? Maybe this was it?
Or maybe that's the one, I should have used before,
There are a hundred others lying on the floor
Then came the gearbox and the tank, the magneto it was next,
Hell it's nearly finished, I think I'll have a rest.
I'll make me, a pot of tea, and sit down by the sink,
Will it ever run again? I really had to think.
The big end's gone, the sparks are dead, the piston it seems broken,
So off I go to the shop they say.... You must be joking.
It's 50 years since we stocked those parts,..
Try that bloke in Woking.
So home I go, and on the phone, I ring around the country,
Then I ring around the world, Hell! this costs some money.
Then at last I find the part, the price is much inflated,
What do you expect the old man said, it's all correctly dated.
The weeks go by and turn to years, the bike at last's completed,
I know the old girl will run, Ill not be defeated.
So of I go down the road, pushing for all I'm worth,
She fifes up and off I go there's no containing all my mirth.
Returning home as proud as punch, I stand there and admire,
She's working well all restored, I wonder who will buy her?
Add up the cost against the worth well there's some surprises
I'll have to keep her 50 years until the value rises¶
Written out of frustration while restoring 1935 BMW R17 Peter Gibbs