1975 BMW R90S Restoration

skychs · Post by **skychs** » Tue Jan 02, 2018 8:52 pm

With the timing chain in ...... (wow, its quiet now) ..... its officially time to start taking the bike apart. Everything came off without any issues except the front fairing. It apparently need some special attention so I worked around it. Since I don't have a maintenance manual yet I will search the internet later this evening.

The fenders, tank and side covers are actually in very good shape. The seat panel is the worst in regards to fading but so far I can't find anything wrong with anything. The new body was supposed to come in today but the gentleman Im buying it from had to take his dog to the vet. My fingers are crossed it will all be in my garage by tomorrow afternoon. Im really looking forward to the Daytona Orange.

So .... a couple photos from today.

Edit .... the fairing is off. It took some pulling but its off. Overall its not in very good shape.

skychs · Post by **skychs** » Tue Jan 02, 2018 9:01 pm

Time to reflect .....
I kind-of know whats in a total restoration. I did frame up restorations on a CL350, a CL77 and a 67 R60/2. As Im taking this R90S apart Im noticing one big difference .... a huge electrical system. Wires here. Wires there. Wires everywhere and its a little intimidating.

Do I jump right in and just go for it or am I in over my head? It can't be that complicated can it?

Twocams · Post by **Twocams** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 1:21 am

As you take the wires off mark them where they came from. I like using the blue painters tape. But also there are the round card board circles with the string attached to write on. Take lots of pictures/buy a box of zip lock bags. Have fun its not a race......or is it. I took 2 1/2 yrs to do my R69S but I was working part time and needed that money to do mine. S Security check was for other things.

twocams

khittner · Post by **khittner** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 9:55 am

An R90S is more complicated than your earlier projects. Electric start, more instruments, more lights, warning lights, safety features (low hydraulic fluid, oil pressure, clutch/ignition interlock, etc.), and more electrical infrastructure to make that all happen. And that's before any aftermarket farkles, "improvements", or 40 years of possible PO "make-do/good-enough" fixes have been found. Your bike certainly looks like it's in nice shape and has been well cared for, but there may be some things in its maintenance history that'll need to be undone or re-done to return it to reasonable reliability. And, besides, it's all 40+ years old, and a lot of it may be about due/overdue for replacement "just because". Can you do it? Sure. And the reality is that, unless you're inclined to pay some pretty decent money to one of the few specialists who've been around since that bike was new, and who have retained/obtained real working expertise in the arcane techniques necessary to make/keep these things running optimally, you're going to have to do it. The local roundel-equipped "unit-mover" may be a source for parts (and the value of the marque's continuing commitment to keep parts for these things in a supply chain really can't be understated), but your bike is older than nearly everyone at that dealership, and keeping your bike operating probably isn't a metric that matters much to them.

skychs · Post by **skychs** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 12:53 pm

Thanks guys ...... Looks like Im going for it. I have all winter to complete the project.

PLUS ....... today some inspiration arrived. A complete set of painted bodywork parts. OMG. I can not believe the quality of this guys work here in Richmond VA. Unbelievable !!!

The old bodywork is now officially for sale.

khittner · Post by **khittner** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 3:06 pm

That's going to look very nice. The painter knew smoking and striping details. Is this Holt, or someone else?

skychs · Post by **skychs** » Wed Jan 03, 2018 4:00 pm

Sonny Naylor in Glen Allen VA. It takes him awhile but the wait is worth it. Considers it an art which it really is. He is the go to custom motorcycle painter here in Richmond when it comes to the R90S.

http://www.naylorfinishes.com/index.html

skychs · Post by **skychs** » Thu Jan 04, 2018 8:18 pm

I had a good day yesterday and today. The bike is down to the engine and frame. The electrical harness was a mess but its out. Im going to leave everything in the headlight bucket for now. No real issues to speak of. I found one little crack in the frame around the rear brake pedal assembly. It should be an easy fix.

The engine should come out Saturday when I can get some help. Until then I will drop off the swing arm to have the bearings, seals and final drive removed.

Twocams · Post by **Twocams** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:51 am

That will be a Kool bike when you get done. Is that where the master cylinder is going to stay under the gas tank? I know thats where BMW put it.

twocams

skychs · Post by **skychs** » Fri Jan 05, 2018 12:45 pm

That will be a Kool bike when you get done. Is that where the master cylinder is going to stay under the gas tank? I know thats where BMW put it.
twocams

Unfortunately that is where BMW designed it to go. The gas tank is so easy to remove it’s really not a problem. The only issue I see is brake fluid dripping on the main frame. As you know brake fluid is toxic and eats things like paint. The worst area for corrosion and rust was below that reservoir. After it’s cleaned up and powder coated I’d like to find something to wrap the frame below the reservoir to keep that from happening again. Anyone have any ideas.

Edit ..... the wire harness also runs underneath that reservoir. Now that was bad engineering.

Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

1975 BMW R90S Restoration

R90S

Restoration

As you take the wires off

An R90S is more complicated

Body work

That's going to look very

painter

Progress

That will be a Kool bike when

Brakes