1975 BMW R90S Restoration

[skychs]

(While Im waiting on parts for the front end) ........ Today I worked on the front wheel. I took the 11 year old tire off, removed the rotors and started cleaning everything up. The rotors cleaned up well but the rim is a mess so I took it over to a shop to get it bead blasted. The PO had wrapped duck tape around the rotten rim strip. As soon as the front wheel is back I will start cleaning up the rear wheel.

The best part of the day for me was the arrival of the ikon rear shocks. I dropped everything I was doing to get them mounted and they look nice.

Photos from the day.

[Jim K in PA]

The Ikons look great! I am going to get a set for my '76 R90/6.

Are you going to stay with the later drilled rotors, or look for some solids (only used in '74)?

[Jim K in PA]

Nope - drilled rotors are preferred, in my opinion.

[skychs]

The Ikons look great! I am going to get a set for my '76 R90/6.
Are you going to stay with the later drilled rotors, or look for some solids (only used in '74)?

Jim, Im going to stay with the rotors I have. They are in great shape with plenty of life left. Is there an advantage for the solid rotors?

Anyway ..... I got the front wheel back from the blaster. When I first saw it I was starting to worry. It looked really rough but believe it or not it starting cleaning up very well. I took a dremel to the hubs and Mothers polish to the rim. I added a new rim strip and slapped on a new Metzler Lasertec tire. Everything cleaned up well. Once everything is back together I will get out the polisher and finish up the rim. Wow, it was a long day. Back to work tomorrow.

[skychs]

Thanks Jim.

Now I may have a stupid question. Obviously the front tire is directional. The front wheel however has no indication of direction of rotation. Is that correct? I can install the wheel either side? I hope so. Its late. Im tired. My fingers are crossed.

[schrader7032]

The wheels are completely reversible. Snowbum has some discussion near the top, below the pictures:

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/section4.htm

[ksiemon]

There is a arrow stamped on the inside (I think in the lip) The service book is very clear on making sure it is going in the right direction if your building it from scratch. (section 36 page 36-31/1) Mine has it and it is going the correct rotation / direction.

[skychs]

Well ........
Since there is probable doubt the only thing to do now is remove the tire and inspect the wheel. If there is an arrow on the wheel I will let everyone know. If it’s there, it’s there for a reason and I will respect it.

I’m out of town until Sunday night. This is going to drive me nuts until I get the answer.
Thanks guys.

[skychs]

Thanks Jim.

Now I may have a stupid question. Obviously the front tire is directional. The front wheel however has no indication of direction/rotation. Is that correct? I can install the wheel either side? I hope so. Its late. Im tired. My fingers are crossed.

Sorry. Not sure how this was reposted. Unable to delete.

[ksiemon]

Just shot these pictures of a front and a rear rim, so theres no confusion. The front doesn't have spokes, Rear does. Both arrows and part #'s BMW stamp are buy the valve stem hole. I just remember them from over 30 years ago when I was cleaning up my front rim. it's pretty hard to reverse the rear.......but I'm sure there are plenty of duel disk front wheels that got reversed, spoke or Mag. FYI on the disk bolts....Mine have never been touched. Bolt heads are on the left. All the factory literature I have show the bolts going in on both sides. All the single ones show nuts on the disk (left side) So mount them the way you like. Nothing in the service manual on the correct way the bolts go in.