What Do You Think the Odds of a Transmission Failure?

[Rebel]

I have an 88 R-100RS that just turned 126,000 miles. At about 120,000 miles I had the "noise" indicating bearing issues in my transmission. I took the bike to Morton's BMW and they replaced all of the bearings, checked the transmission, and cut the groove in the shaft and installed the circlip, so hopefully I won't have any more issues. The biggest tip with the transmission is DO NOT LUG 5th GEAR!!! From my understanding, this is what does the most damage. So bottom line, I think you will be just fine, just don't ride the bike like a Harley.

[lskbike]

Lots of great advice.
Ride it, watch it and then if and when you need to...there's this..viewtopic.php?f=1&t=9281
I'd wager you'll have someone local enough to help you with tools and knowledge too.

Thanks for the recommendation and the link to the "A Woodworker's Guide to Gearbox Rebuilding"… This has been very helpful… I have a friend (welder) that will build the tools for me… Just want them in my tool box, just in case...

LSKBike

[lskbike]

I have an 88 R-100RS that just turned 126,000 miles. At about 120,000 miles I had the "noise" indicating bearing issues in my transmission. I took the bike to Morton's BMW and they replaced all of the bearings, checked the transmission, and cut the groove in the shaft and installed the circlip, so hopefully I won't have any more issues. The biggest tip with the transmission is DO NOT LUG 5th GEAR!!! From my understanding, this is what does the most damage. So bottom line, I think you will be just fine, just don't ride the bike like a Harley.

Sounds like excellent advise… especially about not riding it like a Harley!

I will make sure to follow it….

LSKBike

[lskbike]

"(I thought it would be cool for the Ole grey haired vintage guy to be riding an Ole vintage BMW.)"

That isn't an "Ole vintage BMW" by any stretch of the imagination.

Ken, that bike is 15 years newer than those of my day. Nothing that I ever said applies to a "new' model like that

I
Since it isn't an older model, I know nothing about it.

Duane, after reading Ken's response to yours… I looked up your website… I've been riding BMW's for only 20 years (Oilheads and K bikes) …so compared to you…I'm not worthy!

LSKBike

[disston]

The missing circlip is a controversial issue. There are those that say do and just as many that say forget it. I'm in the fix it now camp. Watch the ted Porter video below;
https://youtu.be/9SNFUXsMIQk

Sorry I don't know how to embed here. I'll work on that later.

Another issue you mention is upgrading the ignition? The ignition on a 1989 Airhead is already electronic and does not need upgrading. Sorry.

What riders mean when they say the Airheads are dependable is that when they break down the rider can fix it. What you need to do is get acquainted with this bike and learn to do the regularly required maintenance. Learn to change the oil and adjust the valves. Learn to change a tire. Ride it and learn to fix what needs attention.