Upgrades / Modernization

Discuss all things 1970 & later Airheads right here.
Mottseng
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 10:24 am

Upgrades / Modernization

Post by Mottseng »

Very excited about my new/old 75/5 and getting it on the road. As mentioned in my introduction this is the first bike since the early 80's and my first BMW. This may already have been asked but I will ask again. What are the most common upgrades or modernization that people have done to an old airhead? These can be aesthetic or safety related. If you have undertaken some changes let me know and if possible post pics as well. I am considering a cafe look when complete.

Thanks
1973 75/5
barryh
Posts: 730
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 12:30 pm

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by barryh »

Convert the headlight to accept a H4 lamp by replacing the reflector and lens with one from an R65.
barry
Cheshire
England
Mottseng
Posts: 27
Joined: Tue May 16, 2017 10:24 am

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by Mottseng »

BMW.jpg
BMW.jpg (230.53 KiB) Viewed 2867 times
Hopefully the picture uploads. Here is a pic of my recent excitement.
1973 75/5
Rob
Posts: 3088
Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2014 2:05 am

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by Rob »

This whole guy's website will start emptying your pockets!

I would start with an LED taillight insert:
http://www.motoelekt.com/lighting.htm
Rob V
Rob
Posts: 3088
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Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by Rob »

A good upgrade would be to get a clamshell airbox and intake plumbing. This will increase midrange and general rideability, not to mention less chance of debris getting into the engine, or you neglecting to make sure the carbs are on tight before every ride.

But it looks cool!
Rob V
Rob
Posts: 3088
Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2014 2:05 am

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by Rob »

/5 BMW kick starter gear information

by Duane Ausherman

http://w6rec.com/bmw-motorcycle-5-6-and ... on-repair/

Halfway down the page.
Rob V
User avatar
Zombie Master
Posts: 8821
Joined: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:21 am
Location: Vancouver Island BC Canada

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by Zombie Master »

If your headlight bulb is an H4 you can replace with an led.

http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/4 ... _p_94.html

They may offer other fitments. Three times brighter, uses a fraction of the power. But I have to tell you, that in my experience of airhead ownership (45 years), most "upgrades" are a mistake and will reduce functionality. BMW knew what they were doing. There are some exceptions. You may want to firm up the front forks, but many go to far, a lot of the fork springs available are to firm, and you loose the excellent ride BMW provides. There is nothing wrong with points and condenser ignition. You can bring a spare set and keep on going, where someone who has changed over to an electric box, will be stuck on the side of the road calling for a tow. IMO you are best off using the bike as intended. I've seen many thousands spent on airheads, where someone has attempted to make the old shafty a sport bike. Any $1500. sport bike from the last twenty years will leave the now devalued airhead (due to non original modifications) in the dust. IMO use them as designed with some personal adjustments.
Last edited by Zombie Master on Wed May 24, 2017 7:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Any and all disclaimers may apply
Rob
Posts: 3088
Joined: Thu Feb 13, 2014 2:05 am

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by Rob »

Impressive headlight, ZM! https://youtu.be/kbY-Xk4y6_k

I agree with everything ZM said.

Also, DO NOT cut either of the fenders!
Hide them away somewhere and use aftermarket for your project.

The best engine improvement you can make is to make sure the stock engine is performing at it's best. You will have a sweet ride.
Rob V
User avatar
dougie
Posts: 2540
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2010 6:19 pm
Location: Burlington Ontario, Canada

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by dougie »

What ZM said.
+1
I've spent most of my money on women, motorcycles, and beer.
The rest of it I just wasted.
robert
Posts: 471
Joined: Sun Jan 30, 2011 4:03 pm

Re: Upgrades / Modernization

Post by robert »

Just buy a modern motorcycle.
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