First BMW

[jagarra]

Good Morning,

I am new to this forum, I have been ridings motorcycles for over 45 years and never have owned a BMW. When I was in the service in the 60's I had a real hankering for an R69S, never got one and went through a number of English bikes as well as Japanese models since then. This winter I decided to pare down some that I don't ride and look for a BMW. Well after checking out the pricing on the older R60 series, I really experienced sticker shock. So here are the options I am looking at; a 70's R90/6 that a person I know has, that has been kept in doors. I haven't seen it for a couple of years, but he never rode it. IIRC is was pretty complete and in pretty good order, price is 2K or negotiable. The other is a poor neglected, keep outdoors for as long as I can remember R90S. This poor thing would need a total disassembly and restoration. I did stop and sort of looked it over from a distance, I did notice that it had mag wheels (they didn't look like Lester or Morris). I am thinking that the S model would be a real money pit and would take quite awhile to complete. After making comparisions on the specs between the models, the S does have an edge on HP and braking, but I am looking for a more traditional look of the older model BMW's.
I am looking for advise, comments on how deep I should jump into a Beemer. As a note I usually do all my own repairs, so having outside mechanic expense is not part of the equasion.

regards,

gerard

[Duane Ausherman]

Gerard, Welcome to the world of BMW.

I suggest doing a lot of reading on the various models. Find the sites that have the technical information that you will be needing and save them for later use. Use Goolge and as your search phrase, start with "bmw motorcycle" and then add in the subject. If you wish to know about gas tanks, try "bmw motorcycle gas tank" and see what you get.

You left off a very important part of the equation, how will you use the bike?

I suggest starting gently and the R90/6 is a very good place to start. What year is it? I would avoid the 74 model if possible.

A general rule is to avoid the first year of any model and best is the last year made.

[mattcfish]

You will love the 90/6. It can be converted into an R90S or better if you want HP (compared to the Brit bikes you'll think it has plenty) for a lot less money than restoring the 90S. Of course if you must have a rare collectors item and time and money are no object, then go with the S. If the S is cheap, get them both. Part out one of them to finance the other.

[SteveD]

A general rule is to avoid the first year of any model and best is the last year made.

If the S is cheap, get them both. Part out one of them to finance the other.

Great advice there.
From your description, the /6 sounds almost ready to go, and the 90s would be a money pit. If it's cheap enough, it'll fund anything needing doing on the /6.

R90S rebuild....http://www.indian.no/

[jagarra]

Thanks for the advise, looks like I will start with the 90/6 as that makes the most sense. I have been collecting information like you advised, I do this on every project. Forums are the best source as I pick up lots of ideas, repair advise and links to parts and more information. Ran across a site today saying how many problems the 74 /6 models had with flywheel bolts and transmission.
Went back and looked from the street at the S today, well it isn't an S model, it just has the small fairing and is that bronzie color that they had. This one has snow flake design mag wheels, single disc on the left side, couldn't make out anything on the side of the motor, but I figure it may be an early 80's as that is where I see that style of rim starting to appear from what I found on the web. Guess I will have to stop and bang on their door to satisfy my curiousity, been driving by that house for a really long time seeing it just sit in the weather. (over 10 years at least)
As for use, I don't plan on touring with it, just riding in the area around Reno.

I enjoy this forum, thanks again,

gg

[Deleted User 62]

Just a thought, if you do get the "stored indoors, not ridden" 90/6, check the tires age (should be a four number code moulded into the sidewall, indicating month/year). Stored indoors in a desert could mean they are dry as a bone, even though they might look good.

[vanzen]

Buy both. Then hold out for a post '81 to ride.

[SteveD]

...
Went back and looked from the street at the S today, well it isn't an S model, it just has the small fairing and is that bronzie color that they had. This one has snow flake design mag wheels, single disc on the left side, couldn't make out anything on the side of the motor, but I figure it may be an early 80's as that is where I see that style of rim starting to appear from what I found on the web. Guess I will have to stop and bang on their door to satisfy my curiousity, been driving by that house for a really long time seeing it just sit in the weather.

Jot down the frame number (vin) on the head stem, right side. Then look it up here.http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi It'll tell you it's original presentation and the month it rooled off the production line.

[jagarra]

Yeah, I do a lot of mountain road riding so the tires would be the first thing to go. My daily commute is 35 miles one way, 4500 ft to 6300 ft over a 8900 ft pass. I am runnin g a set of Avon Roadriders right now and I am pretty impressed with their handling, they feel a bit better than the Metslers that were on it.
I don't know about buying both, my garage is kind of full right now, you see I have some old Jags I work on so I have projects in the queue. Of course, if I could get the outside one for a song, those wheels and running tubeless is a plus.

A lot of options to ponder, I guess I will have to contact the /6 owner and go by his place and give it a once over. And bang on the other guys door. New Year resolutions I can keep!

Have a wonderful and safe New Year,

gg

[George Ryals]

I have a 1974 R90/6 engine and transmission that I have flogged in a /2 conversion(kick start only) tugging a sidecar for years. I have not experenced any of the 1974 problems frequently brought up on this and other forums. I also have a '74 R90S. Haven't had any of those problems either.
Not saying the problems don't exist....I just have not had any of them.