Hello again, I'm back

daz · Post by **daz** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 5:23 pm

This is my 5th airhead. Last one was a great 1995 Classic R100RT. I went to an R1150RT which was too much of a handful for an old guy. So I just bought a 1971 R50/5. Advertised as 3500 original miles. That's what the working odo says. Man those must have been real hard miles! I just started getting it back to road worthy shape. Something I can trust. I have no historical information about the bike. Any comments. Thanks.

SteveD · Post by **SteveD** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 6:00 pm

Looks fantastic. Congratulations. Just ridden to church on Sunday huh!

How worn are drive splines? They may provide a clue as to traveled age.

What've they done with the choke lever?

Grips, carbs, forward footrests....?

Deleted User 287 · Post by **Deleted User 287** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 6:49 pm

well - and 1971 was a long time ago.

Major Softie · Post by **Major Softie** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 7:16 pm

justoneoftheguys wrote:well - and 1971 was a long time ago.

Exactly what I was thinking: there's hard miles, and then there's just hard years.

Duane Ausherman · Post by **Duane Ausherman** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 7:55 pm

The R60/5 and the R50/5 had slide carbs and didn't need a choke.

Deleted User 62 · Post by **Deleted User 62** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:02 pm

It looks pretty clean to me. Did anyone notice the 90 degree petcock?

Garnet · Post by **Garnet** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 10:08 pm

Is that a 2 into 1 exhaust, or did half of it rust away?

richard t · Post by **richard t** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 11:41 pm

look like a nice bike to me

daz · Post by **daz** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 7:36 am

Yes, the bike looks very nice in this picture. But you can't see the silver paint on the wheels covering rusted spokes and rim. Or the black rattle can paint under the seat and on the turn signal stanchions. Headlight and tank surface rust, scratches and dents. They did a good job on preparing the bike for sale.

But I really like it. Except for the exhaust it is original. To start with, I need throttle cables. They are frayed. Any hints on where I can source 'other than' oem parts? Ground cable, fuel lines, grips, and both filters are next. Any chance of seat covers available? The bike starts, stops, and runs. So I have a tentative smile on my face.

SteveD · Post by **SteveD** » Fri Feb 15, 2013 8:50 am

Motobins sell Venhill cables cheaper than oem, but having used them, I think oem is better value in the long run.
I'd go aftermarket for the other things you've mentioned, but good throttle cables go a long way to easier tuning I think.

Boxerworks.com

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