Boxerworks.com

If you WANT an S, then buy the S (if it really turns out to BE an S).

If you want a comfortable fun bike to ride now or very soon, definitely buy the /6. Even if you really want an S, the suggestion to ride the /6 while you jumped into the enormous project of the S makes a ton of sense to me.

I'll agree with George about the 1974 /6 series reliability. I bough my '74 new. Once the rear main seal was fixed the only other problem I have had was a broken pawl spring in the transmission at 60,000 miles. I bought the bike new and have 140K miles on it. The problems that have occurred have been caused by me trying to "improve" it, or just normal wear.

Go for it!
Teo

George Ryals wrote: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.

I am really glad that you have escaped the usual litany of 74 blues. They drove us crazy during that first year.

vanzen@rockerboxer.com wrote:Buy both. Then hold out for a post '81 to ride.

2k for a gently treated 90 is good. if you can pick up the 90s for under 1500 good. If you can't it's not worth that anyway...I know for a fact that mid 70 to early 80s BMWs can be had for 2k most times. Remember the bike is old and most urban dealers no longer carry most parts anymore or want to service them anymore (even less reason to hold parts for you).

I would personally get a bike with an electronic ignition. I might suggest a fine R80 or r100 from the mid eighties. r80 arguable is a soulfully well balanced machine at a price that is hard to resist. A r100 can be had from many gentleman who have loving cared or nurtured to tour but never went anywhere. I know of many hidden in garages locally or with a days ride from you.

One thing that will amaze you... No matter how long the Rubber cow you get has slept, it might be the easiest bike to start awake.There nothing like an airhead, It makes a connection like meeting an old familar friend whom you'd chose to spend time tooling around with. Enjoy your journey.

I agree with Ridercam about electronic ignition and post 1981.
I would add a vote in favour of Monolever models (post 1985) which are a little less rubbery at both ends.

Duane Ausherman wrote:I am really glad that you have escaped the usual litany of 74 blues. They drove us crazy during that first year.

I'm curious, I have a '74 too, what were the problems besides the transmission/shifter issues?

I have a '74 and haven't had any troubles that are attributable to the year model. They even hold up well to being hit from behind by a Mercedes.

I have some bikes from the mid eighties and the transmissions shift like butter. My '74 with a transmission lavishly rebuilt by one of the most renowned guys shifts like it has rocks in it. I did convert that bike to 'S' configuration and really like it. It is super fun to ride. One thing for sure, the clutch on the '74 requires a LOT more hand strength than the later ones. For riding around town, the later clutch is much nicer.

Chuey

Thanks for all the suggestions. The deal I had going for the sale of my Z1 fell through so now I have to detail it a bit and use Craigs list and e-bay. I ordered a factory repair manual for the 90 series from a site in New Zealand, so I guess I will stick with that model for now. But the recommendations for the R100 series are interesting, but I know very little about them. (heck I really don't know much about any Beemers) The one thing I really like is the look of the older models, I figure if I am going to sell a bike I have had since new I should get something I like. Still have to go and check out the /6, also have the grandson next week, so I will get to it as soon as I can.

gg

jagarra wrote:Thanks for all the suggestions. The deal I had going for the sale of my Z1 fell through so now I have to detail it a bit and use Craigs list and e-bay. I ordered a factory repair manual for the 90 series from a site in New Zealand, so I guess I will stick with that model for now. But the recommendations for the R100 series are interesting, but I know very little about them. (heck I really don't know much about any Beemers) The one thing I really like is the look of the older models, I figure if I am going to sell a bike I have had since new I should get something I like. Still have to go and check out the /6, also have the grandson next week, so I will get to it as soon as I can.

gg

You're selling a Z1 that you bought new??? What year? If it's a "real" '73 Z1, and not even an A or B, this a very poor time to sell it, as it's right at the age where you would expect that they will begin appreciating quite a bit fairly soon - especially if it's in nice original shape. After hanging on to it for nearly 40 years, it seems like you could wait a little longer.

BMW airheads are very feasible to work on. With the Clymer manual and lots of help from this forum, I've done some pretty extensive repairs. I've enjoyed learning about them. I even helped a friend diagnose his starting problem due to what I read here. The first job I did was to take out the transmission.

Chuey