First Vintage BMW R100/7

[Plagrone]

Hey guys, 33 year old aircraft mechanic by trade, motorcycle flipper and enthusiast by hobby. I’ve owned a little over 50 motorcycles in the last 10 years or so but never a vintage BMW. Closest experience was a 2012 R1200GSA.

I got this single owner 1977 model from an older gentleman who could no longer ride. I went to the nursing home to sign over the original title and talk to him a bit about the bike. It’s dual-plugged, has air plugs on the forks, set up for a windjammer, etc, etc.

Came with tons of NOS parts. Carb rebuilds, points, valve covers, even a rebuilt zero mile gauge among other things.

I hope to bring y’all along for the ride of getting this thing back on the road and maybe get some help along the way… And I’m reading everything I can about this stuff (although I have trouble getting through snowbum articles without taking breaks haha)

Anyways, greetings from Alabama

[Zombie Master]

Welcome! Start cleaning.

You have to decide if you want to flip or keep.

That decision will require much different approaches.

[melville]

Nice one! I have its twin, a 1978 model. See the Idiot v. Motorbikes thread for the gory details.

I like the linked aircaps with gauge. Mine just has Schraeder valves on each forkleg.

[PAS]

Have fun! Get your credit card ready!

[Plagrone]

Welcome! Start cleaning.

You have to decide if you want to flip or keep.

That decision will require much different approaches.

NOTE: off-topic photos relating to what I have to deal with before I get this airhead on my lift!

Cleaning and partial disassembly to deep clean is always first on my list!

I got the bike, parts, windjammer, bags, and pretty much new bike lift for $1000 so a flip is tempting, but I’ve always loved these bikes so I think this one is a keeper. Already sold the lift so it’s pretty much like getting the bike for $700. Going to sell the rebuilt speedo for a reasonable price to undercut these eBay price gougers and bring that down closer to $500. Going to make my decision on the fairing after I get it running. I just love the original look, so the Corbin seat will probably go eventually as well.

My approach won’t change much either way. Any time I do a flip I make sure the bike is safe and streetable before selling, and that usually means new tires, brake work, tune-up, consumables, and fluids.

I’m excited, though… Modern enough and big enough to make my commute and travel on, but vintage and different enough to scratch my itch for cool old stuff.

The only problem is that right before this purchase I bought a tw200 that looked as if it had been stored underwater for ten years, so I’m rebuilding that before I can get this on the lift.

[Plagrone]

Nice one! I have its twin, a 1978 model. See the Idiot v. Motorbikes thread for the gory details.

I like the linked aircaps with gauge. Mine just has Schraeder valves on each forkleg.

Your thread is what prompted me to post my bike! I like having a thread to document the journey and keep me somewhat accountable! I’ve read your whole thread, paying special attention to the parts about dual plug setup and master rebuild…

The little line between the caps is plastic but I was surprised to see that the gauge and line still held air after all these years. The forks had about 5psi on them when I got it in the garage. What is the benefit of this upgrade? I’ve only had bikes that needed the forks bled of air after each ride, not added/adjusted

[melville]

Nice one! I have its twin, a 1978 model. See the Idiot v. Motorbikes thread for the gory details.

I like the linked aircaps with gauge. Mine just has Schraeder valves on each forkleg.

Your thread is what prompted me to post my bike! I like having a thread to document the journey and keep me somewhat accountable! I’ve read your whole thread, paying special attention to the parts about dual plug setup and master rebuild…

The little line between the caps is plastic but I was surprised to see that the gauge and line still held air after all these years. The forks had about 5psi on them when I got it in the garage. What is the benefit of this upgrade? I’ve only had bikes that needed the forks bled of air after each ride, not added/adjusted

I have no idea, other than to deal with the weight of the fairing and/or the rider. Installing the air caps was probably an easier mod than actually changing the springs or putting a preload shim in place. Particularly on the 1978 and later bikes, as instead of the shiny cap you see they just had a filler plug. On mine, the Schraeder valves just thread in to where the filler plug was.

I'll probably use mine to set sag when the bike's running again, now that the fork's been rebuilt and is properly splooshy.