Boxerworks.com

Quick question, while I’ve owned a couple later model BMW’s, I’m now looking at a /7 airhead to putter around on. Not currently planning any long trips, but is there anything regarding this model that I should be aware of (such as the oil change O ring issues I’ve read about)???

I’m looking forward to getting the bike, but if a /5 or /6 would be a wiser choice, I’d rather know before purchasing.

Looking forward to exploring this great source / forum for future conversations.

Any purchase should be based on the advice of an airhead expert, after a full inspection and report of that specific machine.
I wouldn't zero in on a particular year or model if I were you, but rather, inspect each candidate carefully and take it from there. These bikes (type 247 airheads) were produced for about 25 years (1969-95).
I've seen a lot these bikes being marketed as over-priced cool looking 'vintage' or 'classic' collectables when in reality they are worn out beaters and can be real money pits. Compared to most of their contemporaries they are (were?) generally more reliable and durable, intrinsically easier to maintain and mostly satisfactory performers. Compared to modern bikes, they are well...errr... hmmmm... oh never mind, you'll figure that out if and when you get one.

I think the general mantra is that the later the model, the more improvements it will tend to have. But basically the /5/6/7 models are essentially the same but the later it is the more power it will have. Still there are differences. /5s had drum brakes and the first portion of them were short wheel based which tended to make them "twitchy"...or quick steering if you like that sort of thing. They were also 4-speed transmissions. The early /6 got disk brakes but were not drilled rotors which makes them less effective in wet weather. The /7 did get a different oil filter set up for some reason, so that's something you have to learn to work with. The R75/7 is a one-year bike as they increase to 800cc in 1978, but that fact doesn't make it necessarily undesireable. Also with the 1978 models, they began to detune the engine to meet required EPA standards.

So, in reality all of the bikes are more or less the same. If you want an early type-247 bike, I think it just comes down to what speaks to you and what you're willing to buy into.

Kurt in S.A.

Thank you for the replies. I have talked with a local mechanic who has gone through the bike for it's servicing lately and he was very confident (for what that's worth) with the condition and mechanics of the bike. The previous owner has quite a bit of documentation (pictures and shop receipts) showing all the work done rebuilding the bike, so I'm fairly confident with the current condition of the bike, but just didn't know if there was a single year issue with this model that I was getting sucked into without knowing (even with trying to read all I could about a 40+ year old bike).

Thanks again gspd and Kurt, for the advice and information, it is greatly appreciated.

Sounds like a winner! All my stuff came to me with no documentation, but I'm a mechanical masochist. Post up pix when you get it!