The mythical three-hole shock mount
In a 1978 Cycle World review on the 'new' R80/7 it said "There are three shock mounting positions on the frame, offering progressively softer ride as the mount is moved forward." Sure enough on the...
View ArticleHow to set Points and Timing
Help! I can't get the timing right on my R90. Even if I have the points plate retarded as far as it can go, the timing is still too far advanced. Could the timing chain have slipped? Is there...
View ArticleThe perils of media blasting
My top choices for shop tools are:1. Bead blaster...I'll weigh in again on this one ... DON'T do it! I've had the sad fortune to inform many heartbroken BMW owners of the cost to repair their bikes in...
View ArticleRepairing the Camshaft Nose
I broke off the threaded stud on front end of the camshaft on my R90/6. Is there a way to fix this short of replacing the entire camshaft? In short, YES. And it will save you a ton of money. But, and...
View Article'77 versus '78 cams
I currently have a '78 standard 308 degree cam in my '77 R100RS squish band engine (40mm exhaust etc.) I'm thinking about putting a '77 cam in (or making an adjustable cam sprocket.) How much would it...
View ArticleAlternator light is glowing red!
I was out riding, and my alternator light started coming on. It's dimmer above 1500 rpm, but it's always on now. By the time I got home the voltmeter said 10.5 volts and the bike would barely start.My...
View ArticleHow to Check the Oil, Dipstick lore
When I check the oil, should I screw the dipstick in? And is my dipstick supposed to have an o-ring? Some other airheads have them, do I need it? Will a rubber O-ring from the hardware store work?This...
View ArticlePiston Markings
Can somebody PLEASE explain piston markings to me? (These are from a passle of new-to-me 90/6 topend parts)Stamped onto right-side piston crown is "90_965" means the piston skirt diameter is 90.965...
View ArticleCopper head gaskets in the racebikes
I'd like to hear about the copper gaskets in theracebikes, please? OK, but I warned you it was boring. And you'll need to do some digging in old bike books. find a photo of the Butler & Smith R90S...
View ArticleInterpreting cam specs; compression ratio
Does someone have the specs for the various BMW cams? Lifts, durations, crank angles, LCA's. Can anyone explain these durations to me, i.e. 308, 320, 324 & 336. At what lift is this, or is it just...
View ArticlePreparing a bike for Storage
I'm going to be putting a bike in storage for several seasons. What should I do to prevent damage? Volumes have been written on this subject, with opinions all over the map. So I'll just tell you what...
View ArticleInstalling pushrod tubes
Is there a trick to installing pushrod tubes in my 79 RS? I don't want to force them for fear of damaging them. The trick to installing the tubes is in the preparation. The actual installation will...
View ArticleBalancing Connecting Rods
Where's the best place to remove weight from a rod to even out a 16g. difference in weight.? I'll assume that you have a very accurate gram scale and the ability to use it. I've made a practice of...
View ArticleRemoving the Oil Pan
I can't get my oil pan off. Triple checked that all the bolts were out, tried pounding on it with a plastic hammer, wooden block on the (very small) lip, pried with tire irons, etc.... Won't budge. I...
View ArticleRebuilding Koni Shocks
Rebuilding Konis is not hard at all, certainly not for an Airhead... but read on, challenging but fun. A well-stocked seal store can provide a replacement seal (although without the "top hat" part......
View ArticleTom Cutter's book on Dual-Plugging Airheads- Available now!
The great news is that this classic is back in print, online, for free, and you can get it here: Owner's Guide to the Dual Plug Ignition System by Tom Cutter(131k Acrobat file) Download Now!For those...
View ArticleFlywheel installation
I am in the process of re-assembling the flywheel to the end of the crank after a rear main seal replacement on a /5. Would like to know the list's opinion of using a VERY small amount of Hylomar on...
View ArticleReading Airhead Oil Filters
This is an easy and informative way to magically see inside your engine. To read the filter, simply replace it, and leave the old one hanging overnight above the drain pan, so the oil drains off. Slit...
View ArticleGearbox out by moving the swingarm?
I've removed and replaced gearboxes on my and other people's airheads maybe 10 times over the past 10 years and have always undone the exhaust pipes, taken the carbs off and engine bolts out to do so....
View ArticleBMW tool #217 / Timing chain work
Looking at the #217 "grooved bearing extractor" in the BMW workshopmanual. In the picture they are pulling the crank nose bearing off. It does not looks like it would to hard to make one. I've seen...
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