Unavailable Parts for Oilheads? What are people finding when they need parts?

[tlangman4]

Hi All-

I’m new to Oilheads, and just picked up a 2000 R1100RT with under 10k original miles. The bike has been ridden most years, but obviously very little. It runs fine, has a few minor issues that I will address. I am assuming I will uncover a few more.

During a conversation today with a fellow well versed in airheads, he mentioned that it was his understanding that one issue with Oilheads of this vintage is that certain parts with the fuel tank, excluding the pump and hoses, are unavailable and no longer produced by BMW. The concern, as he stated, is that if the bike sat too long and water/rust formed at the bottom of the tank, that I would be unable to purchase replacement parts. I am uncertain about the specific part, but it sounded as if it was a component that has a history of failing which is in short supply.

I apologize if this is a bit vague. But I purchased the bike based on solid feedback regarding reliability and of knowledge of the few weak points of these models; Hall sensor, left side cam adjuster, brake lines, age of fuel pump, age of alternator belt, etc.

I guess I didn’t anticipate any critical parts within the fuel tank/fuel pump system that would be no longer produced and in short supply, or any other components. I realize it’s an older model, but also know that I never worried about parts for my airheads, so this is a bit new for me. Are there certain parts that fall in to this category for Oilheads?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[GTRider]

Your fuel tank is non-metallic, so rust is generally not an issue, and you seem aware of the potential issues with old submerged fuel lines and such, so rest easy. And a lot of service parts are available from aftermarket vendors like EuroMotoElectrics.

The oilheads are great bikes and easy to service!

Best,
DeVern

 

[PGlaves]

Voni has a 1994 R1100RS with 420,000 miles and we have yet to need a part that wasn't available.

 

[omega man]

Added a bit to your title for clarity.
OM

 

[pauls1150]

Never had such an issue with my '04. If it wasn't in stock, Long Beach would order it and it would be there in a couple of days. There are also several other sources, like https://www.beemerboneyard.com/ https://www.beemershop.com/ https://www.euromotoelectrics.com/Default.asp http://www.motoelekt.com/ https://www.realoem.com/ just to name a few.

 

[AntonLargiader]

Fuel system wise, this is mostly about parts that only need replacing when they corrode, which is generally through disuse. The RT "fuel gauge," which is basically the pump plate, looks like it is NLA. There are aftermarket solutions for the pump, U-hose, and filter should they become NLA. The filler neck, aka "reduction insert," also shows as NLA but I think you will always be able to find used ones or you get your existing one replated.

Outside the fuel system, there are some transmission parts (specifically input shaft parts) that have been NLA for a while but there are workarounds using parts from earlier or later models. Final drives, everything is available but the actual gearsets and they hardly ever go bad.

Bodywork seems to still be available primed (not painted).

 

[tibork]

Fuel tank is fiberglass so no rust scare there. Honestly the best source for replacement parts is this forum, members can direct you to where to get certain needed parts; with time of course you'll also know a few great places to look first.

Congrats for the new bike, below 10K miles is really a nice find!

 

[lkchris]

Just in case someone with an R1100S gets into this thread ... that fuel tank is aluminum.

Since it was a cosmetic thing, I replaced the handlebar switches and was advised they now NLA. I'd think repair of the as designed crumbling of the wiring on Oilheads will require repair more often than replacement is possible.