Would like a project bike

[spokanetom]

I am relatively new to the BMW MOA and went to the National in Oregon this year. Had a great time. One of the best parts was looking at all the old, but running airheads out there. I am approaching retirement next year and having done one old bike rebuild, I'd like to do another, but this time one with a bit more class than that old Honda XL250R. But I need some advice from you experienced Airheads. Where can I find an old, not-running bike with all (or most) of it's parts? I saw a post here from two years ago where a guy found a sweet old 1971 R50/5 that had been sitting for 30 years or so. That would have been perfect for me. Something to work on slowly. I'm just now starting the process of looking for one, but I'd appreciate any advice, suggestions, or pointers to a good bike. Also, what should I expect to pay for a "barn" bike?

Thanks!

Tom Clark
Spokane, Washington
2021 F900XR

 

[skibum69]

The Craigslist Airhead Finds thread on ADVrider.com has all kinds of good bikes pop up all the time. I got my R100 RS from a post that went up there.

https://advrider.com/f/threads/craigslist-airhead-finds.1199608/page-518#post-51352217

 

[clmedlin]

I found my project - 1975 r90/6 on market place.

 

[melville]

OK, I'm all about projects. I got these by networking--they were actually rescued by my (at the time, and he's since retired) local independent MC mechanic:

Idiot v. Motorbikes, Rounds 3, 4, and 5

My phone blew up last weekend with text messages that included pix. My local independent MC mechanic sent pix of a couple Airheads. I couldn't see much...

advrider.com

He'd call me up from time to time, "I have a customer with an RT that he wants to unload. Might have a broken transmission." Stuff like that.

It's a real crapshoot buying a non-running bike, especially if the seller never heard it run, either. I will say that drum brakes will probably save a lot of budget $$$$ as project bikes tend to have roached hydraulics. The triple disc RS is going to be about $2K getting the wheels and brakes right.

 

[6322]

I am relatively new to the BMW MOA and went to the National in Oregon this year. Had a great time. One of the best parts was looking at all the old, but running airheads out there. I am approaching retirement next year and having done one old bike rebuild, I'd like to do another, but this time one with a bit more class than that old Honda XL250R. But I need some advice from you experienced Airheads. Where can I find an old, not-running bike with all (or most) of it's parts? I saw a post here from two years ago where a guy found a sweet old 1971 R50/5 that had been sitting for 30 years or so. That would have been perfect for me. Something to work on slowly. I'm just now starting the process of looking for one, but I'd appreciate any advice, suggestions, or pointers to a good bike. Also, what should I expect to pay for a "barn" bike?

Thanks!

Tom Clark
Spokane, Washington
2021 F900XR

Hello Tom,
If you’d be interested in working on a K bike I probably have a project for you. A project that is mostly complete. I live in ID, near Riggins, about 120 miles south of Lewiston off of US95. Send me a PM if you’re interested. Ride easy and enjoy retirement!
gp

 

[spokanetom]

OK, I'm all about projects. I got these by networking--they were actually rescued by my (at the time, and he's since retired) local independent MC mechanic:

Idiot v. Motorbikes, Rounds 3, 4, and 5

My phone blew up last weekend with text messages that included pix. My local independent MC mechanic sent pix of a couple Airheads. I couldn't see much...

advrider.com

He'd call me up from time to time, "I have a customer with an RT that he wants to unload. Might have a broken transmission." Stuff like that.

It's a real crapshoot buying a non-running bike, especially if the seller never heard it run, either. I will say that drum brakes will probably save a lot of budget $$$$ as project bikes tend to have roached hydraulics. The triple disc RS is going to be about $2K getting the wheels and brakes right.

So is that thread you? You picked up all three? Wow! If you ever find or hear of another bike like that, please put in on your notify list. Your projects look like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing the link.

 

[spokanetom]

You're not going to believe this, but I have a line on a 1976 R75/6 that is close enough to go get. The owner is the second one for the bike which has been in his garage as a project for the past 10 years, untouched from when he bought it. A comment of his: "At some point the PO put Marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and drained the gas tank. It was in Montesano so the salt air pretty much wreaked havoc on the chrome and other steel bits. The Monza Blue paint is actually good...but the mufflers literally fell apart in a light breeze." I've asked for pictures so I can judge a bit more about whether I want to tackle this or not. Being new to old airheads, I don't know it's value. Given the little I've said here, what do you think this would be worth to purchase?

 

[20774]

Check the MarketPlace link at the top of the page. Select the Airhead category. There are 34 entries...that'll give you some idea of price ranges.

I looked at a used price on a JDPower site...very good condition $3500...for what it's worth!

 

[melville]

You're not going to believe this, but I have a line on a 1976 R75/6 that is close enough to go get. The owner is the second one for the bike which has been in his garage as a project for the past 10 years, untouched from when he bought it. A comment of his: "At some point the PO put Marvel mystery oil in the cylinders and drained the gas tank. It was in Montesano so the salt air pretty much wreaked havoc on the chrome and other steel bits. The Monza Blue paint is actually good...but the mufflers literally fell apart in a light breeze." I've asked for pictures so I can judge a bit more about whether I want to tackle this or not. Being new to old airheads, I don't know it's value. Given the little I've said here, what do you think this would be worth to purchase?

Yes, all that joy is mine. I was going to flip the R100/7 but since adding the RDL seat it's become an awesome pillion bike. The ladies love it! I'm single and I consider my dating life to be Pillion Auditions these days.

A nearly complete collection of parts flying in loose formation is probably worth about $1000. All my bikes lived on the coast and none of them had mufflers I could use. And none of them were bought from anyone who had ever heard them run.

Here's my first Airhead, R75/6 and fully coastal crustied and what it took to make it shiny and deluxe:

Build thread blah blah blah R75/6 "Ernst"

So I asked, and you have spoken. Well, three of you, anyway. Dooooo it! Are you kidding? It's what makes the Old School world go round. I haven't...

advrider.com

I had an affordable painter back then but he was retiring. If you can avoid repainting (and I'm a big fan of Monza Blue!) the finances of a project shouldn't be too daunting.

 

[spokanetom]

Yes, all that joy is mine. I was going to flip the R100/7 but since adding the RDL seat it's become an awesome pillion bike. The ladies love it! I'm single and I consider my dating life to be Pillion Auditions these days.

A nearly complete collection of parts flying in loose formation is probably worth about $1000. All my bikes lived on the coast and none of them had mufflers I could use. And none of them were bought from anyone who had ever heard them run.

Here's my first Airhead, R75/6 and fully coastal crustied and what it took to make it shiny and deluxe:

Build thread blah blah blah R75/6 "Ernst"

So I asked, and you have spoken. Well, three of you, anyway. Dooooo it! Are you kidding? It's what makes the Old School world go round. I haven't...

advrider.com

I had an affordable painter back then but he was retiring. If you can avoid repainting (and I'm a big fan of Monza Blue!) the finances of a project shouldn't be too daunting.

I looked at your first project on advrider. That was a lot of work, but it sure turned out nice. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of the R75/6 and whatever comes with it. Then like you said, we can talk about it. Thanks!

 

[spokanetom]

So my reply to melville was mistaken. I'll bet you wondered what I was talking about. The guy with the 75/6 is a different guy. We just spoke today. Still, melville's thread on "Ernst" was super interesting and I learned stuff just from that reading.

 

[spokanetom]

I wanted to update this thread by saying I am now the proud owner of a 1976 R75/6! I picked it up last Saturday from my new friend Paul in west Seattle. It needs a bunch of work, but that's why I bought it - to do a restomod. I am retiring at the end of next March and so from April onward I will be able to spend a lot of time cleaning and restoring. I've only done one other project bike, a 1982 Honda XL250R which was considerably easier that this one will be. I am looking forward to gleaning information from the Airhead community here and on other forums.

 

[sasquash]

I am relatively new to the BMW MOA and went to the National in Oregon this year. Had a great time. One of the best parts was looking at all the old, but running airheads out there. I am approaching retirement next year and having done one old bike rebuild, I'd like to do another, but this time one with a bit more class than that old Honda XL250R. But I need some advice from you experienced Airheads. Where can I find an old, not-running bike with all (or most) of it's parts? I saw a post here from two years ago where a guy found a sweet old 1971 R50/5 that had been sitting for 30 years or so. That would have been perfect for me. Something to work on slowly. I'm just now starting the process of looking for one, but I'd appreciate any advice, suggestions, or pointers to a good bike. Also, what should I expect to pay for a "barn" bike?

Thanks!

Tom Clark
Spokane, Washington
2021 F900XR

Hi Tom,I have many airhead projects.You can call me in the shop 706 310-0699 mon/sat/8/5 EST thanx Nathan

 

[spokanetom]

Hi Tom,I have many airhead projects.You can call me in the shop 706 310-0699 mon/sat/8/5 EST thanx Nathan

Thank you! As I dig into this project I may very well contact you.

 

[HSVPhil]

Welcome Tom, from the of the Alabama Airmarshal {Mrs HSV}.
Do consider becoming a part of the Airheads organization:
https://www.airheads.org

Good Luck with your forthcoming retirement & your "new Vintage Beemer" project. You should know that this org in NC has quality parts for your /6 as well as instructional online videos for your review!!!
https://www.boxer2valve.com

Happy Trails whenever U can; Ciao from the scenic Tennessee River Valley!
HSV-Phil --- & --- HSV-Karen
USAF-Ret'd — & — USN-Ret’d
'75 R90S ——-—— '82 R100CS
'14 K16GT ———— '16 R1200RS
’09 KLX250S ——— ’88 R100RT
’05 Vespa 200L -—-- ’11 Vespa GTS 300
President of MOA CC-05: mailto: president@bmwmoal.org
AL-Airmarshal of CC-214