Upgrades / Modernization

[Mottseng]

Very excited about my new/old 75/5 and getting it on the road. As mentioned in my introduction this is the first bike since the early 80's and my first BMW. This may already have been asked but I will ask again. What are the most common upgrades or modernization that people have done to an old airhead? These can be aesthetic or safety related. If you have undertaken some changes let me know and if possible post pics as well. I am considering a cafe look when complete.

Thanks

[barryh]

Convert the headlight to accept a H4 lamp by replacing the reflector and lens with one from an R65.

[Mottseng]

BMW.jpg (230.53 KiB) Viewed 2851 times

Hopefully the picture uploads. Here is a pic of my recent excitement.

[Rob]

This whole guy's website will start emptying your pockets!

I would start with an LED taillight insert:
http://www.motoelekt.com/lighting.htm

[Rob]

A good upgrade would be to get a clamshell airbox and intake plumbing. This will increase midrange and general rideability, not to mention less chance of debris getting into the engine, or you neglecting to make sure the carbs are on tight before every ride.

But it looks cool!

[Rob]

/5 BMW kick starter gear information

by Duane Ausherman

http://w6rec.com/bmw-motorcycle-5-6-and ... on-repair/

Halfway down the page.

[Zombie Master]

If your headlight bulb is an H4 you can replace with an led.

http://www.cyclopsadventuresports.com/4 ... _p_94.html

They may offer other fitments. Three times brighter, uses a fraction of the power. But I have to tell you, that in my experience of airhead ownership (45 years), most "upgrades" are a mistake and will reduce functionality. BMW knew what they were doing. There are some exceptions. You may want to firm up the front forks, but many go to far, a lot of the fork springs available are to firm, and you loose the excellent ride BMW provides. There is nothing wrong with points and condenser ignition. You can bring a spare set and keep on going, where someone who has changed over to an electric box, will be stuck on the side of the road calling for a tow. IMO you are best off using the bike as intended. I've seen many thousands spent on airheads, where someone has attempted to make the old shafty a sport bike. Any $1500. sport bike from the last twenty years will leave the now devalued airhead (due to non original modifications) in the dust. IMO use them as designed with some personal adjustments.

[Rob]

Impressive headlight, ZM! https://youtu.be/kbY-Xk4y6_k

I agree with everything ZM said.

Also, DO NOT cut either of the fenders!
Hide them away somewhere and use aftermarket for your project.

The best engine improvement you can make is to make sure the stock engine is performing at it's best. You will have a sweet ride.

[dougie]

What ZM said.
+1

[robert]

Just buy a modern motorcycle.