Newbie question on parts availability

[tdskip]

Newbie potential owner here with a question about parts availability - basically is everything I would need to maintain / rebuild a BMW from this era readily available? My slightly educated guess is that I won't have problems with routine maintenance stuff and finding decent used bits but I'd like to get some coaching on that as prior to diving in.

I do understand that holding out for the best bike I can afford will be the cheapest way to go over time.

Thanks!

[jagarra]

I have a 74 model and I can still get most items to repair my bike from the dealer. I prefer to use A&S cycles out of Roseville as they offer free shipping. If you are on the East coast Max BMW should meet your needs.

[Roy Gavin]

Both these guys have the factory parts lists on their sites, which will show you what is available from BMW dealers.
Most consider that BMWs development of the bikes went the right way and latter bikes are better in most dynamic respects.
Mechanically the motors didnt change much, but the transmission, brakes and suspension did and latter is usually better, although the paralever while performing well brought maintenance and reliability problems some prefer to avoid.
Most will agree that holding out for a well maintained bike is the way to go, but no need to wait for a low mileage bike, as with the proper maintenance 300,000 miles before major work is not unknown, so half that it totally acceptable.

[tdskip]

Thanks gentlemen, that is encouraging.

I appreciate the info.

@ jagarra - I used to live in Reno, great town.

[SteveD]

Some of these links might be kaput.

Clubs and Forums

https://advrider.com/f/forums/airheads.85/
https://www.bmbikes.org.uk/Forum/viewforum.php?f=15
That "Other Club" BMWRA - http://www.bmwra.org/
Airheads - http://www.airheads.org/
R65 Forum - http://www.bmwr65.org/
Sport Touring - http://bmwsporttouring.com/
/5 Forum - http://www.slash5.org/
5United Club Website (repair, links, history) - http://5united.org/
Boxerworks Forum (Airheads and other models) - http://boxerworks.com/forum2/
Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners - http://www.vintagebmw.org/v7/
Vintage Motorcycle Club - http://bmwvmca.org/
Mono Forum - http://www.bmw-einzylinder.de/index2.php
Vintage Restoration Services and Forum - http://www.bmwbike.com/index.php?l=english&c=0&n=0


BMW Tech Pages - Contains Discussions on Multiple Topics

Bob Fleischer (aka Snowbum) - http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/techni...icles-list.htm
Anton Largiader’s page – http://www.largiader.com/
Scott’s page mostly for /5- http://www.bmwscotter.org/
Duane Ausherman (all things /2 and /5) - http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/bmw.html
Vintage Tech Info by Craig Vechorik - http://www.benchmarkworks.com/faq.html
Rob Frankham's site - https://robfrankham.com/bikes
Main BMW pages by Joerg - http://jhau.maliwi.de/mot/
IBMWR Tech pages - http://www.ibmwr.org/r-tech/airheads/index.shtml
Horizons Unlimited BMW Bits - http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tech/
J.R. Buchanan (mostly /5) - http://www.buchanan1.net/motorcycles.shtml

Micro Fiche On-Line

Max BMW - http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/fiche.asp
A&S Cycles – http://www.ascycles.com/illustrated_...alog_main.aspx
RealOEM - http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do?vin=&kind=M&arch=0

Clutch & transmission

From our own Airbear. https://www.bmbikes.org.uk/viewtopic.ph ... ng#p148176
http://www.steves-workshop.co.uk/vehicl ... wheel.html
http://rubberchickenracinggarage.com/Do ... stment.pdf

Parts Sales and/or Service

Ted Porter - http://www.beemershop.com
Tom Cutter - http://rubberchickenracinggarage.com/
Anton Largiader - http://www.largiader.com/shop/
Hucky's - http://www.bmwhucky.com/
Bob's BMW - http://www.bobsbmw.com/
Boxerworks - http://www.boxerworks-service.com/index.html
Boxers By Bruce - http://www.boxerbruce.com/
Capital Cycle - http://capitalcycle.com/
Motobins - http://www.motobins.co.uk/
James Sherlock in UK - http://www.james-sherlock.co.uk/
Moteren Israel - http://www.motoren-israel.com/
Eurotech Motorsports (closed as of 12/28/11) - http://www.eurotechmotorsports.com/f...d=BMW&do=model
Craig Vechorik - http://www.benchmarkworks.com/
Mark Huggett - http://www.bmwbike.com/index.php?l=english&c=0&n=0
Carl Santora - http://www.flyingtpot.com/main.htm
Joshua Buck - [no website] Parts Haus, Telephone: (562) 254-0452 PST
Listing of Independent Mechanics - http://www.ibmwr.org/dealers-independent.shtml
http://micapeak.com/bmw/Airhead-Shops.html
Independent BMW Shops with GPS Locations - http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=35200
Google Map of Airhead Friendly Shops - http://micapeak.com/bmw/Airhead-Shops-Map.html
Airhead Shops in North America - http://potlach.org/2011/airhead/shops/
Head Service by Randy Long - http://www.algeo.com/~joe/randy_long.htm
/2 Electronic Ignition and Engine Stands - http://www.rapose.biz/index.html
Brakes and Restorations - http://thenickwackettgarage.com/bmw/
Keys - http://www.motorcyclekeys.com/
Folding Keys - http://motokeys.ecrater.com/p/112944...ad-folding-key
Bing Carbs - http://www.bingcarburetor.com/
Dellorto Carbs - http://www.herdan.com/dellorto/
Driveshaft Repair - http://www.brunos.us/
Driveshaft Repair - http://www.hendersenprecision.com/in..._products.html

Used Parts

http://www.re-psycle.com
http://www.cyclesrecycled.com - Fred Rowland, Morgantown, NC, 828-433-1067
West Coast Beemer Recycling, Fresno, CA - 559.456.3245, Larry after 6PM
http://www.airheadsalvage.com/ - Martindale, TX
http://www.beemerboneyard.com/
http://www.bikeboneyard.com/
Robert Van Vliet 831-426-2527 (local startup used parts business in Santa Cruz)
http://www.cyclepsycho.com/ - Eugene, OR
Joshua Buck at Partshaus - 562-254-0452 - Long Beach, CA
Listing of Salvage Yards - http://www.moto-directory.com/salvage.asp
Not primarily BMW but they get parts or can get parts - http://www.necycle.com/

Part Substitutions

IBMWR - http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/partsubs.shtml
Relays, etc. - http://www.airheads.org/content/view/159/98/
Repair and Rebuild Sites[/color]
Koni/Ikon Shocks - http://mechanicalhusbandry.com/2011/...shock-rebuild/
Shocks (some pictures) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/getprod...7600027144019/
Pushrod Tube Reseal - http://www.pbase.com/dqmohan/prtseals
http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling...bes/index.html
Bosch Starter - http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbend...ir_-bosch-.htm
http://gallery.oldholden.com/Jack_s/...Starter+Motor/
Starter - http://jhau.maliwi.de/mot/r-elec.html
Valeo Starter - http://www.largiader.com/tech/valeo/
Wheel Bearings - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=388220
Transmission Overhaul Pictorial - http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271570
Transmission Spline Lube - http://www.webbikeworld.com/t2/spline/
Transmission Circlip Description - http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling...lip/index.html
Transmission Circlip Discussion - http://www.largiader.com/articles/circlip/
R69S Restoration - http://www.snafu.org/restore/
R65 Restoration - http://s428.photobucket.com/albums/q...20Restoration/
R65 Oil Pan and Pickup Servicing - http://s428.photobucket.com/albums/q...Pickup%20Srvc/
Master Cylinder Seal Installation - https://picasaweb.google.com/eng444/...at=directlink#
/5 Engine Stud Repair - http://picasaweb.google.com/blaisede...OKW7sKaptKfQA#
R1150 Spline Lube - http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...ighlight=Grant
Krauser/BMW Latch Repair - http://janetkagan.com/BMW/Latch_Repair.html
Engine Break-In Procedure - http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm


General Maintenance

Air filter replacement R1200GSA - http://www.itrider.net/downloads/BMW..._AirFilter.pdf
Airhead clutch cable adjustment - http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showpost...45&postcount=3
BMW Service Schedules - http://www.ascycles.com/bmw_motorcyc...schedules.aspx
/5 Steering Stem Bearing Service - https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/m...g-service.aspx

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs - http://www.spark-plugs.co.uk/pages/t...chw5a-y6dc.htm
Spark plugs - http://ngksparkplugs.com/tech_suppor...lugs/index.asp
Spark plug reading - http://www.dansmc.com/spark_plugs/sp...s_catalog.html
Spark plug reading - http://www.verrill.com/moto/sellingg...colorchart.htm
Spark plug reading - http://www.4strokes.com/tech/sparkplg.asp
Bosch spark plug reference - http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/Articles.asp?ID=136
Bosch references - http://www.retrospeed.org/documentac...e_official.pdf
NGK Spark plug info – http://www.ngk.com/sparkplug411_ngk.asp
NGK Spark plug info - http://www.stealth316.com/misc/ngk-partnumberkey.pdf

Carbs Tuning and Overhaul

Bing - http://www.bingcarburetor.com/
Bing website (English) – http://www.bingpower.de/english/home.html
CV Carb tuning - http://www.factorypro.com/tech/carbtun.html
Carb rebuilding - http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling...ild/index.html
Carb rebuilding - http://www2.buoy.com/gallery/carb_rebuild
Carb rebuliding - http://www.pt-photos.com/carb_page.htm
Carb rebuilding (no pics) - http://www.buchanan1.net/carb_rebuild.shtml
The Carb Chronicles - http://home.insightbb.com/~cdpumphr/...chronicles.htm
Karcoma Petcock Overhaul (in French) - http://www.flat-twin-bmw.com/t9520-t...ssence-karcoma
Dellortos - http://www.thisoldtractor.com/gtbender/dellorto.htm
More Dellortos - http://www.mypage.tsn.cc/rdd/TT/cont...rto/index.html

Carb Synchronizers

google search "harmoniser"
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_...carburetors%3F
http://www.airheads.org/content/view/183/98/
http://brogdensmuse.menofhonorminist...nchronizer.htm
http://obairlann.net/reaper/motorcycle/manometer.html


Charging and Electrics

Motorrad Electrik - http://www.motoelekt.com
EuroMotoElectrics - http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/
Eastern Beaver - http://www.easternbeaver.com/
Thunderchild System Checks - http://thunderchild-design.com/info.html#chargsys
Charging - www.buchanan1.net/charge.shtml
Charging - http://www.largiader.com/articles/charging/
Charging - http://jhau.maliwi.de/mot/elec.htm
Relay Tech and FAQs - http://www.airheads.org/content/view/159/98
Enduralast System Installation - http://berettaconsulting.com/other/E...Enduralast.htm
Enduralast Regulator Mounting - http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=655092
How to use a digital multimeter - http://support.fluke.com/find-sales/..._source=Eloqua

Lighting Upgrades

LED Project - http://hstrial-wniglobalinc.intuitwe.../BMW-LEDs.html
Eastern Beaver - http://www.easternbeaver.com/

Ignition - Electronic

http://jhau.maliwi.de/mot/elec.htm
Dyna - http://www.dynaonline.com/skins/Default.aspx
Boyer instructions - http://www.boyerbransden.com/instructions.html
Renewing heat sink paste - http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcyc...ion-heat-sink/

Ignition - Sensor

http://www.gunsmoke.com/motorcycling...nce/index.html
http://maniac.deathstar.org/~flash/ig_trig.html
http://www.roadkill.com/~davet/moto/timeCanister.html
Hall Sender Parts List - http://www.discountvdubparts.com/VW_...~Kit_list.html
Replacing Hall Effect Sensor - http://robfrankham.co.uk/bike/replac...ect_sensor.htm
Testing Hall Effect Vane Sensor - http://robfrankham.co.uk/bike/vane_s...er_circuit.htm
For R65 - http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showpost...56&postcount=7
Ignition Module Checks - http://thunderchild-design.com/info.html#chargsys

Wiring Diagrams

Wiring diagrams (1978) - http://www.omnilex.com/public/bmw78/78r100wire.jpg
Wiring diagrams (early /5) - http://rna.ucsc.edu/albion/bmw/images/slash5_wire.jpg
Wiring diagrams (/6) - http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/schematic1975,1976.htm

Wiring Codes and Colors

DIN wiring information - http://www.isham-research.co.uk/quat...terminals.html
http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=651
Wiring Colors and Codes - http://www.airheads.org/content/view/314/98/

Speedometer

Speedo repair - http://www.pbase.com/dwerbil/1978_r1007_odometer_repair
Speedo speed adjustment - http://home.jtan.com/~joe/speedo.htm
Palo Alto - http://www.paspeedo.com/
North Hollywood Speedometer - http://www.nhspeedometer.com/
Overseas (Austin)- http://www.speedometer.com/
Foreign Speedo Inc. (San Diego) - http://foreignspeedoinc.com/default.aspx
Mechanical Speedo/Tach Repair by "Wirespokes" - contact Terry terryvrla at hotmail dot com
Joel Levine (Atlanta) - http://www.joellevinecompany.com/
Odometer Gears - http://www.odometergears.com/product...Motorcycles/42

Suspension

Fork information - http://mysite.verizon.net/vze4dp63/b...ts/forks1.html
Fork information - http://www.bmwscotter.org/topics/for...fork-tubes.htm
"Toaster Tan" Top Brace Installation - http://www.pbase.com/toastertan/inst..._photos&page=1
Suspension - http://www.tonyfoale.com/
Fork Alignment - http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/fork/title.html
Frame Alignment - http://www.motorcycleframeman.com/
http://www.zimmerframeracing.com/koni_shocks/index.htm
Ikon Damping Adjustments (applies to original Konis) - http://www.ikonsuspension.com/conten...justment.shtml
Suspension Setup Manual by Ohlins - http://www.ohlins.com/Products/Owner...M_07241-02.pdf
Info on Suspension Fluids - http://www.peterverdone.com/wiki/ind...spension_Fluid

Windscreens and Fairings

Gustafasson - http://www.bikescreen.com/index.html
Clearview - http://www.clearviewshields.com/
Aeroflow - http://www.aeroflowscreens.com/
http://www.rifle.com/
http://www.boxercafe.com/
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/289/
http://flatracer.com/#/bmw-package-deals/4538147751
http://www.parabellum.com/

Wheels and Brakes

Master Cylinder Resleeving - http://www.brakecylinder.com/
Support for Vintage and Classic Brakes - http://www.vintagebrake.com/
Buchanan's - http://www.buchananspokes.net/
Woody's Wheelworks - http://www.woodyswheelworks.com
Bent Wheels and Repair - http://www.mcwheel.com/
Lonnie Walker Wheel Building - http://agwalker.com/wheelbuilding.html

Tires and Information

Michelin - http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/in...recatalog.view
Metzeler - http://www.metzelermoto.co.uk/web/default.page
Metzeler Pressure Recommendations - http://www.us.metzelermoto.com/web/p...s/default.page
Bridgestone - http://www.bridgestone.eu/bfe/tyreSe...e&locale=en_US
Avon - http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle
Continental - http://www.conti-online.com/generato.../index_en.html
Pirelli - http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/ww/en/motorcycle/catalog

Pistons and Cams

Information on piston shapes - http://falcons.dyndns.org/links/open/bmw_pistons/
Information on 336 cams - http://falcons.dyndns.org/links/open/BMW_336_cam/

Performance Tuning

High performance tuning (Dr. Curve) - http://garnet.acns.fsu.edu/~jroche/
Measuring compression ratio - http://www.cafebeemer.com.au/blog/Co...ion_ratio.html

Tools

Cycleworks - http://www.cycleworks.net/
Northwoods - http://www.northwoodsairheads.com/Tools.html
Determination of torque w/ and w/o offsets - http://www.akotorque.com/html/wit.html
Use of torque wrench - http://www.bmwscotter.org/tools/torq...que-wrench.htm
Joes's Tools - http://www.culayer.com/Joes_tools.htm
Homemade Soda Blaster - http://www.aircooledtech.com/tools-o.../soda_blaster/

Fasteners

Dzus - http://kurveygirl.com/shop/index.php?cPath=104
McMaster-Carr - http://www.mcmaster.com/#
Aircraft Spruce - http://www.aircraftspruce.com/
The Bolt Guy - http://www.theboltguy.com/
Rocky Point - http://www.rockypointcycle.com/c-bmw...ware_kits.html

Repair Videos / DVDs / Manuals

U-toob has it all...almost

Motorcycle Shippers

http://www.haulbikes.com
http://keyboardmotorcycleshipping.com
http://www.CurvesAheadTransport.com – enclosed trailer
http://www.motorcycleshippers.com/
http://alliedmotorcycleshipping.com/
http://u-ship.com
http://www.threejokersinc.com/ - enclosed, air ride vans/trailers

Search for Stolen Vehicles and VIN Search

Canada - http://www.cpic-cipc.ca/English/inde...41316262253413
VIN Search - http://www.cyclevin.com/

Standing Recalls

More About Snowflake Recall http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/19inchrecall.htm


BMW NA Warranty Statement

http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showpost...07&postcount=3

Used Price Guide

http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles

[Rob Frankham]

Most parts are available but it'll be a lot easier if you opt for a later model. bits for /5 models are quite difficult to come by and you may have to wait for second hand bits to come up. for a '90's monoshock, however, the bits are pretty much available over the counter. Of course, it depends what style of bike floats your boat...

Rob

[tdskip]

Thanks for a VERY comprehensive list of resources.

Is there a year cut off for easiest availability, or is it a model/design. Assume the later...

My first bike was a K75RT so I’m not completely new to the picture here, but that was a long time ago and it needed exactly zero mechanical attention.

Very much appreciate the discussion.

[Kurt in S.A.]

I can still get parts for my 1952 R25/2. Yes, there is a time past which fewer and fewer parts might be available. I wouldn't have any concern for an Airhead 1970-on. Just be glad that you have a BMW...the picture is much bleaker if you have a YamaKawSuzHonda.

Kurt in S.A.

[SteveD]

Is there a year cut off for easiest availability, or is it a model/design. Assume the later...

The younger the bike, the more availability of parts and likely cheaper.

There are "eras" from 1970-1995 of the airheads. Parts interchangeability is very high between adjacent eras.

My gross guess at the years/eras is: the model year starts every September after the summer holidays in the faterland! eg the 1981 model starts 9/80.
1969-72 /5 (SWB then later LWB)
1973-76 /6
1976-80 /7 & S/RS/RT models
1981-84 last of the twin shocks.
1985-1996 monolever models.

[Rob Frankham]

Thanks for a VERY comprehensive list of resources.

Is there a year cut off for easiest availability, or is it a model/design. Assume the later...

I think you need to do some research once you've identified what model you are interested in, before buying (Ok, that's what this thread is all about I guess). The problem is that airhead BMW's were subject to so many changes and variations in their 30 year history that almost anything posted here will be a gross simplification. SteveD's list is a great start but it's by no means exhaustive. For example, the /6 series (9/1973 - 9/1976) had it's electrics completely upgraded in 1974. Then again, you have the 248 engined series, the R45/R65. These have a number of significant differences to the extent that they could be consdered a totally different machine... and that's not even mentioning the 'GS sereis with all of it's ramifications... and, of course the 'R/Mystic series which is very different again.

The next question is, "Is 'original' important to you?". If you aren't hung up on keeping the thing exactly as it came off the line, there is almost always a 'work around' using parts from a later model to keep the bike on the road (and, it has to be said, to improve some of the features on the older models that aren't great by todays standards).

The other question is "What are your priorities for using the bike?". If you want the bike for occasional rides, it may be much more acceptable having the bike off the road for a month while you source hard to get bits. If you want to use it for a daily commute, that obviously isn't on.

In my opinion, the best way forward would be to decide what type of bike(s) you like the look of, then look around to see what's avail. This forum will be great for individual (if subjective) advice.

Any of these bikes can be kept on the road biut, in pronciple, the older it is, the more potential issues there are in finding bits and the more expensive it's likely to get if you need to source things from overseas.

As for my advice (and yes, I'm as subjective as the next man)... For an 'airhead tyro' I'd be looking at a post '80 twinshock or a monoshock R80 or R100 (with or without fairing according to preference). Most of the more annoying features were ironed out by '80 and you should get (or be able to achieve) a good solid reliable ride without too much hassle.

Rob