Embarking on 1977 R 100 RS restore, all comments welcome

[desmoss]

Colleagues, This year I've decided to bring my 1977 R-100 RS (Artic Blue) back to factory fresh condition. Currently, the bike lies in California, I reside in the Boston area, shipping is first. I've gotten a few quotes for transport ranging from $225 to $500, any recommendations here would be helpful. Next, my vision is currently tempered by my imagination, anyone with recent or past experience is welcome to suggest do's and don'ts... My imagination has reached this stage; powder coat chassis, swing arm, and all similarly colored parts (fork sliders, brackets, foot rest anchors, etc., Complete disassembly of engine, transmission and differential, bead-blast (comments welcome here) exterior of complete drive-train, "full" overhaul of the engine, transmission & final drive. My intention is to keep the appearance as original as possible, I may elect an aftermarket clutch assembly, upgrade ignition and charging system.
I've owned this bike since the mid-80's, after college, I left and the bike stayed, time to re-unite. I'll post photos of the progress and continue to ask for specific opinions and recommendations once I have brought it home.

Thanks for all your responses, I'll value both positive and negative feedback.

Mike

[gspd]

Colleagues, This year I've decided to bring my 1977 R-100 RS (Artic Blue) back to factory fresh condition. Currently, the bike lies in California, I reside in the Boston area, shipping is first. I've gotten a few quotes for transport ranging from $225 to $500, any recommendations here would be helpful. Next, my vision is currently tempered by my imagination, anyone with recent or past experience is welcome to suggest do's and don'ts... My imagination has reached this stage; powder coat chassis, swing arm, and all similarly colored parts (fork sliders, brackets, foot rest anchors, etc., Complete disassembly of engine, transmission and differential, bead-blast (comments welcome here) exterior of complete drive-train, "full" overhaul of the engine, transmission & final drive. My intention is to keep the appearance as original as possible, I may elect an aftermarket clutch assembly, upgrade ignition and charging system.
I've owned this bike since the mid-80's, after college, I left and the bike stayed, time to re-unite. I'll post photos of the progress and continue to ask for specific opinions and recommendations once I have brought it home.

Thanks for all your responses, I'll value both positive and negative feedback.

Mike

That specific year and model (and one year only color) has always been one of my all time favourite airheads since I first laid eyes on a pre-production one while visiting Butler&Smith headquarters in Compton, California in the summer of 1976.
Good luck with the restoration!

[Kurt in S.A.]

It's my understanding that B&S was mostly about their NYC location and that the California location was a short-lived situation. We're they the west coast headquarters? How long was Compton up and running?

Kurt

[gspd]

It's my understanding that B&S was mostly about their NYC location and that the California location was a short-lived situation. We're they the west coast headquarters? How long was Compton up and running?

Can't answer all your questions Kurt but they were definitely the west coast distributor at that moment (August '76). I was touring the west coast on my '75 r90s and another BMW rider pointed me in their direction so I stopped in for a quick visit. They were very friendly and gave me some brochures, donuts, and a BMW hat...

[Kurt in S.A.]

It's all about the merch!!

Kurt

[SteveD]

You have a classic. A restoration might be just the thing for when your riding season is over. (that's a concept I find hard to fathom, though with our recent floods the weather sure has the occasional influence here in Oz too.)

My first question relates to paint v powder coat.

[Seth]

I have the same bike (a CFO version) and am considering a top end rebuild before selling it. Haven’t yet taken the heads off but it is my understanding is that year had different pistons and heads, with a piston dome that does not extend out to the edge. (see the piston on the left below)

From
https://bmwmotorcycletech.info/pistons.htm

8. High compression pistons may have problems with the head. Later pistons had the dome extending to the edge; later 1970's types with the squish band were designed to work with a matching cylinder head, & might have to be machined. This might occur with some modification you are attempting, such as later pistons fitting 1977 heads. The squish pistons used on such as the 1977 R100RS are hard to find and were used only in that year and model. The original 'squish' pistons are no longer available. If you have a 1977 R100 & need pistons, you could consider using the 9.5:1 1978 pistons with the outside circlip. One can modify the head & cylinder (deck height change, about 0.050") and thereby get your own squish pistons in practical use. The 1978+ had a different shape for the pistons ...at the edge as an example. Perhaps some pre-emissions 1978 pistons will work, but you would have to order them & look at them.

[Zombie Master]

Graphite with stainless exhaust. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

[Bluethumb]

Where did you get a quote of $225-$500 for shipping your bike? I searched for shippers just a few months back and could hardly get anyone to even give me a quote. And the lowest I got was $900 for shipping from N.C. To Texas, not clear across the states. I’d love to know the shipper.

[desmoss]

Been a bit of a delay in getting the bike ready for transport, a few individual schedules that needed to be aligned but we have broken through the hurdles and she is packed and ready to begin an escorted trip from California to Massachusetts. Many thanks to her foster parent, Suede in Hollister, California for 15-years of babysitting. As well, many thanks to Victor and the crew at Hollister Motorsports for prepping her for her long journey home.

Presently, I'm awaiting the final shipping company to provide a schedule. That being said, I had gotten earlier quotes for cross-country transports that were well below $400, however things have changed. Estimating the same sources, prices had tripled, but: Shout out to Steve Allen @ BevelHeaven, www.bevelheaven.com who has provided an insured, enclosed and dedicated transport for a reasonable price. Steve has been providing Ducati spare in California for years and remains my go-to guy for the occasional "one-time-only" question such as shipping. Check his website for transport costs, there's a simple form to complete and your cost is quickly displayed.

I'll address the individual replies once the bike arrives, I've chosen my engine mechanic and cosmetic provider. We will have lively discussions on recommended alterations.
Mike

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