New to airheads. Just a few questions

[Kurt in S.A.]

Post 1984 Nikasil cylinders will need some machining of the base in order to fit the pre 1981 engines back to 1976. The '81-84 should bolt up, though.

Kurt in S.A.

[SteveD]

Post 1984 Nikasil cylinders will need some machining of the base in order to fit the pre 1981 engines back to 1976. The '81-84 should bolt up, though.

Grant added a set of 1981 nikasel barrels and pistons to his 78 last year. Bolted right up, no modification required.

[Texer]

For used parts e-bay is a good source, I am attaching a link to a seller that sells BMW parts, low starting price, accurate descriptions. http://www.ebay.com/usr/lamontsanfurd. It may be a good idea to list him as a favorite as he breaks bikes down all the time. He is prompt in shipping, I have bought many items from him, they have always been very good parts.

I concur here. I am also a years long customer and have always been satisfied with his product description and shipping.

[675carlos]

Thank you all for the replies. I think the plan is to just make it rideable and see how I like it. If for any reason I don't like it once it's operational, I'll try to flip it for 3k with new cylinders. For now though I'm enjoying the process. Hopefully it will be a such a labor of love that I can't sell it once it's finished. Thank you all for the welcoming replies.

[675carlos]

Post 1984 Nikasil cylinders will need some machining of the base in order to fit the pre 1981 engines back to 1976. The '81-84 should bolt up, though.

Kurt in S.A.

As much as I want to drop the money on NEW cylinder and Pistons I've decided to just go with you guys said and buy newer nikasil cylinders with used Pistons. I found a few sets on eBay. One in particular is in great shape but the seller didn't list the year of the r100 it came off of. Is it safe to say that if the piston size is the same as my current set that it would bolt up to my current '77 cylinder heads and maybe the engine case with light machining?