Airhead question 1976 R75/6

H8terboi · Post by **H8terboi** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:34 pm

Hi All,

I am considering purchasing the above mentioned bike. The one I am looking at has a horrible rattle can paint job, needs new brakes and rear suspension. The engine runs strong but the port Bing carb sticks. I think that is because the bike was never stored on the center stand. There are side panels that are missing and the seat is not original.

Questions:

1. The asking price is $2500. What should I offer? I was thinking of starting at $1750 considering the condition of the bike.

2. Are there any resources or manuals for this bike so that I can return it to it's original condition? The only thing I found is a Chlymer manual that covers multiple years and models.

3. Anyone know where I can get the tank knee pads, seat, side panels, mirrors, etc. at a reasonable price?

4. Anything else that I am missing or not considering?

- H8terboi

Post by **MikeCam** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 12:42 pm

I owned three /6 models. In that condition the value is nearer to 1250 than anything else. It is poor to salvage at this stage.

The Airheads used to run a bulletin board. Useful information mixed with the usual ego and drivel. IBMWR.ORG is an excellent, albeit limited resource.

Between Clymers and Haynes manuals and some local BMW certified mechanic over 50 years old (if you can find one) and the Internet search feature, you can make this a go.

But $1750 makes me cringe. And $2500 is the hopeful price but not the least realistic.

Post by **DJ Downunder** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 6:57 pm

just a few pics.

DJ

Post by **Biff's R** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 7:08 pm

I would look at http://www.re-psycle.com . They are pretty close to my house, and have a large inventory of airhead parts.

I would also look at closer to $1250. It sounds like you will need to replace a bunch of the rubber parts, do carb work, etc.

Post by **wncbmw** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:02 pm

I agree that the price on a bike in that condition should be somewhat lower. But there are lots of Airhead resources (dealers, clubs and forums) out there to help you restore it! They are sweet bikes though and would be a worthwhile project if you are into it.

You can also try Cycles Recycled for used parts 828-433-1067 or

cyclesrecycled.com

Boxerboy · Post by **Boxerboy** » Fri Aug 10, 2007 10:59 pm

DJ, they're all /5's. The /6 model had a new instrument cluster, a disc brake and did away with the nail key.
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/slash.htm
H8Terboi, have a look here.. http://www.boxerworks.com for second hand and new parts. The forum can be excellent also.
More parts..http://hometown.aol.com/bmwhucky/

More info here:
Google is your friend. Often, google will take you to duanes site:
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/index.htm
or the other netbased bmw curmudgeon

, snowbum:
http://home.jps.net/~snowbum/

Just about anything you need to know re: the /6 is on the net, including microfiche..
http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/fiche.asp

$2500 is too much...imho

H8terboi · Post by **H8terboi** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 1:24 pm

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the great resources. I knew this bunch would come to my rescue. I will be calling the seller next week to discuss a lower price. He is selling the bike because he needs money for a mortgage payment. Maybe calling later in the month closer to "rent time" will be a good strategy to get him to lower the price. Until then I will just have to enjoy my R1150R...

- H8terboi

Boxerboy · Post by **Boxerboy** » Sat Aug 11, 2007 7:52 pm

Look inside the tank for rust, especially around the fuel tap outlets. Take a decent flash light when you go to inspect. Feel around the petcocks, outside the tank. Don't push to hard, but if it's lumpy, it may already be rusted thru with just the rattle can paint keeping it watertight...for the moment.

Lift the tank and have a look at the under tank master cylinder. Has it leaked/is it leaking? If so the frame will be heavily tarnished, maybe corroded. Whilst there, inspect the external wiring condition, the coils & connections, the earth wire at the left coil, relays, regulator connections. Your looking for signs of corrosion, green gunge...are they clean and in good condition? These may give an idea of general care philosophy/knowledge of the seller.

You can strip and clean the carb and replace stuff yourself. Not too difficult, and there are a few internet guidelines available. One is called the "carb chronicles" ...accessible via google...which is quite humorous, helpful, but long...lots of pictures.

The seat pan may be rusted also. Pans are hard to come by. Breakers or ebay will be your best source here. New seat covers you can buy for around $40 (ebay) and complete new seats are also available but they cost. http://www.ibmwr.org/ also has a for sale section which would be worth looking over periodically. It'll give you an idea of asking prices at least.

When you turn the ignition on, ensure the oil/gen/neutral lights all light up.
When you start the bike, the oil and gen light should go out above about 1500rpms. If the gen light stays on or glows faintly, there is a charging problem. It should come on below 1500rpm. If the gen light glows dull when above 1500, then the charging system is also at risk of causing problems, possibly a diode board problem.