Anyone know anything about early 70's R50/5's ?

[TonyT607]

I may have an opportunity to buy a 1973 R50 /5 with 04810 miles (zero four eight one zero ! ) on the the clock.

I heard through a neighbor that an elderly couple had 'an old BMW bike' in their garage, and that they are going to sell it since the husband (almost 81 years old) hasn't ridden in years.

Yesterday on the way home from a short ride I passed by the house and saw the folks in their driveway. On a whim I pulled in, pulled off my helmet and apologized for intruding. I asked about the bike and they could not have been more pleasant.

They bring me into the garage and there sits a dust and cobweb covered black BMW. The thing looks entirely intact. The husband said it was never crashed or abused in any way, just neglected. The bike sat in a corner with a bunch of junk piled around it, but it looked ok. From the rear I could see the turn signals and taillight were intact, no visible dents on the tank, although I peeked inside and I saw a lot of rust. The twin mufflers look ok, and the seat was unmarked as well. The tires I'm sure all totally dry rotted (although with full tread), but the spoke wheels looked fine, just dirty. The bike has a Harley type tombstone windscreen. It doesn't have a "toaster" tank, but the regular black one with the black rubber side panels. No luggage, but it has the mounting brackets.

So, does anyone know anything about these old boxers? I'd love to buy it and get it back into running condition. I don't think the restoration would be that extensive except of course I don't know what the inside of the motor looks like. It may need a new fuel tank (can a rusted one be reconditoned?)

I am fairly competent with mechanics' tools and would not be afraid of tackling a cool winter project..

Any major pitfalls ? Major design flaws, etc...Any advice, input, etc would be much appreciated. I don't even know what $$ to offer.

[Hogan's Hero]

I started on a '73 60/5. It was a great bike that took me across the country with no problems. When I sold it, the guy who restored it said that the /5's were probably the least valuable or desirable. I am sure he was saying that he wished he'd gotten more out of it, but that was his take. It's probably why you seem some really cool cafe makeovers on this model. The ONLY thing that I remember being suspect in design was the kick starter. Many of them wanted to break at the base of the shaft. I have no idea as to value....it's his bike, let him make the call. Sounds like it might end up being a fair deal for both of you. You know you want to do this......
Hope some of this helped.

[mcooperstein]

I also started on an R60/5 then quickly moved up to the R75/5. I didn't know that BMW made an 500cc in the /5 series. I'd say that even in it's heyday, it was anemic. Personally, if your looking for a /5 to restore, the 'classic' to get and rebuild is the R75/5 "toaster". I've seen a few of these, and they're gorgeous once restored. The non toaster versions are...bleh!

just my 2cents

Mark
-------------------------
member #3

[sjbmw]

Wow, going retro on us?

Sounds like a neat find.

Might want to try the Airhead section of the MOA board too.

[Boxerboy]

http://www.5united.net/html/repair.html

You sound like you've found a gem, but beware...calculate what a restore will cost, then triple it. One thing ALWAYS leads to another.

The 50/5 was generally considered terribly underpowered, and the 75/5 was the better performer.

Parts are available, ebay, privateer bmw parts specialists, clubs, ibmwr and bmw mobile tradition. Try that on a 37 year old bike from just about anywhere else!

Here in Oz the toaster tank wasn't popular as the touring capacity was diminished. It looked pretty, but wasn't perceived as functional as the bigger tank.

[Boxer]

This is from the spiffy new book BMW gave me in a package of goodies for buying the new F650GS. Written by Kevin Ash, its a nice resource.

[TonyT607]

Guys thanks for all the online and offline responses....I went over yesterday to take a more critical look at the bike and was impressed. The bike looks just about intact, no missing parts except for the battery of course. It even has the Owner's manual.

It has a side stand and center stand and no bodywork damage. We'll see if we can come to an agreement......I know the Mrs is dying to get it out of her garage. Here is a generic pic of a Slash 5...


I'll let you all know how it goes, maybe the ST will have a new stablemate soon.......

[JCsman]

I think it's a beauty, Tony.

Anemic? May be. But since it wouldn't be your primary bike, who cares? What a joy it would be to scoot along on that old boxer.

I had a shot at a clean, running 750 a few years ago and have regretted passing it up ever since.

Of course, if you do give it a shot, pics, pics, pics of the process.

Good luck.

[Capt. Blackadder]

Rusted tanks can usually be cleaned and Kreemed, but if this one is too far gone, a replacement tank can be found. New tires shouldn't be too hard to come by. I'll bet the Airheads crowd will be happy to help.

An old airhead this intact, with so few miles on the clock, is a real find in my opinion. I say snap that old girl up, and right quick... buy her a new dress and go dancing. She's been a wallflower for far too long.

[TonyT607]

UPDATE: Just got the call from Mrs W who said the bike is mine.

Already got the trailer all lined up, and will probably go snag it this weekend.
I need to go find my checkbook now. I think it ran away......

I'll post pics once I get the bike over to Rancho Tony.

[GypsyRR]

I say snap that old girl up, and right quick... buy her a new dress and go dancing. She's been a wallflower for far too long.

Hey, Cap'n can I quote you - but in a different context; deleting the word "old", adding the words "purse, shoes, and jewelry" behind the word "dress", and perhaps adding the phrase, "and a new motorcycle too."?

TIA,, and I'll let ya know if it works for me.

[yjleesvrr]

Tony - if for some mental lapse you decide you don't want that bike, LET ME KNOW. I will gladly come up and pick it up myself!

[Capt. Blackadder]

Hey, Cap'n can I quote you - but in a different context; deleting the word "old", adding the words "purse, shoes, and jewelry" behind the word "dress", and perhaps adding the phrase, "and a new motorcycle too."?

TIA, and I'll let ya know if it works for me.

Feel free, milady, with my compliments.

[TonyT607]

Tony - if for some mental lapse you decide you don't want that bike, LET ME KNOW. I will gladly come up and pick it up myself!

Ok Yong, you got a deal....btw feel free to stop by anytime and have a look see. To lend a hand with the restoration. Or to take it for a ride

[OU812]

Ok Yong, you got a deal....btw feel free to stop by anytime and have a look see. To lend a hand with the restoration. Or to take it for a ride

Tony, it runs/rides?

[TonyT607]

Tony, it runs/rides?

Not YET, Steve !

[hirsty]

I think it'll be good fun for you Tony - if you have the spare space & cash, then it'll be a relatively easy & low-risk project for the winter.

If you were desperate for 'the perfect' classic BMW or a show-bike then it might be worth spending more time & money finding another model, but for the time you'll actually spend riding it I'm sure this one will be just fine - surely the incremental difference between the earlier models won't justify it.

They sure aren't making any more of these, so if you keep it as original as possible it should hold value - I'd keep all the original parts you remove in case the next nutter wants to have them.

Above all, enjoy yourself

[OU812]

Tony, I think you will have to change/edit this at the bottom:
"Tony
05 R1200ST
Dark Graphite Metallic/Sydney Blue Metallic "

[mcooperstein]

ok Tony...enough of this. Go take some digital photos and post them. Right now!

Mark

[sjbmw]

ok Tony...enough of this. Go take some digital photos and post them. Right now!

Mark

+1!

Tony, at least you will no longer be the only one that is 'vintage'