1978 BMW R-Series

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I bought this bike last winter off of Craigslist for a really low price. I went back and forth on whether to part it out or revive it. I chose to revive it because I just couldn't stand to see another Airhead parted out, especially as one as nice as this. So, I made it my winter project. I currently own 7 bikes, 3 of them Airheads. I've completely restored 2 Airheads, and I've mechanically restored or revived 2 more including this one. So, while I'm not an expert by any stretch, just know that the stuff I'm about to describe was done by a very anal-retentive and somewhat experienced BMW wrencher. Basically, this is a very nice running and riding bike that looks its age. If you want a dependable bike that's been gone through and is absolutely ready for the summer, then this is for you. If you want a show bike, this is not for you. The pictures make the paint appear much nicer than it actually is. Basically, it's not embarrassing, but it's not going to be confused with beautiful either. If you can't see it from the pictures, the front fender and the seat cowl are black with a gray stripe through them, and the tank's gray paint matches. I just (last week) took this bike on a 1500 mile trip which included The Dragon's Tail at Deals Gap. The bike performed absolutely flawlessly and was a blast to ride. I would feel completely comfortable in advising anyone that this bike is ready to ride anywhere. The following is what I've done to the bike since I've had it. New wheel bearing seals in front and rear Regreased wheel bearings in the front and rear and properly set the preload in both. New bearings and seals in swing arm pivot pins New seal between rear drive and drive shaft New starter Lubed rear splines and trans splines New neutral switch Completely rebuilt carbs New carb to cylinder head rubber boots New throttle cables Balanced and tuned carbs Properly reset the timing Brakes bled with new fluid. I'm probably just used to /6's, but man this this stops better then my other airheads. New fluids in engine/trans/drive shaft/rear drive including new oil filter. New air filter Valves checked/set Completely rebuilt front end (new seals/bushings/crush washers/fluid). The forks were very straight upon inspection. New fuel line all around Rebuilt petcocks Bead blasted and painted some small bits that were pretty ratty looking (battery box and strap, license plate holder, various other pieces in that general vicinity). Cleaned up wiring issues The following are the noteworthy good points about the bike. Again, I'm probably used to my R75's, but this thing's engine is a beast for an airhead. Very quick with a whole lot more torque than my R75's. New front tire (still has knobs on it) and rear tire has a lot of tread left (at least 70%) Seat looks good other than the small spot noted in the picture. It's a previous owner cigarette burn that I've patched. Nothing major and not really noticable, but worth noting. The transmission drain plug was extremely clean for an Airhead and this is easily the nicest shifting Airhead I've ever owned. As you probably know, the transmission is usually the weakest part of these Airheads. This one is very solid. No smoke, good compression. Used very little oil in the 1500 mile trip described above and it was definitely not babied. Koni rear shocks. In good shape. Like the rest of the bike, they're cosmetically ok, but functionally great. Dyna III electronic ignition. Upgraded to later style voltage regulator. High output single coil. One year old sealed battery fully charged and on a battery tender. Still in great shape. Stainless steel braided brake line. All body work from an R100S. All electrical lights/switches/etc verified/fixed to be in good working order. 2 into 1 exhaust in decent shape. Speedo/Electronic Tach in very good working order. New starter as stated above. Progressive springs in forks. JC Whitney 'S' style fairing that I've modified to fit. Pictures shown with and without. I got a few compliments just on it on the trip I took. Lester wheels. The Bad: The paint is weak, but it's not embarrassing either. A 10 or 20 footer as they say. That said, the body work is in outstanding shape and would be a very easy respray if it bothers you. I've gotten compliments on the looks of the bike, so maybe everyone isn't as anal as me. The rear splines are getting thin and will need to be addressed in the next few years. Not that huge of a deal. but worth disclosing. Frame and wheel paint is expectedly worn for a bike of this age. The odometer does not work, so I have no idea of the actual mileage. I bought the bike in MO, and that state doesn't require the mileage to be stated on the title. Thus, the title states exempt. So, again, I have no clue of the mileage. All in all, this is a great bike for someone who wants a bike that's ready to go. Like I said, I've put 1500 miles on it since I've had it back up and it is an impressively running/riding/stopping bike. I was 'talked' out of keeping it by my wife. 7 bikes is apparently the limit. Thanks for looking.