 BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I have a chance to pick up a well used and not original R75/5 this weekend. Can anyone (pssst, Ian) give me some pointers on deal breakers to look for? I'm looking for stock for a winter project and this one looks like a fine candidate for resto or cafe...either way.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Not for me, thanks! But I am itching to have a standard back in my garage and so am looking at some used mid-70's Honda CB750 next week. Never done a project bike before, probably be good for me too.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Nothing out of the ordinary, they are very well built machines. What year is it? Only real problems that I am aware of is if the oil was let go low in the rear dif they can be rough to rebuild and get right, but that is only from what I hear, I have never had any trouble with me 64 R50. I have never even had to set the points on the magnito. I just change the oil and ride it. They are fun to ride, mine has never been apart yet so it leaks out of every piece of rubber on the thing since it has all become hard as a rock but I wouldn't call that a deal breaker. Not sure on your model but on mine they even have a roller bearing on the wrist pin and an extra ring below the wrist pin and the only chain in the R50 pulls the throttle cable. That is really cool it looks like a tiny final drive chain.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,193 Likes: 22 |
I know these beasts quite well.....pretty reliable usually with the above caveat...but check out a)is the engine original as they often get replaced b) what parts is it likely to need as some are cheap others pricey.
eg. I bought a basket case R90/6 over Christmas and need to repace the instrument housing....at £112 for the housing alone?
Though 'yours' should have the instruments in the headlight...
Good website for checking out engine numbers etc is BMbikes...uk based but with lots of helpful links
Al
I took the Road Less Travelled.
Now where the ****** am I?
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Oh Bob's BMW can get you anything you need if you need anything. They are in NJ but I forget where as I haven't needed anything in the last 10 or so years.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
What year is it?
1971 BMW R75/5 short wheel base with chrome tank panels and chrome side covers. Looks pretty oxidized in the photos but it looks like it has potential. And, this one's very affordable.
This bike, in black, not nearly this clean:
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 323
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 323 |
That's a sweet looking machine. Was that photo taken in Madison, WI? My wife's from there.
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Ooooh....the "Toaster Tank" Beamers. I always liked those!  (...can't explain why, but I always did!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546 |
Quote:
Ooooh....the "Toaster Tank" Beamers. I always liked those!
(...can't explain why, but I always did!)
Toaster Tank Beamers! 
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
That's a sweet looking machine. Was that photo taken in Madison, WI? My wife's from there.
Shamelessly cribbed from Google images but I think Madison is correct. Mine (to be) is adjacent Heartsfield Int'l (ATL). Atlanta's craigslist sure has been a great raw material resource.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I would probably grab it. They are well built and fairly easy to work on. One cool feature is the front and rear wheels are the same and interchangeable. They both have the splines in the hub for the drive and are quick change.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,671 Likes: 15 |
Quote:
Oh Bob's BMW can get you anything you need if you need anything. They are in NJ but I forget where as I haven't needed anything in the last 10 or so years.
Bob's is in Jessup MD Bobs BMW
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
My mistake, could have sworn they were in NJ on 56 somewhere.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
I couldn't resist, there's a lot to work with:  first beemer ever I saw with mini-apes...they'll be gone straight away  jury's still out on the two into one exhaust...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,680 |
Can't wait to see your progress, Ed! Classic looking machine.
Thom
I might be wrong, I sometimes am.
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,272 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,272 Likes: 17 |
Quote:
I couldn't resist, there's a lot to work with:
first beemer ever I saw with mini-apes...they'll be gone straight away
jury's still out on the two into one exhaust...
Congrats Ed, another horse added to the stable.  I don't know about that 2-1, kinda looks a little chitty-chitty bang-bang.
In a good way of course 
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Right now it's pouring gas from the left Bing carb so a rebuild kit is in order. I'd bet ethanol has melted the ancient float. And who knows, maybe a little Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang is just what I need  after my epic fail at upgraded crank bearing installation in the '64 Trophy...sigh...still waiting for the bill on that one...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I would lose that 2 into one in favor of stock, same with the bars but that's me. Those bikes sound really cool with drag pipes but go with stock in my opinion. I used to have to start my BMW first when out with my friends because I couldn't tell if it was running if they started theirs first.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I would lose that 2 into one in favor of stock, same with the bars but that's me.
The bars are right out for sure, the ones that came on the Trophy will be on there by nightfall (still too much rise but I don't have any 7/8" drags on hand). The pipes will wait until I determine if this is another cafe-esque project or a factory repro. I really like both so time (and money) will tell.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 373 |
Quote:
Not for me, thanks! But I am itching to have a standard back in my garage and so am looking at some used mid-70's Honda CB750 next week. Never done a project bike before, probably be good for me too.
Good choice for a project bike. I just finished restoring a 1981 GL500. My next new bike will once again be a standard, I like the way they ride. I do wish I had kept my 2000 Honda Nighthawk 750.
'06 America, Raask foot controls, the bike use to be Graphite and Silver, now its Red and Black.
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
I did this '75 R-75/6 a few years ago. I bought a basket case with a clean title and got the cafe seat pan and cover on Ebay,as well as the MAC exhaust and some other bits. This was a great bike. 
Strangler
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Nice! Cafe seat and cowl and Reynolds ride-off center stand, too.
Almost got mine ifired up yesterday, one of the POs had really bent the tabs on the floats and one bowl was bone dry. Then there's the issue of mismatched float valves, although I did manage to tweak them enough to keep from peeing gas all over the shop. I won't even go into how badly the throttle was set up...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
The old Bings in my 64 do the job nicely. All I had to do with mine was take them apart and give them a good cleaning but sounds like a less skilled person tried to work on yours before you. Bending the float tabs rather than replace the needle.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 399
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 399 |
Hey Chopperpaul and Oldroadie , I have a soft spot for those early Beemer twins but have 7 bikes already so can't have everything.
I did see a couple of nice old twins in the workshop I took my 83 K100 for an engine transplant.
Peace in the country when the sun goes down , the corn is gettin' high
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
The old Bings in my 64 do the job nicely. All I had to do with mine was take them apart and give them a good cleaning but sounds like a less skilled person tried to work on yours before you. Bending the float tabs rather than replace the needle.
Yep, I understand the slide Bings are easy to set up; R75 has the more temperamental Bing CV and this one has been roughed up a bit. UPS just received the rebuild kit so I should be good to go soon: new floats, needle valves, O rings, gaskets and slide diaphragms. Then I'll have a good baseline to set idle and balance (no vacuum outlet so that's set by tach and ear...).
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
I didn't know yours had already gone to the CV.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
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Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
I had an R75/5 years ago. THE weak point on those is the fork lock location. Make sure the key is not broken off in the lock and NEVER leave the key in the lock at any time for any reason. The fork can swing to the left and break off the key at any time. Later ones may be different, but on mine, that was the only true means of security. The ignition/light switch key was a universal one-key-fits-all bit.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
I had an R75/5 years ago. THE weak point on those is the fork lock location. Make sure the key is not broken off in the lock and NEVER leave the key in the lock at any time for any reason. The fork can swing to the left and break off the key at any time. Later ones may be different, but on mine, that was the only true means of security. The ignition/light switch key was a universal one-key-fits-all bit.
Won't be a problem here, the original key is long gone and there's a "real" ignition switch in the headlight bucket. No fork key came with it so that's never going to be a problem. I got the Bing rebuild kit this morning and FedEx just delivered a fresh bottom end for the '64 Trophy so I have choices aplenty for wrenching today...it's even raining so the honey-dos are right out as well. Joy, joy I've got a shop day :-)
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
  One 1972 BMW R75/5 SWB scrambled and ready to ride.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,272 Likes: 17
Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,272 Likes: 17 |
Quote:
One 1972 BMW R75/5 SWB scrambled and ready to ride.
Ah, there she is. All dressed up and ready to roll. Looks nice Ed
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,705 Likes: 23
Monkey Butt
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Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,705 Likes: 23 |
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Very nice there, Ed! I like how you've bobbed/"scrambler-ized" the bike! One could even say you've kinda sorta made an early Beemer GS-series machine out of it!  (...and like I said earlier in this thread, I sure love those old "Toaster Tank" Beemers!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
She's a beaut Ed! 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: BMW anyone?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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OP
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
Can't wait to get home and get a tag on it so I can learn how to ride it. So far I've just managed four laps around the yard (okay, it's a big, big yard).
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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