My Airhead Needs Help - Airheads Beemer Club Forum https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/ Airheads Beemer Club Discussion Board en-US Sat, 24 Oct 2026 13:56:42 +0000 wpForo 60 LED signal lights https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/led-signal-lights/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:58:26 +0000 Can someone educate me on what's needed to convert the standard signal light bulbs on R100 RS to LED? 

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Mike Buhler https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/led-signal-lights/ '74 r90s Intermittent Electrical Problem https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/74-r90s-intermittent-electrical-problem/ Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:14:36 +0000 I’m looking for some guidance with an intermittent electrical issue on my 1974 BMW R90S. The engine cut out, and all the lights and instrument indicators went completely dark. Moving the handlebars restored power, and the bike restarted immediately.

While investigating with the ignition on, the instrument cluster lit up normally. Turning the handlebars to the left caused the oil light to go out. Returning the bars to straight usually brought it back on. With the bars fully left and the oil light out, manipulating the wiring bundle entering the back of the instrument housing brought the light back on. That led me to focus on that wiring and connector area, although I haven’t established whether the oil light issue and the complete electrical shutdown share the same cause.

I have since removed the speedometer and tachometer housing and disconnected the electrical plug by removing its center retaining screw. The screw was secure, and I found no obvious bent pins, heavy corrosion, burning, or visible wire damage. Although the plug felt firmly attached, I’m wondering whether there could be a poor terminal connection or a damaged wire inside the bundle.

During removal, I loosened two of the three mounting bolts and completely removed the third. That bolt now goes into its hole without catching any threads, so I suspect its threaded attachment may have moved or come loose inside. There are also cracks around several rear-cover screws. I’m planning to carefully remove the cover to investigate the mounting issue and inspect the internal connections. So far, I haven’t confirmed the electrical fault or replaced any parts.

I would appreciate any guidance on where to look next, how best to test the connector and wiring, and what to watch for when opening the housing. I’m trying to work through this carefully and recognize that I have plenty to learn. I can provide pictures if they would help. Thank you for sharing your experience.

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Lance Mark https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/74-r90s-intermittent-electrical-problem/ '89 R100RT problem https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/89-r100rt-problem/ Sun, 20 Sep 2026 20:50:47 +0000 Several weeks ago I obtained an '89R100RT. Well maintained with records. I've been riding airheads for 50 years but this is the only one other than my long departed R80ST (big mistake) that has electronic ignition. After running great for a couple of weeks, it suddenly cuts out badly above 4000 rpm. This happened overnight. Fuel is flowing fine, inline filters, tank very clean. I suspect coil breakdown but my only experience has been with points and 6 volt coils. I could use the collective knowledge of the group to suggest what to check.  Thanks!  

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Rick Reynolds https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/89-r100rt-problem/ Speedometer Went Whack For a Minute https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/speedometer-went-whack-for-a-minute/ Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:15:40 +0000 I’m returning to riding after an approximately 15 year hiatus, and now retired. Picked up my new bike, an 84 R100RT in the Bay Area on Friday, and had a nice ride to our Son and family in the Santa Cruz Mtns. Leaving for out home in the Sierra Foothills Sunday morning, while going over Pacheco Pass at about 75-80 mph, I looked down and noticed the speedo pegged to the max. Once off the highway, and back to around 50mph., it stabilized and was about correct in my estimation, for the rest of the 1 1/2 hours to home.

I have the Factory Shop Manual on its’ way to me now, but want to have a look-see. I am guessing either the cable needs lubricated, or a gear is stripped. School me, please. And thank you in advance.

 

Steve

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Steven Johnson https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/speedometer-went-whack-for-a-minute/ Clutch slippage https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/clutch-slippage/ Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:57:12 +0000 I went out today for the longest ride I've done on my R100 RS for about 400 km's. It was all highway running and on the way back at speed I noticed a little bit of clutch slippage. Just riding around low speed in town it's not noticeable as I'm not reving hard enough to make it slip. Clutch plates are a little steep so I'd rather not have to throw down right now.

 

Anyone have any thoughts?

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Mike Buhler https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/clutch-slippage/ Swing Arm Boot Oil https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/swing-arm-boot-oil/ Sat, 04 Jul 2026 20:40:30 +0000
I am slowly working my way through a 1976 R75 /6 "barn find". It is time to do the spline lube and see if the rear main seal is leaking. I took the clamps off the swing arm boot to get at the drive shaft bolts, and pulled back the top of the boot for a look and went to bed. This morning there was a good 1-2 oz of orange milky oil under the bike. I clean it up before taking a picture. I could still see some when I pulled the boot back (see photo).
 
1) Seems like quite a bit oil for something that should have none. I guess the output seal might be leaking?
2) It is orange because water got into the boot? The boot is still fairly pliable, so no major crack are apparent.
Any ideas what might have caused it and what to look for as I continue with removing the transmission?
 
Background: The previous owner bought it at auction and probably did not do anything but replace the transmission fluid.
 
]]> My Airhead Needs Help Rodney Spears https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/swing-arm-boot-oil/ R65 LS not charging https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/r65-ls-not-charging/ Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:14:05 +0000 Since last season my '82 R65 LS hasn't been charging every time I go for a ride. Thankfully bump starting is a cinch. I checked the connections to the stator etc and all looks good. All new parts in there too. After similar issues on my Moto Guzzi that turned out to be a toasted battery I'm thinking this might the same issue with my R65. I know the same battery has been in the bike for many years so it wouldn't be any surprise. Now it's just a matter of looking up what the replacement is and try that. The Goose was solved with a new one. 

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Mike Buhler https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/r65-ls-not-charging/ 1981 R100RT Transmission repair service https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/1981-r100rt-transmission-repair-service/ Sat, 23 May 2026 18:48:05 +0000 I live near Detroit and I'm seeking a Trans rebuild service that does good work that might be near. I've got about 80K on the bike and at present have a broken shifter pawl spring. Makes since to do what's needed while it's open. Considering shipping it to Barrington motor works but wondering if there could be some other nearer options as well.

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Lee Nyboer https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/1981-r100rt-transmission-repair-service/ Hard Starting https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/hard-starting/ Sun, 10 May 2026 14:38:34 +0000 I am haveing a hell of time getting my 1985 R80RT started after having the carbs rebuilt and engine desmogged. Hopebully this video works and you can hear what is going on.  I have checked the valves and float bowls for debris.  I'm at a loss as to why it will eventually start, but starts so rough and hard.  Right now I really don't trust it for a longer ride.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RDN-RUHCeS_ln62M0uRFGCMtyQacfvjN/view?usp=sharing

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Curtis Nugent https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/hard-starting/ Centrifugal governor removal https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/centrifugal-governor-removal/ Thu, 07 May 2026 18:01:09 +0000 I wanted a project bike so I obtained my first airhead. 1977 R75/R. That's what all the documentation says and all the serial numbers agree. The front cover looks like it might have a 1975 or 76 ignition sensor, it has the centrifugal governor. Doesn't show that on the 1977 fiche I have been looking at. The cover has 3 holes instead of 2 also as stated on the fiche. Did BMW mix/match? Attached is a picture. Anyway, how do you remove it?

]]> My Airhead Needs Help Tim Cubbedge https://www.airheads.org/community/my-airhead-needs-help/centrifugal-governor-removal/