Wrenching - Airheads Beemer Club Forum

Carb choices - R90

Jon Falabella — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 11:28:23 +0000

I have a 1976 R90/6. I bought it with dual-plug conversion, Dyna III, and Dell Orto 34mm PHF34 carbs. It has never really run as well as I would like it to run. I have rebult the carbs and sorted, air-cleaner, valve adjustment, cable slack, and timing. All four plugs are new. It appears to be running rich (high-speed circuit). I looked into the main jets and found they are #150 and the needle is set in the top position (leanest). Is the main jet the issue? Should I drop to 135 or 130? Other thoughts? Thanks so much.

exhaust removal R60/5

Karsten Riebesel — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 09:41:05 +0000

the exhaust system on my '72 R60/5 has been modified by previous owner, he replaced the original silencers with welded-on VW units, no Idea why he did, now I am basically looking at a 1 Pc. exhaust system that I have to remove in one piece.

I do not want to grind or cut the silencer portion while everything is on the bike, stress on header and sparks flying around. So, it looks to me that in order of pulling the complete exhaust system off the bike, I would have to raise bike, front wheel, high enough to get the cross over pipe past the front wheel.

Once off the bike I could attempt to seperate VW silencer and replace with proper unit. Sure would be less hassle if it could be done while unit is on the bike.

Can I place a jack under the engine to lift bike a couple of inches without causing damage ?

Electronic ignition Install

Jeff Praski — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 10:44:57 +0000

I'll be installing an electronic ignition shortly. I'm posting, to see if anyone (SE Michigan) wants to observe. Not real sure I'm ready for a full tech day hosting, but if there's anyone interested in doing this, and wants to 'peek', let me know.

It is the EME Enduralast unit, for (I think) 70 to 92 airheads. It will be going on (what started as) an 83 R80RT. This particular bike is not very stock, the engine case, cam & crank shafts, carbs, and alternator are probably the only things that will be remaining original. The location will be Richmond, MI.

Any hints for this process, feel free to give me tips. I'm an acceptable mechanic, YouTube certified, but it never hurts to have suggestions. :)

Installing OEM cam/crank shaft seals 1976 BMW R75 /6. Dry or Oiled?

Rodney Spears — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:48:42 +0000

I watched Brook Reams video on installing the seals, and he used a drop of oil on the outside. I have seen other suggestion of installing them dry. Any consensus on what is better, or does it not matter?
I just replaced them last fall lightly oiled and after several hundred miles they are both leaking. The current seals are from EME, the new ones are BMW OEM seals. Also, it could have been my lack of installation prowess.

Fork Oil Leak

Chuck Shultz — Thu, 28 May 2026 23:18:19 +0000

I have a 1973 R75/5 and I noticed a fork oil leak at the bottom left fork. I went ahead and replaced both sides fork oil and crush washer. The right side is good/dry but the left side keeps weeping. I have tightened the nut snug then tighter, (holding with an allen wrench at bottom) I have tried different size crush washers but the left side still weeps. Why is right side good/dry but not left, any thoughts, what inside the fork might cause this?

thanks

chuck

I've been thinking

Mark Hitterdal — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:37:45 +0000

I've embarked on a "Rider Resto" on a 78 R100RS. It might make a good article. Already have a working title, Born in a Barn" since it actually spent over half it's life in a barn, complete with chickens and their "exhaust".

As she heads towards her 50th birthday, I figured it may be time to reverse not only the effects of time in a harsh environment and bad choices by the original owner. This includes a horrific silver smoke paint job over the original gold.

With only 13,000 miles, it is generally mechanically solid, except for leaks (pushrod tube seals, base gaskets), an ugly groove in the right jug where the rings rusted in the bore (deeper than a double bore would clean up). She's going to get some upgrades, cleanup, and gold paint.

Tonight, I put new rings on the right piston and fit it into the jug. Going to have to start taking pictures.

When this one is done, I've got an '81 RT with 90k that will get a once-over too.

/2 Throttle Twist Grip Index Mark

John Lindberg — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:09:17 +0000

The throttle twist grip on my '66 R69S does not have an index mark on the gear teeth to show where it needs to mate up with the cam that pulls the throttle cables. Is there a standard place within the 10 gear teeth were the index mark should be?

SoCal Seeking R90S Mentor: 1974 Teardown & Restoration Project

Reza Askar — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 16:07:02 +0000

Hi everyone,

1974 BMW R90S

I’m looking to do a full teardown and restoration, and while I want to do the heavy lifting myself, I’m looking for an experienced Airhead mentor in the Los Angeles / South Bay area to guide me through the process.

Being a '74, I know there are some year-specific nuances (the switchgear, the five-speed trans quirks, the Dell'Ortos) that I’d prefer not to learn the hard way. I’m a beginner. Never done this. I just need the 'Airhead wisdom' to ensure this classic stays period-correct and mechanically sound.

If you’ve restored an R90S before and wouldn't mind a 'student' looking to get their hands greasy, I’d love to connect. I’m happy to host at my place or bring the bike to you. Coffee, lunch, and deep appreciation provided.

Reza in Redondo Beach

Adjusting valves

Blake Wester — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 22:32:19 +0000

Hey folks!
what do you guys set your valve clearance at? I have an R75/5 and have seen different settings on various sites. Clymer says .004 intake .008 exhaust, but I’m seeing .006 online for the intake. .004 is too tight, correct? Thanks!

Time for a new rotor?

Blake Wester — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 17:33:46 +0000

Hey folks,

I got a new stator to upgrade the wattage of my charging system and I’m wondering if I should replace the rotor as well. It looks a little rough and there is a copper band that you can see in the pic that is broken and moving around. Should I replace it or is this normal?

thanks!!

IMG_1520.jpeg