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.
Go for it !!
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Are you moving to Nikasil barrels, or sticking with the originals? My bike was originally a ‘78 RS. I replaced the barrels and pistons at about 105k with BMW Nikasil. They have to be machined a bit to fit the crankcase. Has been a great upgrade to the bike. Now at 182k miles.
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