When did the airhead frames first get the boss to which the shifter linkage attaches? As opposed to the shifter that attaches directly to the shifter shaft on the gearbox... I find pics of /5 and /6 bikes without it, and later bikes with it. But when did it first appear?
I'm not too sure but I thought it was 77/78 but a lot of bikes had it retrofitted because it improves the gear change so much.
It's easy enough to find pix of 1978 models with the direct gear lever, and even some 1979 ones. I'm guessing it's during the 1979 model run starting with the straight rod with the rubber bellows cover. edit: Have a look at this 1978 brochure...
Both my 78 and 79 have the rubber bellow shifter as per that photo Robs probably right with 77/78 year
I've retrofitted both my Mono and /7 to direct year's ago The gear linkage may well have been okay when new, but the sloppiness soon set's in. Anyway's I think it was just a publicity stunt by BMW in answer to press complaint's.
My bike is a 74 90/6, and has the shifter boss. So I guess it was retro-fitted. How would somebody tell a /7 frame from a /6 frame?
It had to of been late '78? I remember lots of our customers making the retro-switch. Lots of people said that it improved shifting quite a bit. I do too. Sloppy? The have replaceable bushings, bearings, and bolts. I have repaired quite a few of them and then they are like new again.
