Thoughts on an airhead?

[Smithy]

I'm looking at a 1974 R75/6 for sale nearby, and want to ping the brain-trust here for anything I ought to be aware of before I dive in.

Here's the CL link: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...517892137.html

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Anorak]

The disk brake on those won't achieve a panic stop, more like a startled stop. The alternator rotor is the weakest part of the charging system followed by the diode board. There are aftermarket replacements that are supposed to be better. The thread finned collars that hold the header tubes on need to be removed and the threads cleaned and recoated with anti-seize annually to prevent seizure and extreme measures to remove. I think switchgear is very hard to find but if it works then it's not a problem. If it's in the shape that the ad claims it sounds like a nice bike. The heavy flywheel means that shifting needs do be done at a relaxed pace deliberately. It is a bike that works best and can be reasonably fast if ridden smoothly. That's part of the appeal of those BMWs. I think $2600 is high but then again I'm not looking for one.

[wirewrkr]

Originally Posted by Anorak

The disk brake on those won't achieve a panic stop, more like a startled stop. The alternator rotor is the weakest part of the charging system followed by the diode board. There are aftermarket replacements that are supposed to be better. The thread finned collars that hold the header tubes on need to be removed and the threads cleaned and recoated with anti-seize annually to prevent seizure and extreme measures to remove. I think switchgear is very hard to find but if it works then it's not a problem. If it's in the shape that the ad claims it sounds like a nice bike. The heavy flywheel means that shifting needs do be done at a relaxed pace deliberately. It is a bike that works best and can be reasonably fast if ridden smoothly. That's part of the appeal of those BMWs. I think $2600 is high but then again I'm not looking for one.

POOOH!
That is a decent price for a good running BMW 750 bike, If it starts easily, shifts smoothly, AND doesn't "need" anything, go for it.

The only bummer about the 74 models is the sure to fail transmissions.
In 1975, they fixed the whoops.
If it has not had trans work, plan on some and offer much less.
TRUST ME.
I suggest you take it to a reputable shop for an inspection and spend the money.
Check with Anton in your area, I know he's honest and will be fair with his assesment.
Robert

Robert

[Boon Booni]

If it's a '74 they've swapped out the front rotor because the '74 rotor was not drilled.

First thing I'd do is pull the throw out bearing, inspect it and lube it if it looks good.

Those bike also need an annual lubing of the transmission input splines to stave off the possibility of stripping them out.

Rotor is a weak link in the charging system, though it took nearly 9 years for mine to bite the bullet.

Front brake is weak, and I'd suggest upgrading to a stainless line to get better feel. It'll always be weak though, unless you upgrade to a second rotor, or upgrade the whole front end to a 80's model year.

No real gotcha's, but there's definitely some maintenance that these bikes need on a regular basis. It's not going to be like owning the Night Hawk or the k75 that you had.

2600$ is probably in the ball park. Got an R90/6 many years ago for 2800 that needed immediate trans work.

[jtwind]

The 74 was on oak's do not buy list. Frankly by now most issues are likely to have been sorted. The weakest link though was the transmission, I think it's why you see lots of used 74 transmissions out there. Folks have put a later one in their bikes.

Charging system gets a underserved Maintain it and it's do just fine. If you have to run aux. lights, heated vest etc. all at the same time, sure replace it. Otherwise just get to know it. BMW rotors do fail, often without warning. Rick Jones has a new rotor that I believe has yet to fail. I carry one as a spare. Stock BMw is stll fine after 65,000.

As with any bike, check it out and follow your gut.

[bmwloco]

750cc and 800cc Airheads are among the smoothest and quietest "modern" BMWs out there.

My first BMW was a 1977 R75/7. I put 80,000 miles on it, nearly all trouble free.

If you get it, go through it, get to know it, tend to anything that is half assed or not quite right, then enjoy it for a decade or two.

Happy trails.

[walkingbear]

She looks good, very pretty.

I would talk to the mechanic who worked
on the bike before buying.

[crazydrummerdude]

Nothing wrong with a '74.

[Wirespokes]

Looks like a nice one! How many miles? Looks like the tank was repainted. No pin stripes. The front disc can actually work very well for a solo rider and pull you down in a panic stop nicely. Good pads, fresh fluid and everything working properly is a must. Quite often the single piston in the caliper gets grungy and a little corroded and won't perform up to par.