Shift linkage boss?

DiabloADV · 01-05-2013, 11:42 PM

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?

Rob Farmer · 01-06-2013, 12:29 AM

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.

carpetburn · 01-06-2013, 01:33 AM

correct- i fitted one to my/6

boxerboy81 · 01-06-2013, 02:05 AM

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...

rambozo · 01-06-2013, 10:08 AM

Both my 78 and 79 have the rubber bellow shifter as per that photo

Robs probably right with 77/78 year

CanadaBiker · 01-06-2013, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Farmer

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.

Does it really improve shifting that much?

I have a direct on my '77, but I haven't been able to put many miles on the bike since I got it. Although, my left foot feels a bit cramped on the peg and that the shifter doesn't stick out far enough to get my toe under it. But I wonder if changing to the linkage would improve that specific issue.

outfit · 01-06-2013, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Farmer

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.

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.

DiabloADV · 01-06-2013, 11:57 AM

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?

supershaft · 01-06-2013, 12:28 PM

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.

chollo9 · 01-06-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiabloADV

How would somebody tell a /7 frame from a /6 frame?

Serial number?

01-05-2013, 11:42 PM	#1
DiabloADV ^OP Semi-Occasional Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Nor Cal, USA Oddometer: 1,534	Shift linkage boss? 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? __________________ '74/'70 R98/6/GS Traveling Bike (construction under way) '91 Bill Holland Steel w/Dura Ace

01-06-2013, 02:05 AM	#4
boxerboy81 Stay Horizontal Joined: Jul 2009 Location: Oz, Australia Oddometer: 1,600	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... __________________ R100RS Gallery, over 800 pictures... boxerboy81 screwed with this post 01-06-2013 at 02:15 AM

01-06-2013, 11:57 AM	#8
DiabloADV ^OP Semi-Occasional Joined: Oct 2010 Location: Nor Cal, USA Oddometer: 1,534	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? __________________ '74/'70 R98/6/GS Traveling Bike (construction under way) '91 Bill Holland Steel w/Dura Ace

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01-06-2013, 12:29 AM	#2
Rob Farmer Beastly Adventurer Joined: Aug 2002 Location: Loughborough, Leicestershire. England Oddometer: 3,733	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.

01-06-2013, 01:33 AM	#3
carpetburn Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Dec 2009 Location: brisbane Oddometer: 110	correct- i fitted one to my/6

01-06-2013, 10:08 AM	#5
rambozo Adventurer Joined: Feb 2012 Location: N. Ireland Oddometer: 75	Both my 78 and 79 have the rubber bellow shifter as per that photo Robs probably right with 77/78 year

01-06-2013, 12:28 PM	#9
supershaft because I can Joined: Sep 2010 Location: San Francisco Bay area Oddometer: 6,048	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.