Oh boy, 1977 R/100 barn find

gatorjos · 01-23-2013, 06:26 AM

Hey guys and girls,

I found an abandoned R100/7 sitting at a buddy's shop. It looks like the last time this guy was operated was back in 2006. The carbs are hanging off the side, but the cylinders seem to make compression, and the transmission shifts. Engine has oil in it, and the gas tank is not too rusty...

I'm thinking about picking this poor baby up, and getting her running again, possibly doing a GS conversion on it.

Does anyone know how to do a title search online for it? It doesn't have a VIN due to the age...

Thanks!

CanadaBiker · 01-23-2013, 07:15 AM

The serial number that's on the right side of the steering neck and the engine (at the dipstick) is used as the VIN. (those numbers should match)

The numbers on the '77 are from 6140001- 6142451

Not sure of the rules in CA for claiming ownership. Up here, you just sign an affidavit, and usually, it's pretty easy. (Then they issue you a new ownership.)

groop · 01-23-2013, 07:43 AM

CA DMV has bill of sale paperwork you and the seller can fill out to get a title. If it was registered in 2006 it is still in the system. Sure is wasn't registered non-op since then? Would make it easier, with no back fees. Canadabike is correct, the older VIN is there but it will be seven digits instead of the new format (17 digits).

gatorjos · 01-23-2013, 08:35 AM

Yeah the chassis serial # falls in that range. I have been advised I can do a lien sale, and was recommended a lady who does it for $70, so I will prbly go ahead and do that. I would love to run the title history first for $20 or so to see if there isn't a $1000 worth of back fees on it. If it there is, it's probably not worth doing right? What's a parts bike like this worth?

Places like cyclechex need a full 17 character VIN...

CanadaBiker · 01-23-2013, 08:38 AM

So just for interest, in CA you have to pay for the years the bike didn't have 'up to date' plate stickers or whatnot? That's insane. What if you want to put a vehicle away into storage?

groop · 01-23-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadaBiker

So just for interest, in CA you have to pay for the years the bike didn't have 'up to date' plate stickers or whatnot? That's insane. What if you want to put a vehicle away into storage?

Yes, California is insane. Each year when you pay vehicle registration, you have two choices: full registration or non-operational status. Non-op, as we call it, is for vehicles undergoing restorations or in storage. Non-op costs a fraction of full registration but it keeps the vehicle 'in the system'. Vehicles that are sold where no registration fees have been paid are subject to back fees.

CanadaBiker · 01-23-2013, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by groop

Yes, California is insane. Each year when you pay vehicle registration, you have two choices: full registration or non-operational status. Non-op, as we call it, is for vehicles undergoing restorations or in storage. Non-op costs a fraction of full registration but it keeps the vehicle 'in the system'. Vehicles that are sold where no registration fees have been paid are subject to back fees.

Can you retroactively declare that those years were in fact non-op status and pay the lower rate, or do they automatically make you pay those years as 'full' since the non-op Statius was never declared?

gatorjos · 01-23-2013, 09:37 AM

Ooh -- I just tried to "renew" the registration for the bike using the license plate (last registered in 2006), and the serial number, and the california DMV website says it is invalid information. I am hoping the bike is indeed out of the system. Think I'll mail my check to the lien sale lady (charges $50 not $70).

Stay tuned -- this may be the start of my restoration thread (or at least get 'er running thread).

disston · 01-23-2013, 09:58 AM

Listen carefully to the ones who tell stories of woe about California bikes that owe back registration fees.

But really, why would you want to turn a 1977 R100/7 into something it is not? A GS. If you want a GS buy a GS. I think it would be cheaper. I could see putting knobby tires or something on the /7 but I think calling it a GS involves a whole lot more. Maybe what you are thinking of is what I've seen called "dual sport".

There's lots of info and projects on Adv Rider about doing this to the Airhead bikes. Some of these look pretty good, the builders are talented and they have the tools and money for some extra work not seen everyday. But you should understand that the majority of these projects, after the spending of hundreds of dollars, is worth lest that the bike was in stock fashion.

Good Luck w/ it. I hope you get the bike. Try riding it the way it was built for a little while at least. Then the Old Farts like myself won't pick on you so much.

PS; What over bikes do you own or have owned?

kaput13 · 01-23-2013, 10:19 AM

Old man speaks truth. Do a rebuild thread. Get her going. Ride her some. That bike is fine just as it is.

gatorjos · 01-23-2013, 10:22 AM

My primary desire behind lifting it, is that I am 6'7". I would want to increase standover height and the foot peg to seat spacing somehow as well. I do mean dual sport -- no knobby tires for now... I would mostly plan to drive city with it, but perhaps some touring, and even fire roads eventually. Some of the projects I have seen on here inspired me to pursue this bike. If I can get it reliable for around $2k I would be pretty stoked. Pipe dream?

I've owned two Minsks that I rode through Vietnam and Cambodia, and I've restored two aircooled VWs. I would be leaning on my buddy who is a Honda CB expert to help get it running.

bpeckm · 01-23-2013, 10:27 AM

Aircooled VW's, if you did any engine work, is really worthwhile, and you will be amazed at the similarities (Teutonic engineering, dontcha know....!!) You'll do fine... bikes are easy to work on, and worth working on. They were quite solidly built, 'way back when....

dm635 · 01-23-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadaBiker

The serial number that's on the right side of the steering neck and the engine (at the dipstick) is used as the VIN. (those numbers should match)

The numbers on the '77 are from 6140001- 6142451

Great find. Get it running and ride. I'm just going to leave my '78 as is.

Hate to hijack, but how do I get the above numbers in the quote for my '78 R80/7 ? Prefix is 612**** with build date of 8/77

disston · 01-23-2013, 10:48 AM

I think you need input from somebody in your league. I'm only 6' and am about the size person these bikes seemed to be built for. Often shorter people are trying to get on these bikes and there are some taller ones too but they really have special problems or they learn to ride in a cramped position. There is not much you can do with out some sort of extreme modification I think.

My ex-girl friend Laurie rode an R75/5 and she was 4'6" or something. She rode in the city and had to stop most times next to a curb so she could put her foot down.

CanadaBiker · 01-23-2013, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dm635

Great find. Get it running and ride. I'm just going to leave my '78 as is.

Hate to hijack, but how do I get the above numbers in the quote for my '78 R80/7 ? Prefix is 612**** with build date of 8/77

I'm not sure of the build date, but the '78 R80/7 numbers are 6122501 - 6124909

01-23-2013, 06:26 AM	#1
gatorjos ^OP Minsk afficionado Joined: Mar 2011 Location: San Francisco Oddometer: 13	Oh boy, 1977 R/100 barn find Hey guys and girls, I found an abandoned R100/7 sitting at a buddy's shop. It looks like the last time this guy was operated was back in 2006. The carbs are hanging off the side, but the cylinders seem to make compression, and the transmission shifts. Engine has oil in it, and the gas tank is not too rusty... I'm thinking about picking this poor baby up, and getting her running again, possibly doing a GS conversion on it. Does anyone know how to do a title search online for it? It doesn't have a VIN due to the age... Thanks!

01-23-2013, 07:15 AM	#2
CanadaBiker Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2012 Location: Southern Ontario, Canada Oddometer: 122	The serial number that's on the right side of the steering neck and the engine (at the dipstick) is used as the VIN. (those numbers should match) The numbers on the '77 are from 6140001- 6142451 Not sure of the rules in CA for claiming ownership. Up here, you just sign an affidavit, and usually, it's pretty easy. (Then they issue you a new ownership.) __________________ 1977 BMW R100/7

01-23-2013, 07:43 AM	#3
groop So much to ponder Joined: Jun 2007 Location: oc, ca Oddometer: 2,550	CA DMV has bill of sale paperwork you and the seller can fill out to get a title. If it was registered in 2006 it is still in the system. Sure is wasn't registered non-op since then? Would make it easier, with no back fees. Canadabike is correct, the older VIN is there but it will be seven digits instead of the new format (17 digits). __________________ Originally Posted by DR. Rock once you leave the pavement, it's like entering a parallel universe... a wormhole in both space and time... sometimes you won't believe you're still in the United States, or in this century. groop screwed with this post 01-23-2013 at 09:14 AM

01-23-2013, 08:38 AM	#5
CanadaBiker Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2012 Location: Southern Ontario, Canada Oddometer: 122	So just for interest, in CA you have to pay for the years the bike didn't have 'up to date' plate stickers or whatnot? That's insane. What if you want to put a vehicle away into storage? __________________ 1977 BMW R100/7

01-23-2013, 09:58 AM	#9
disston ShadeTreeExpert Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Silver Spring, Md Oddometer: 5,027	Listen carefully to the ones who tell stories of woe about California bikes that owe back registration fees. But really, why would you want to turn a 1977 R100/7 into something it is not? A GS. If you want a GS buy a GS. I think it would be cheaper. I could see putting knobby tires or something on the /7 but I think calling it a GS involves a whole lot more. Maybe what you are thinking of is what I've seen called "dual sport". There's lots of info and projects on Adv Rider about doing this to the Airhead bikes. Some of these look pretty good, the builders are talented and they have the tools and money for some extra work not seen everyday. But you should understand that the majority of these projects, after the spending of hundreds of dollars, is worth lest that the bike was in stock fashion. Good Luck w/ it. I hope you get the bike. Try riding it the way it was built for a little while at least. Then the Old Farts like myself won't pick on you so much. PS; What over bikes do you own or have owned? __________________ Never memorize something you can look up. ---Albert Einstein

01-23-2013, 08:35 AM	#4
gatorjos ^OP Minsk afficionado Joined: Mar 2011 Location: San Francisco Oddometer: 13	Yeah the chassis serial # falls in that range. I have been advised I can do a lien sale, and was recommended a lady who does it for $70, so I will prbly go ahead and do that. I would love to run the title history first for $20 or so to see if there isn't a $1000 worth of back fees on it. If it there is, it's probably not worth doing right? What's a parts bike like this worth? Places like cyclechex need a full 17 character VIN...

01-23-2013, 09:37 AM	#8
gatorjos ^OP Minsk afficionado Joined: Mar 2011 Location: San Francisco Oddometer: 13	Ooh -- I just tried to "renew" the registration for the bike using the license plate (last registered in 2006), and the serial number, and the california DMV website says it is invalid information. I am hoping the bike is indeed out of the system. Think I'll mail my check to the lien sale lady (charges $50 not $70). Stay tuned -- this may be the start of my restoration thread (or at least get 'er running thread).

01-23-2013, 10:19 AM	#10
kaput13 Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2010 Location: South Florida Oddometer: 218	Old man speaks truth. Do a rebuild thread. Get her going. Ride her some. That bike is fine just as it is.

01-23-2013, 10:22 AM	#11
gatorjos ^OP Minsk afficionado Joined: Mar 2011 Location: San Francisco Oddometer: 13	My primary desire behind lifting it, is that I am 6'7". I would want to increase standover height and the foot peg to seat spacing somehow as well. I do mean dual sport -- no knobby tires for now... I would mostly plan to drive city with it, but perhaps some touring, and even fire roads eventually. Some of the projects I have seen on here inspired me to pursue this bike. If I can get it reliable for around $2k I would be pretty stoked. Pipe dream? I've owned two Minsks that I rode through Vietnam and Cambodia, and I've restored two aircooled VWs. I would be leaning on my buddy who is a Honda CB expert to help get it running.

01-23-2013, 10:27 AM	#12
bpeckm Grin! Joined: Apr 2008 Location: Road Island Oddometer: 4,430	Aircooled VW's, if you did any engine work, is really worthwhile, and you will be amazed at the similarities (Teutonic engineering, dontcha know....!!) You'll do fine... bikes are easy to work on, and worth working on. They were quite solidly built, 'way back when.... __________________ XS650 becomes a Vermont Backroader R60/6 gets caffeinated Portsmouth RI

01-23-2013, 10:48 AM	#14
disston ShadeTreeExpert Joined: Mar 2011 Location: Silver Spring, Md Oddometer: 5,027	I think you need input from somebody in your league. I'm only 6' and am about the size person these bikes seemed to be built for. Often shorter people are trying to get on these bikes and there are some taller ones too but they really have special problems or they learn to ride in a cramped position. There is not much you can do with out some sort of extreme modification I think. My ex-girl friend Laurie rode an R75/5 and she was 4'6" or something. She rode in the city and had to stop most times next to a curb so she could put her foot down. __________________ Never memorize something you can look up. ---Albert Einstein

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