Snowbum's BMW Motorcycle Repair and Information Site!!

NOTE!....this is NOT the homepage.


Everything on this website is NOT available from this Technical Index of
Articles page...see the HOMEPAGE for them, which contains links to everything.
        click for:  HOMEPAGE

 

 

All the Technical Information on this site is:  


 

Animated .gif copyrighted image modified to show individual 4-cycle combustion events.
The added animation by Mo Massen; furnished to me by Alessandro Zorat. 

 

  I discourage personal technical inquiries.  I strongly request that technical inquiries be sent to the
Airheads or other appropriate LIST, so that questions and answers benefit more than just you!  This is because
of the large number of personal requests.   I'm not the only so-called 'Guru' on the Airheads LIST.  You may
receive different or a BETTER answer; and I may well reply.  

The Airheads LIST is THE prime source for Airhead information, as is the Kbmw LIST for Classic K bikes;
and the SCT LIST is for sidecars.  There are a number of VERY qualified experts on the LISTS.    The LISTs
maintain ARCHIVES, which you may find useful.

You can subscribe to the AIRHEADS LIST by using the following methods:
(note:  Subscribe using your normal E-mail address as the sending address).   

Method #1:  Using the computer that you intend to use for E-mail to and from the LIST, send an e-mail message to:   
airheads-request@micapeak.com
     In the Subject line area, leave it blank.    In the Message area, simply put:   subscribe airheads Xxxxxxx  Xxxxxxx
Where Xxxxxxx  Xxxxxxx is your name

The server at Micapeak will do all the rest, as it automatically picks up your computer-generated return address.
The server is set to accept plain text OR html; and the server will automatically strip any html content, and convert
your message to plain text.  Please do not send HTML or images to the LIST; they are stripped-off by the Server.

Method #2:  Go to the following URL and follow directions: http://www.micapeak.com/mailman/listinfo/airheads

AFTER you subscribe, you will get a response from the server at Micapeak.   Send an e-mail to
airheads-request@micapeak.com   and put ONLY these two words in the message area:    SET HELP      You
need not put anything in the subject area.  You will be sent an e-mail with information to print out, that explains the functions.  
You will have options to receive the LIST in various formats, ETC, so see what you got from that HELP request. 
You will probably NOT want to use the Digest mode, it can be a hassle, and much less helpful than you might think,
and it can require you to do more editing, in order to reply to a message.  

Put  airheads@micapeak.com   into your computer address book, perhaps using a nickname;  Tech, or Airheads; so you
don't have to type the full address when YOU post a message; most E-mail programs can do this.    You will post and
receive mail at  airheads@micapeak.com. You do NOT post mail, only commands, to  airheads-request@micapeak.com
(or, to the micapeak.com mailman URL) 

Here is a lot more information on the Micapeak.com mailing lists...etc., such as how to find the LIST archives, how to
search the archives, and even how to find other micapeak.com ...or other....mailing lists.
Setting options, passwords, etc:
 www.micapeak.com/mailman/options/airheads/

To see all the micapeak mailing lists and to sign in to one of them:
www.micapeak.com/lists

Here's a list of all the mailing lists on the internet dealing with motorcycles:
 http://micapeak.com/mailinglistroundup

Airheads group archives:
www.micapeak.com/archives/airheads/login.php
www.micapeak.com/mailman/private/airheads

Airheads group archives SEARCH page:
 www.micapeak.com/arcfind/airheads/

IF you have posted to a LIST, and you have not received the technical response you
need after a day or two, THEN you MAY E-mail me directly, and I may (or may not!) try to
help you.   You REALLY SHOULD have a GOOD reason to contact me, if you have NOT
posted to the LIST!!  Your query may well help others, SO, PLEASE post technical
inquiries to the appropriate LIST.  

If the message is "very personal", you CAN E-mail to me at:    CLICK!
(you'd better have a really good personal reason!)

NOTE:  There are many other sources for information.  The Airheads LIST is best for immediate information on Airheads,
 but you can also e-mail Oak Okleshen directly, at AskOak@aol.com.   Oak, a recognized major authority on Airheads, will likely
respond directly to you; he's not as crotchety about you not putting your questions on the Airheads LIST as I am.


The LAWYERLY legal stuff:

The information on this website is provided at no cost and without any warranty whatsoever.  It is my
personal information/opinion, which you may use at your own discretion for personal use only. Your
usage does NOT make me liable for any problems.   Improperly maintained motorcycles can lead to serious
injury or death or unavoidable accidents.   I am not responsible for any errors contained herein, and make
no claims whatsoever as to the safety, validity, or veracity of the information contained in these documents.
Any work you choose to do or not to do on your motorcycle is done at your own risk. If you do not know what
you're doing, take your motorcycle to a reputable shop with skilled professional mechanics.  The instructions
& information contained on these various pages merely document how the author does his own maintenance.
Any use of the information contained in/on this website, is done solely at your own risk. 

 

The not so lawyerly stuff:

The information on most of this website is copyrighted.   ALL ARTICLES WRITTEN BY ME AND LISTED ON
THIS PAGE, OR OTHER PAGES, ARE COPYRIGHTED (unless otherwise noted).  You are granted use, for
yourself, of printed or electronic copies.   You are also granted approval for incorporation by reference or hyperlink,
to my articles for most other uses.  You must not abridge, modify, shorten, or otherwise edit my articles, unless it is made
clear in them that that you are doing so, and you then prominently note that any change in INTENT, or INFORMATION,
is YOUR responsibility, NOT mine!  You are NOT granted permission to DUPLICATE my articles, in part, or entirety,
 without prior permission from me, except as above noted.   Commercial duplication; or, editing and publishing in any manner
the content or part-content of my articles; and/or failure to quote me as the source/author, use of plagiarism, etc.; including
sale or other commercial activity, beyond what is specifically herein allowed, without specific permission, will result in
public announcement of same, and may result in prosecution under the laws of the United States.  I'm protective of MY
articles...but I will usually grant you usage, beyond just for yourself...so ask!  You do NOT need my permission, if you follow
the preceding, to use my TECHNICAL material in many ways,  but if you have any question, you may e-mail me.  I am usually
quite easy-going, provided you have no commercial interest in mind.    I don't make money off my articles (except if someone
clicks on a Google Ad-Sense advertisement), and I don't want you to.   NOTE:  If you have a website, and your page where
you have placed something from MY website has Google Ad-Sense advertisements (or similar) at the top of the page (or,
elsewhere's), or similar, that can pay you some income if folks reading your website click on those ads, I DO NOT consider
your webpage to be commercial use, so I do NOT restrict your use of my material, on such a page, so long as your usage
is within the rest of my guidelines!


DO keep in mind that I frequently update articles on this website!! 
This is important if you used a search engine such as Google, ETC,.,,,because they will save pages
on the date they scanned them, and they do NOT update pages until they are next scanned; and
who knows when that is.  Usually an older scan is listed as 'cached'; but, the main clickable link
search results USUALLY takes you to the existing current page.  NOT ALWAYS!  It is
best to go directly to this website.  I suggest you bookmark (Favorites) the INDEX,
and not the
page you are looking at right now. 
The index page is often called a HOMEPAGE,
and it is: 
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info
The homepage has a DATE of revisions, so you will know if any revisions have been done to the
Technical Index page and articles, without a laborious scanning.  
I always issue a revision date
when an update is substantial.  Revision dates are listed at the bottom of the particular
article AND on the Technical Articles Index page; and the homepage will also have the date.  

Another reason to bookmark (favorites) the Index homepage and not the technical articles
index page is that the main index page (homepage) contains access to other things NOT on, and
NOT accessible, from this Index of Technical Articles page you are now looking at.


 
Errors or omissions on this site should be reported to me, and are welcomed.  That includes helpful comments!

 ©   ALL Technical ARTICLES ARE Copyrighted!! (unless specifically so denied).   Reading and
use beyond this point constitutes an implicit acceptance of my terms and conditions!!!


Our Airheads are getting old.  None have been made for private purchase since 1995.  It is my opinion, based on
considerable experience, that you can NOT rely on just any BMW dealership for repair work.....nor for the proper
parts and parts numbers.  Dealership personnel may not have the knowledge nor background.  BE CAUTIOUS,
CHECK MORE THAN ONE SOURCE FOR INFORMATION, PARTS, AND WORK. 
BMW themselves
sometimes screw-up part numbers and even ship the wrong parts!  BMW has been known to publish ERRORS!  
Those published errors get compounded when accepted, and re-published, often reworded and wrongly so!...by such
as Clymers, or Haynes!...and you will not find out about any corrections for Clymers and Haynes; unless you ask on
one of the E-mailing Internet LISTS!

I DO recommend certain shops, and individuals, upon request; or, see my URL pages
78A and 78B, below.


Be cautious when ordering from companies, foreign or domestic, that may not be selling genuine
or REALLY equivalent BMW parts.   



If you cannot easily find what you want in my website (searching manually is best), then
click here: 
SEARCH

PLEASE look at the list of articles below, before you use the SEARCH
function!...as the search function is not perfect!


The Goal Of Every Engineer Is To Retire Without Blame For A Major Catastrophe.


Airhead, K, and household things to sell OR TRADE (things I want).   Click this line


NOTE!....this page is NOT the homepage; but the Technical Index of Articles page; with a few other
things also clickable.  SOME things on this website are NOT available from this page...see the
HOMEPAGE for them, which contains links, some photos, etc. click for homepage:  HOMEPAGE

I suggest you bookmark that homepage, and NOT this technical articles index page!


 

 

E-mailing snowbum:  CLICK!

Prostate Cancer: 
 REAL Facts
!  
This article is updated when new important and pertinent FACTS are available.

rev 10/14/2009
On getting started on doing your own motorcycle maintenance
rev. 06/02/2009
Join the Airheads Beemer Club! Model Differences over the years:
rev:   06/10/2007


Clicking will lead you to a page that has an overview of the differences between airhead models
NOTE!.....maintenance schedules for all the BMW motorcycles (even the C1 scoooooters!)....is available on the Internet:  
http://www.ascycles.com/service_schedules.aspx
Deer Whistles Some FEW German words that you NEED to know
rev 02/29/2008
Items for SALE; & WANTED

Who the HELL is Snowbum?
revised 7/13/2009


Who is/was Fleischer's Service?
 



FUEL System in your Airhead motorcycle:

1.  Fuel filters, petcocks, gas caps, and tank & seat fitting;  rev.  07/28/2008      
     ADDITIONAL information on fuel tank cap venting problems is in article #75

2.  Luftmeister Auxiliary Fuel Tanks  rev. 06/30/2009

3.  Bing Carburetor, overhaul  AND GENERAL NOTES,  part 1       rev. 07/06/2008
     MANY HINTS, including my float testing results, leaking tops, leaking dome inserts; LOTS MORE!

4.  Bing Carburetors, overhaul  AND GENERAL NOTES,  part 2       rev. 12/01/2007

5.  Bing dual-independent float kit                 rev.  09/13/2009 

6.  Early Bing CV Carburetors as on R75/5         rev. 05/14/2007

7A.  Synchronizing Carburetors; the whole story, in awful depth.  11/03/2006     

7B.  Throttle & clutch cables; confusing throttle gears/cams assembly   etc.      rev. 04/26/2007

8.  Throttle screws; friction & anti-friction devices; Snowbum gets OFF and RUNNING! rev. 09/21/2005

9.  R80 series, 1980+ Airbox Modifications, snorkels   rev. 08/07/2005

10.  Intake and Exhaust system tuning           rev. 02/06/2008

11.  Removing & plugging the Pulse Air and Evaporative emissions systems rev.  04/21/2009

12A.  MISCL. on the Fuel System.  Tank cleaning;  premium vs regular; TEL; alcohol; fitting other tanks & seats. 
         Throttle and choke cables.  Fuel hose.  Fuel tank cap venting problems is in article #75                 rev/    01/07/2008

12B.   The K & N, UNI.....and other aftermarket air filters                                 rev. 08/12/2009                

13.  The Dell'Orto Carburetor                              rev.  03/10/2008
        Huge amount of information for someone trying to understand how ALL types of carburetors (especially needle/slide
        types, but also vacuum types) operate
.   Much of the information originally (?) came from an obsolete www.startwin/dellorto
        website, and I have shown it in this article without Copyright release, because I do not know where to get a release.   I claim
        NO copyright on this article, much of whose content may be public property.  There is SPECIFIC information here on
        settings of the Dell'Orto for the Airheads, and a link to an article on converting an airhead to use the Dell'Orto
        (only the R90S CAME with these).  Included here are hyperlinks to other carburetor
        articles, of considerable value!

Didn't find what you wanted in the above FUEL SYSTEM articles area?   Use this sites search
engine:  
SEARCH

Gasoline's:  This is not an article by me, but a link.   If you are truly curious, and technically minded, this link to
a long article describes octane, gasoline, leaded fuel, unleaded fuel, additives, and VASTLY more than you ever
probably even thought about knowing about gasoline.   There are some really interesting things here and there
in this article...from which you could also get to the other parts/versions by re-arranging the URL.   So....here
is that URL, and it is clickable:

http://www.cs.uu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/autos/gasoline-faq/part1.html



Errors and omissions you see on this site should be reported to me, and are welcomed. 
Helpful comments appreciated!



I have a page that has some motorcycle and personal stuff for sale (or TRADE!)
 click: Sale.htm
 


I am quitting 2 wheel street riding, the 1984 R100RT bike and a LOT of my special
tools was for sale, now has been sold...assuming it gets paid for and picked up in 2010.  
details: CLICK
 


 

 

 

 


ELECTRICAL System in your Airhead motorcycle

Regarding electrical schematic diagrams:

The R80G/S is similar to the R65 and R80ST; the same or closeby year of a RS and RT may
be almost identical.  This is fairly common for BMW.   You can pretty much expect that a R75/5 will use
the same diagram as a R50/5 and R60/5.  An R60/6, R75/6, R90/6, R90S....all will be very similar. 
And so on.   There are more differences between certain series....which means that a /5 is fairly different
from a /6, but a /7 and /6 can be somewhat similar....even into the early eighties.  The models with the
R65 & ST & G/S type of instrument pod will have those things in common.   The /6 and later with
the other type of pod will have those things in common.

My files contain schematics of all sorts of accessory items includeing Authorities models.   If you need
to contact me for a specific diagram, I need to know if you want it for the main frame diagram, or some
sub or accessory item.  I need to know your BMW model, its year, and if it is a USA or Euro.  It would
be very helpful...save me time, if you knew the model code that BMW uses for your motorcycle.
Contact me at: 
   CLICK!

K bike???....see CLASSIC K bike section 3/4 way down towards bottom of this page, for MORE hyperlinks to
sites with some electrical diagrams,  links...etc.   See both item 1 and 3 in that section!!!

In some instances, you may be asking about some esoteric point, or something not clear in a schematic, etc. 
Ask away...but on the Internet Airheads or K bike LIST first.

14.   How to buy & use test lamps and meters (multi-meters, volt-ohm-ammeters) rev. 11/15/2009  

14A.  Demystifying Boxer Electrics, theory and practice  rev. 11/18/2009
          Lots of good basic electricity information here; plus troubleshooting.  See article 15 also.

14B.   Critique of the ChiTech Electrics School Manual; plus some tech information       rev. 11/20/2009 

15.  Electrical hints and problems     rev.  11/02/2009

15-A.   Alternators:  TRUE Capability of the STOCK Bosch, substitutions, ETC.      rev. 02/23/2009

15-B.   Troubleshooting the Alternator/Charging Problems       05/09/2009

15-C.   Aftermarket Alternators:  installation, capability, performance       rev. 09-16-2009   


16-A.   Bosch & Valeo Starter motors.  Valeo to Bosch; Bosch to Valeo; starter relays; solenoids;
            Overhauling; etc.  Rev. 10/17/2009

16-B.  Troubleshooting the Starting System....when the starter won't or?      rev. 10-03-2009        

17.  Alternator Brushes and Rotor  rev. 07/13/2005                                                                            

18.  Diode Boards & Grounding Wires  rev. 01/30/2009                                                                     

19.  Alternator 'GEN' lamp circuit & resistor mod.    rev. 02/06/2004                                               

20.  Testing Voltage Regulators (and note on the Transpo & the factory high output regulator)  rev. 05-30-2004 

21.  Servicing a Bosch Mechanical Voltage Regulator (INCLUDING the /2)  rev. 09/11/2009

22.   Making the Bosch (and Wehrle METAL CAN) ELECTRONIC Voltage Regulators Adjustable     rev.  04/02/2003

23A.   Increasing the voltage output of the Wehrle PLASTIC voltage regulator    09/16/2003

23B.  Schematic diagram of one version of the electronic voltage regulator

24A.  Lamps.  This article includes information on adding relays, lamp substitutions, larger headlights,

          MODULATORS, sockets, heavier wire, LED's, ETC___________rev. 10/21/2009

24B.  How the headlight switch and relay works, in disgusting detail.  Read this article to understand about the
          finer details of information in article 24A.          rev. 01/14/2008

24C.  Headlight modulators; the Federal Law authorizing them; the technical details     

25.  Replacing a Neutral Switch   rev. 04/24/2007

26.  Metric & American Wires, Colors, Bosch Codes     rev. 09/19/2009

27.  Installing an accessory electrical outlet       rev.  11/14/2008

28.  Ignition Theory.....How BMW Spark Ignition Systems Work...more than you ever wanted to know  rev. 10/03/2009

29.  Ignition Timing; Automatic Advance Units.   ALL POINTS MODELS.  Single Spark Plug Airheads; Automatic
       advance units applicable to single OR dual plug airheads.   Information on COILS, ETC!      rev. 01/11/2009

30.  Ignition module; ignition canister; coils; also information on Dyna & Boyer.   Sources for Modules &
       Hall elements; information on canister overhaul, canister points, canister repairs; testing methods; the
       'new coils' and electronic module changes.
        rev. 11/12/2009 
Some of the Hall sensor information in 30. applies to the K and Oilhead bikes

31.  Dual Plugging   rev. 10/26/2009

32.   SPARK PLUGS; spark plug threaded holes; Torques;ANTISEIZE OR NOT, spark plug caps; resistor
        & non-resistor spark plugs             rev. 11/09/2008

33.  Ampmeters (ammeters) v. Voltmeters (and voltmeter problems)   rev. 05/14/2003

34.  Adding Running Lamp Function to Turn Signals  rev. 05/25/2009 

35.  Filling a new 'flooded' battery,  initializing properly; other battery types, sources, usage,
       chargers (SMART and not!) and their peculiarities.   WestCo/Panasonic batteries; Digikey.  
       How to Load Test a Battery           
rev:   06/05/2009

36.  Accessing the headlight bucket on RS/RT, cleaning the headlamp/glass, aiming the headlight   rev. 02/25/2005

37. The Slash 5 (/5) starter relay 'cricket' noise and starting problem      rev. 09/10/2009 

37A.  Electronic tachometer connections, wire colors, retrofitting to earlier models; HOW TO CHECK YOUR
          TACHOMETER CALIBRATION     rev. 06/14/2009 

37B.  The story behind the broken brake light switches (front and rear)             rev. 01/15/2008

38A.  CAN-Bus, what is it, how does it work, etc.                 rev. 10/21/2009   

38B.   Miscl. Electrical.  Electrical schematics: Hazard flasher system; fold-out fog/driving lights. VDO instruments
information on substitutions,  ETC.           rev.  07/24/2009  

38C.   Schematic diagram for R90S, R60S, R75/6, R90/6; for 1975 and into 1976.          01/01/2008

38D.  Schematic diagram for the 1978 airheads                                                                                   

38E.

38F.  Schematic diagram for the 1981 R100, R100CS.  SIMILAR to many of this era.              
 ADDENDUM (comments on 38F...click THIS line

38G.  Schematic diagrams for the Slash 5 (/5), BOTH fused AND UNfused.  High Resolution .tif

38G+.  As above but .gif format                      

38H. Schematic and block diagrams for the 1981-1985 R65, R65LS, R45, R80ST, ETC.     Rev. 01/16/2009    

NOTE:   Links for lots more electrical schematics, etc., are found in article #80, below.

SOURCES FOR ELECTRICALs (parts) FROM OTHER THAN BMW ARE LISTED IN SECTION 78A & 78B.


39.  What about the marks F, OT, S, Z that are on your Flywheel (clutch carrier)? They are used for
        mechanical and electrical things, so they have their own article here.       rev.  01/19/2008


 SERVICE MANUALS:  

Here are additional URL's for the Factory Service Manuals...including
the oilhead bikes, F bikes, even the C-1.   These are not hyperlinked here.


F650 CS:  http://www.diff.ru/manual/files/BMW_F650CS_Repair_Manual.zip
http://www.themotorhead.com/downloads/BMW_F650CS_Repair_Manual_English_2001.pdf
http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20F650CS%20-%20ENG.pdf

F650 GS:  http://xfer.gofastvideo.com/gallery/getitem/382/1/F650.pdf

R850 C / R1200 C:  http://www.diff.ru/manual/files/BMW_R850C_R1200C_Repair_Manual.zip
http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20R850C%20R1200C%20-%20ENG.PDF

K1100 LT / RS: http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20K1100LT%20K1100RS%20-%20ENG.pdf

R1100 (RT/RS) / R 850 / 1100 (GS/R): http://www.diff.ru/manual/files/BMW_R1100(RT-RS-GS-R)_'00_Repair_Manual.zip

R1100 S: http://www.diff.ru/manual/files/BMW_R1100S_Repair_Manual.zip
http://www.themotorhead.com/downloads/BMW-R1100S-RepairManual-.pdf
http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20R1100S%20-%20ENG.PDF

R1150 GS: http://www.diff.ru/manual/files/BMW_R1150GS_Repair_Manual.zip

R1150 R: http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20R1150R%20ABS%20-%20ENG.PDF

R1150 RT: http://www.europrez.com/europrez/files/r1150rt.pdf
http://xfer.gofastvideo.com/gallery/getitem/383/1/r1150rt.pdf
http://www.diff.ru/manual/files/BMW_R1150RT_Service_Manual.zip
http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20R1150RT%20ABS%20-%20ENG.PDF

K1200 LT: http://www.diff.ru/manual/files/BMW_K1200LT_Repair_Manual.zip
http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20K1200LT%20ENG.pdf


The BMW factory has a website for the POLICE (Authorities) models (R1100, R850, R1150, etc).  That website page has
a lot of information, including a TECHNICAL information TAB, that you can click on, for such as tech bulletins,
wiring diagrams, etc.....you can even download the complete SERVICE MANUALS!     the website address is:
http://www.bmwmc.net/ 


Mechanical Systems, Miscellaneous, and 'other stuff':
 

40.  Setting Valves......how to do it correctly, and the finer details                     rev. 06/10/2009

41.                                       

42.  Cleaning & Lubricating Steering Head Bearings.  Avoiding fork tube twistingAdjusting swing arm bearings. 
       In-depth discussion of STICTION and ALIGNMENT  rev. 03/13/2008

43.  Transmission input (clutch) splines, throwout bearing, clutch arm [cleaning, lubrication & inspection]   rev.  10/28/2009
 
      (be sure to also see the CLUTCH article, which has a LOT more on the throwout bearing, etc. Section 60, item 9, below)

44.  Maintaining the paintwork, aluminum, windscreen & helmet visor/shield;  how to drill plastics safely; how to
      
repair cracked luggage, etc.    rev.  08/07/2007
          [see article 73 for information on what to use to maintain the plastic visors, shields, ETC]

45.  Rear Wheel Splines .  Rear Drive Oil Leaks.  Replacing a Rear Drive Left Seal, Inner seal,
       Nose seal. Oil
Leaks and Drum Brakes.                          Rev. 12/29/2007

46.  Exhaust pipe finned (spider) nuts     rev. 01/09/2009

47.  Driveshaft Bolts, Washers, Torque   rev. 03/07/2008

48.  Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/odometers, rpm, road speeds, numeral colors     rev. 06/14/2009

49.  Oil Transfers; oil moving someplace (or leaks).... to other than where it belongs   rev. 03/06/2005

50.  Oiling System, Breather, Oil consumption; Suburban Machinery remote oil filter kit, ETC.   rev. 10/17/2009

51.  Oiling System, passageways sketch; breather notes (also see #50).    Rev. 10/17/2009

52A.   Oil & filter change procedures.  Detailed information on filters.  "The $2000 O-ring" ($3500 O-ring if you
          ruin your crankshaft).   'Reading" oil filter elements; GS & thermostat covers,
& LOTS more!    Rev.  09/24/2009

52B.  Oil filters, canisters, ETC.  Simplified explanation of 52A.   Basics on changing your filter, INFORMATION ON
          TYPES OF OILS FOR YOUR AIRHEAD; OIL ADDITIVES; GASOLINE ADDITIVES.  rev.  07/14/2008           

52C.  Oil essay: lubrication tech; oil recommendations, etc                       Rev. 11/16/2009            
          This is the article to read if you really want to understand lubrication, and want oil recommendations.

52D.  Oil Coolers.   All about your Airhead oil cooler, including installation.       01/03/2009   

52E.   Oil Pans; oil pan gaskets; oil capacity; dipsticks; oil pickups                 rev. 07/07/2008

53A.  Brakes                                                           rev.  11/10/2009    

53B.                                                                                                         


54.  Wheels, Axles, Hubs, Bearings, Seals, Tires, Dampers, ETC!!

        Section 1:  19" wheel recall      rev. 03/01/2009

        Section 2:  Overview, wheel hubs; early /5/6/7; Duane's website; /2 >> 1984 wheel innards    rev. 07/31/2008

        Section 3:  Catch-all section; tires, spacers,  wheels, hints; ETC!   rev. 09/19/2009 
  Read Section 5, below!

        Section 4:  Wheel bearing preload & servicing wheel bearings.     rev.  10/01/2007  

        Section 5:  TIRES (in depth); top hat spacers;nitrogen, ETC!.    rev. 08/19/2009     Read Section 3, above!

       Section 6:  Tubeless versus tubes, the whole story and then some     rev. 10/15/2007  

       Section 7:  Lester wheels                              rev.  11/23/2004                                          

       Section 8:  Steering dampers; shock absorbers & springs.        rev. 04/08/2009

       Section 9:  Airhead Wheel Bearing Clinic++, BMWMOA National Rally, July 2005; critique of BMW-ON

                          magazine articles of 2004  rev: 02/26/2005

       Section 10.   Front forks, Alignment, Stiction, GATORS, OILS, etc                     rev: 04-15-2009

       Section 11.  Hyperlink to wheel balancing article, which is:  http://www.largiader.com/balancer/

       Section 12.  TIRE REPAIRS!!                                                  rev. 12/28/2008    

55.  Maintenance Schedule   rev. 01/04/2005 

56.  Cold Weather Starting   rev. 08/25/2009 

57.  Rubber Noise Silencing Pads At The Cylinder Fins   rev. 05/04/2007 

58.  Importing a motorcycle; dealing with EPA and DOT and Customs       rev. 01/09/2008

59.   TRANSMISSIONS:  Output shaft snap ring (circlip) & groove problem.  Transmission serial numbers 
         versus model year.   Pawl spring breakage. Neutral switches. Shift kits.   4 and 5 speed transmissions.
         Kickstarter. Throwout bearing.    Doing it yourself. Recommended repair specialists.             rev. 11-01-2009


60. ENGINE INTERNALS:
        Section 1:  Disassembly & assembly:  heads, pistons, rings, cylinders, break-in; Helicoils;
                           Timeserts; cylinder studs, ETC.                 rev. 05/28/2009         

        Section 2:  Flywheel (& also Clutch Carrier) removal warning; MAIN SEAL, oil pump & its cover,
                           
Re-installation of Flywheel, seal installation photos, etc.   rev. 05/10/2009

        Section 3:  Cylinders (iron, Nikasil, Galnikal); boring, honing, cylinder shims, sealants; cylinder studs   rev. 06/22/2009
                           (see also Section 1 on cylinder studs, etc)

       Section 4:  Pistons (including swapping heads-cylinders-pistons), rings, pins, clips, keepers, decarboning   rev. 06/15/2009 

       Section 5:  Valves, valve seats; leaded fuels; guides, valve springs, aftermarket valves, ETC.               rev. 03/24/2009

       Section 6:  Rocker arms, rocker arm shafts, valve gear, pushrod tubes, cylinder heads.     rev. 06/26/2008

       Section 7:  Camshafts, cam sprockets, alternator & cam seals, crank nose bearing             rev.  01/26/2008

       Section 8:  Replacing pushrod tubes and/or pushrod tube seals. Pushrods. Valve cover studs.       rev. 01/26/2008 

       Section 9:  Clutch, clutch arm, flywheel, clutch carrier, bolts, upgrades, throwout bearing, cables,
                          crankshaft end play spacers, clutch lever at bars.            Rev.  11/04/2009

       Section 10 :  Crankshaft; front main bearing & cover; rod bearings; MISCL.                rev.  04/03/2009

61.  Long Distance Touring         rev. 11/21/2007                                                   

62.  Timing Chain (replacing, etc.)                      rev. 11/06/2009

63.  

64.  Horsepower calculations and measurements    rev. 05/05/2005

65.  TOOLS!  (tools you will want in your on-bike tool kit, and at home)  rev. 05/21/2009  

66.  Making a useful hydraulic jack, cheap    rev. 02/25/2005

67A.  Engine, Frame, and other ID numbers   rev. 01/10/2009

67B.   Model differences over the years                                   rev. 02/23/2009     

68A.  Part numbers for hardware and certain small parts.    rev. 09/24/2009 

68B.  ROUNDEL's; and BMW COMPANY HISTORY       rev. 07/06/2008                                                     

69.  Parts Coding Symbols.  How to read the symbols on ETK, fiche, etc.    rev.  04/22/2003

70.  BMW Paint Codes 1970-?    also some information on painting LUGGAGE!      rev. 10/16/2009

71A.  Torque Specifications & problems; conversion factors, use of torque wrenches.   rev. 04/21/2008

71B.   Torque values on various models of airheads.  Read AFTER reading 71A     rev. 10/24/2009   

71C.   Increasing the range of a torque wrench                    rev. 07/16/2006            

72.  Formulas & conversion factors    rev. 01/27/2008  

73.  Chemicals, Oils, Additives for oil and gasoline, Greases, Antiseizes, Loctite, Sealants, Waxes, etc.   rev. 06/29/2009 

74.  Maintaining your leather items           rev. 11/27/2007      

75.   Gas Caps, Luggage, Windshields, Locks & Keys, Instruments, etc.    rev.  10/02/2009    
       
See #44 on how to repair cracked luggage

76.   Miscellaneous.    Fork filling; control cables; wobbles, weaves & tank slappers (see 76A too); oversize drain 
       
plugs & washers;     forks; side & centerstands; clothing, heated clothing, ETC.  ((Information on Seats 
       
interchangeability, etc., is in article #12))   rev. 01/07/2008

76A. Instability; weaving, wobbling, tank slappers; the REAL story, in a way seldom presented.  (See 76 also)  
        Rev. 01/27/2008

77.   Modifications for Performance, and in some instances, reliability, etc.     rev.  01/17/2009                 

78A.   Useful Url's (& OTHER references); links to technical sources & people, websites, & companies you
           
WILL want to know about.   How to get special characters printed or sent from your computer.       rev:   10/31/2009         

78B.    REFERENCES:   URL's; e-mail addresses; contacts & descriptions.  ADDITIONAL information, that is
           
not in 78A. 
    Rev. dates are not listed for this article

78C.   More References.....but specifically for VINTAGE BMW bikes (pre-1970)         rev. 01/06/2008                

79.   Farley, Brown, and Surefoot Sidestands and Reynolds RideOff Centerstand             rev. 07/25/2009 

80.   MANUALS AND LITERATURE; SOURCES, DESCRIPTION, CRITIQUE'S, ETC.   rev: 01/29/2008
        NOT just BMW either.  See also article 78B.

81.   Fuel mileage!!......why does my motorcycle get such lousy mileage?                         

82.   INSURANCE, for motorcycles and sidecar rigs                   rev:  03/08/2009    

83.  Bob's 'sleeper' R75/5.   My radical supercharged R75/5

 


You got this far, and STILL did not see what you wanted?
There is a SEARCH Page!   You can click here for that search page......(but, look to end of this page first)


A FEW GERMAN WORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW!  rev. 02/29/2008



Errors and omissions you see on this site should be reported to me, and such are welcomed. 
That includes helpful comments, etc.
report to:  CLICK


I have some things I want to sell (or trade!), and things that I want, click here:   sale.htm
 


Oilhead motorcycle section: (very little here so far)

1.   Early Oilhead LCD Readouts                                   rev. 04/18/2003
2.   Salvage yards, for oilhead parts, etc:     www.beemerboneyard.com   (973)-775-3495
3.   See article #30, above, about the ignition Hall effect sensors.

See article 38-A, well above, for service manuals


CLASSIC K-bike motorcycle section:
(CLASSIC K-BIKES ARE K MODELS K75, K100, K1 and K1100)


Snowbum is active on the K-BMW LIST:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/kbmw

1.  Manuals for all sorts of BMW models:  http://epll.no-ip.com/BMW.htm
     NOTE:  see SERVICE MANUALS section, quite a bit further up this page, for a long list.

     Manuals, including Service manuals, Modifications, Jetronic and Motronic diagrams!!!!, and MUCH more.  Some
     are in Italian, some are in English!   RARE and hard to find technical information:  www.k100.biz/

     Hyperlink to downloadable Factory Service Manual for the K100 series....K1100LT and K1100RS:
     http://bmw.k100rs.free.fr/files/repair_manuals/BMW%20K1100LT%20K1100RS%20-%20ENG.pdf

2.  Hints, advice, etc.______________________________rev.  10/25/2009

3.  Hyperlink for a website with wiring diagrams for the K75 and K100, etc; AND, lots of GOOD electrical items for sale:
     http://easternbeaver.com/

4.  Brake squealing, any model, and very especially the K75?...see article 53-A...which DOES include information for
      K75, & all classic K bikes, for that matter.    These two lines are not hyperlinks....; go up up up and click on 53-A.

5.  Salvage yard, for parts, etc.:  
  www.beemerboneyard.com  ( 973)-775-3495.   Some other salvage yards are listed
      in my REFERENCES.HTM article (article 78-B).

6.  See article #30, about the ignition Hall effect sensors.   This line is not a hyperlink....; go up up up and click on article 30.

7.  U-joint Phasing Photos, Paralever Driveshaft models                                           

8.  K bike instrument pod:  Repairing & Calibrating speedometer; clock mod. for 12 hour; ETC.   rev. 02/08/2008              

9.  K bike fork oil requirements                                                                         

10.  Fitting handguards to a K1100LT                                rev.   10/15/2009         

11.  Troubleshooting the LE-Jetronic classic K bikes (2 valve K75, 2 valve K100)::....this is not an article on my
website, but a hyperlink you click on, leading to another website.  A VERY extensive article on how the entire
fuel system and ignition system works....with a lot of troubleshooting included.  The article includes extensive
sketches, schematics, diagrams, flow charts, etc.   I find little wrong, except maybe the tiny section on using
the 4 each 16 ohm resistors in series with a voltmeter (no resistors needed, unless measuring CURRENT,
and then for safety to the computer); and use of some current/voltage terminology that could be a bit misleading
to someone with electrical knowledge.....but, these are very minor nitpicks!   Download and print in color! 
This is a VERY good article!

12.                           

http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bvogel/K100/download/bike-wont-start.htm

See article 38-A, well above, for Service Manuals

NOTE!....Some of the Airhead articles will have information pertinent to K bike owners.  Just ONE example
might be the References article
(78B), which has information on driveshaft rebuilding.


I have a page that has some motorcycle (yes, some K bike stuff too) and personal stuff
for sale (or TRADE!), click
here

 


Errors or omissions on this site should be reported to me, and such are welcomed.  That includes
helpful comments.



 

Sidecar specific section:

Penny and I were married in September, 2006.  This is our K1100LT-EML GT2 sidecar rig as it
LOOKED then.  This was previously Al Olme's rig.  I had it shipped to me in So. Lake Tahoe from
Minnesota, by HaulBikes; whose service is very good. The Police-type saddle, and Authorities radio
trunk were removed prior to our 2008 trip across the USA.  I still have those parts; for sale actually. 

I installed for this trip the stock seat and trunk.   I also have the Citycases, as well as the Tourbags. 
I often use the rig with the Tourbag on left, Citycase on right, makes for easier access.  Specifications below are
in brief, and as I have modified the rig for my own purposes.
 The SKUNK flag stands for Sidecars Up Nort Klub; Up Nort stands for anyplace Up North of someplace.   
 http://www.skunktails.com/
Tug wheels:  4.5 x 14" EZS. Tug tires: Firestone F590, 165/70-R14.
Front fork:  EZS Leading Link with floating brake discs, Koni 76109P shock units 
& Brembo twin spot calipers.  Entire ABS system is removed from tug.
Tug rear brake is Brembo two-piston 38 mm P108 & rear master cylinder is 16 mm Magura.
Brembo F05 sidecar disc brake plumbed to the tug's rear braking system.
Sidecar wheel:  300mm x 15" EML with 135R15 tire. 
 Sidecar wheel lead 13-1/4".  Front wheel offset to right by 1-3/8"; 
Toe-in 5/8" to 11/16" unloaded.   With driver and usual saddlebag load, toe-in is
1/4"; with passenger in sidecar, 3/8".  
R1100S handguards, see the K bike section item 10.   Rugs.  Electrical outlets. GPS.
The need for a steering dampener, which it has, is quite minimal, if at all.
The top was designed and made right here...sheesh what a job!  See #9 below.



 

Snowbum is active on the SCT sidecar LIST:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SCT/

1A.   The good points, the bad points, an overview of sidecaring basics      rev: 05/25/2006

1B.    List of Sidecar groups on the Internet                                                                           

2.   Sidecar Technical stuff.  Links for manuals; mechanicals, photos, licensing.   Photos & modifications 
      details, subframes, mounts, alignment considerations; specific details/photos of R100RT-Ural rig 
      mounts, etc.      rev. 01/09/2008                     

3.   Sidecar resources: INCLUDING  setting up sidecars, how to drive one, resources for handicapped 
      sidecar and trike drivers; URL's for technical articles, special items such as speedometer 
      re-calibrator, etc.     rev:   01/09/2008            

4.   BMW frames; subframes; installing subframes     rev:  02/26/2005    ((be sure to see #2 above for more photos))

5.   Sidecar stories, off-beat stuff            rev:  08/30/2006         

6.   Flying the chair; steering reversion; countersteering; the controversy; my take on the matter.    rev:  08/30/2006

7.   Miscl.  Sidecar Tech       rev:  08/30/2006                          

8.   EML sidecar; suspension & brakes overhaul; GT2; other EML models.   EZS info.     rev. 04/04/2009 

9.   EML sidecar tops; photos; description of various types of tops; my own custom top    rev. 01/31/2008 

10.  The FLEXIT leaner sidecar rig.....history, photos, etc.    ANY leaner website information too.   rev.  11/16/2009  

11.  EZS_steering_dampener_____________rev/ 10-24-2008

My K1100LT is equipped with handguards.  See K bike section article 10 or click this line

NOTE:  see article 82, well above; about insurance!

My R100RT-Ural sidecar rig was sold April 2006. Click here for information & photos on that 
rig, including the subframes and a lot of other technical items.


I have a page that has some motorcycle and personal stuff for sale (or TRADE!), click: Sale.htm

OK...you got this far, did not see what you wanted?
There is a SEARCH Page!   Click HERE
 

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E-mail:  CLICK!