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Snowbum's BMW Motorcycle Repair and Information Site!
Snowbum is also known as Robert (Bob) Fleischer, "The Expatiating Scribe of the Sierras")
You are looking at the Technical Articles List page
(the articles listed considerably BELOW...)
This is NOT the homepage.
click for HOMEPAGE!



Hyperlink to an article on this website, a Winter Tale: CLICK!

All the technical information on this
motorcycle and sidecar information site is:

But,
if you want to donate to help defray costs, click here: DONATING
That page also has information on how I run this website, without
my being obligated to anyone....ETC!

Animated .gif
copyrighted image modified to show individual 4-cycle
combustion events.
The added animation by Mo Massen; furnished to me by
Alessandro Zorat.
Internet
mailing LISTS and websites:
Your query may well help others... PLEASE post technical inquiries to the appropriate LIST, below.
If the message is
very
personal. you can contact me at: CLICK!
******If you are new to Internet Mailing
Lists, and especially if new to BMW motorcycle riding and BMW
motorcycle people, please
click on this line and read the short article!!******
I very well may
tell you to "take it to the LIST!" if you contact me directly,
without a very good reason for doing so. That way, answers
benefit more than just you!
Taking your query 'to the list' also GREATLY reduces my E-mail
hours. PLEASE use the LISTs!!
You CAN get advice from Snowbum, and many others, on the various LISTS.
Snowbum monitors and participates on about 6 LISTS (mostly on the
Airheads List); the SCT sidecar List, the K-BMW List, Tech
LIST (IBMWR), USCA-West List
If you own a BMW
Airhead motorcycle, you
REALLY SHOULD join the Airheads Beemer Club:
CLICK
Airheads CLUB website: http://www.airheads.org
THE major sidecarist's LIST
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SCT
Snowbum IS active on this LIST.
There is an off-shoot of that sidecar list, for those in the
Western part of the U.S.A. That list can be found at:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/USCAWest/
If you own a Classic K-bike (K75,
K100, K1, K1100), you should join the K-bmw mailing LIST.
Snowbum
is active on that K-BMW LIST:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/kbmw
Other's:
Airhead, K-bike, Oilheads, ETC. Lots of technical stuff:
http://IBMWR.org
Oilheads, Hexheads, Camheads, K bikes:
http://bmwsporttouring.com
(snowbum does NOT monitor nor participate here)
Please send questions to the Airheads or other appropriate LIST, so that answers benefit more than just you!
IF you have posted to a LIST, and have
not received the technical response you
need after 3 days,
THEN you MAY E-mail me directly, and I may (or may not!)
try to help you. Your query may well help others,
which is why a LIST query is PREFERABLE!
SO,
PLEASE
first post technical inquiries to the appropriate
LIST.
This is particularly so for Airheads and Classic K bikes,
where Snowbum is VERY active.
I am likely
to ask if you have posted there first!
If the message is "very
personal", you CAN E-mail to me at:
CLICK!
(you'd better have a really good personal reason!)
******If
you are new to Internet Mailing Lists, and perhaps if new to BMW
riding and BMW people, please click on this line and read the
short article!!******
******I have added information to this article recently******
Airheads (Snowbum's primary interest):
There are many sources
for information. The Airheads LIST is
best for immediate
information on Airheads.
You can subscribe to the AIRHEADS
LIST by using one of the two following methods:
(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. It is best to NOT
send HTML or images to the LIST as 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.
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 MUCH more editing, in order to reply to messages.
Put airheads@micapeak.com
into your computer address book, perhaps using a
nickname such as "Airheads"; so you
don't have to
type the full address when YOU post an initial 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)
Want 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; set options? set passwords?
www.micapeak.com/mailman/options/airheads/
To see all the Micapeak mailing lists and to sign onto any 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
Micapeak has archives:
http://micapeak.com/archives/airheads/login.php
Caution!! Airheads LIST archives
dates, particularly before the mid or later nineties, are
suspect!!!
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 use of the information contained in/on this website, that leads to any work you choose to do or not to do on your or anyone else's 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 may do his own maintenance.
Copyright information!
MOST of the articles on
this website are
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, printed or electronic copies. You are
also granted approval for incorporation by reference or
hyperlink, to my articles for many other uses.
You must not
abridge, modify, shorten, or otherwise edit my articles,
unless it is made clear that that you are doing so,
and you MUST prominently
note any change in INTENT, or INFORMATION. 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 VERY 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.
e-mail
One of the things that REALLY ticks me off,
is misquoting me; and even more-so, is modifying my
articles, or parts of them, and then claiming them as
YOUR work. I WILL pursue you, LEGALLY! for
damages!
On purpose 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 (or a hyperlink to my website,
which is always appreciated!) has Google Ad-Sense
advertisements (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!
CREATIVE COMMONS are two words that describe a
way for a copyright holder (that is ME, folks!) to grant YOU
permission for MY WORK to be copied, distributed, or
adapted...if....IF!....certain conditions are met, that is, 'Some
Rights Reserved'.
So, to keep this simple: You may use my work if you
keep my name with it, and you LINK to my original work, and
modifications by you are noted. You may use my material for
ONLY non-commercial purposes, unless you have MY permission.
Creative Commons does NOT grant you unlimited rights; in many
instances you NEED APPROVAL FROM ME.
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...but not always... takes you to
the existing
current page. It is best
to go
directly to this website. I suggest you bookmark
(Favorites) the HOMEPAGE, and
not
the
page you are looking at right now.
The HOMEPAGE is technically called the INDEX PAGE,
and it is:
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info
BOOKMARK or
set as FAVORITES, THAT page. That homepage has a DATE of revisions, so you will
know if any revisions have
been done to the
website.
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.
There may be dates on the Homepage and Technical Index
page at the bottom,
that refer to the last editing. You should ignore
that 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 things NOT on, and NOT accessible,
from the
Index of Technical Articles
index page you are now looking at.
Errors or
omissions on this site should be reported to me, and
are
welcomed. That includes helpful comments!
(Even UNhelpful comments!)
(except complaints about fonts and colors and verbosity!)
©
Since ALL Technical ARTICLES ARE Copyrighted!! (unless
specifically so stated), reading and
use
beyond this point constitutes an implicit acceptance of my
terms and conditions!!!
This website is primarily about BMW
Airheads and Classic K bikes; with a bit of Oilhead
information thrown in and a fair amount about sidecar
rigs.
Our
bikes are getting old. 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
well
NOT have
the proper 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 shipped poorly made parts now and then!
Be cautious when
ordering from
companies,
foreign or domestic, that
may not be selling genuine
or REALLY equivalent BMW 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!
...in some instances
I DO have the information on this site.
I
DO recommend certain shops, and individuals, upon request;
or, see my URL pages
78A and 78B, below.
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!
Airhead,
K, and household things to sell OR TRADE (AND...things I
want): Click!
![]()
E-mailing snowbum:
CLICK!

Not all that proficient at editing your E-mails? Want to know how to do that, and a lot more? CLICK
|
Throttle
screws; friction & |
Hyperlink to a humorous article on this website, 'A Winter Tale': CLICK! |
All the technical information on this site is:
![]() If you want to donate to help defray costs, click: DONATING That page also has information on how I run this website, without my being obligated to anyone....ETC! |
My 1984 R100RT bike, parts & many of my special tools has been sold. Details: CLICK |
|
Politics, inane and serious |
Snowbum lives at South Lake Tahoe, California. Click this line for some information about Lake Tahoe, and its weather, etc. |
"There is always a greater idiot."
Make something idiot proof and you will
eventually see a demonstration of this saying.
A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely
foolproof
is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools.
"The measure of a man's character is what he would do if he knew
he
never would be found out." - Baron Thomas Babington Macauley
"An expert is someone who has made all the mistakes which can be
made,
in a very narrow field." --Niels Bohr
"...You cannot prove a vague theory wrong. Also, if the process
of computing the
consequences is indefinite, then with a little skill any
experimental results can be
made to look like the expected consequences." Richard Feynman,
1964
There are three kinds of men:
The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation.
The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence.
- Will Rogers
"We have all heard that a million monkeys banging on a million
typewriters will
eventually reproduce the entire works of William Shakespeare.
Now, thanks to the
Internet, we know this is not true."
-Robert Silensky
"There is no practical reason to create machine intelligences
indistinguishable
from human ones. People are in plentiful supply. Should a
shortage arise, there are
proven and popular methods for making more."
Under democracy one party always devotes its chief energies to
trying to prove that the other party is unfit to rule--and both
commonly succeed, and are right...
-H.L. Mencken
|
Prostate Cancer;
REAL FACTS!
|
Model
Differences over the years |
||
|
NOTE!.....maintenance schedules for all BMW motorcycles (even the C1 scoooooters!)....is available on the
Internet: |
|
|
|||

|
Always something new around here...no, DO NOT ask! All the technical information on this site is:
|
|
You will likely find this link very valuable! This is a link to a service as used by
public libraries, ETC. |
|
FUEL System in your Airhead motorcycle:
1. Fuel
filters, petcocks, gas caps, and tank & seat
fitting; rev. 04/04/2012
and even more information is in article #12A
2. Luftmeister Auxiliary Fuel Tanks rev. 06/30/2009
3. Bing
Carburetor, overhaul; GENERAL NOTES
part 1. MANY HINTS, including my float testing
results, leaking tops, leaking dome
inserts;the tricky enrichener
discs/shafts assemblies, the
Bing Independent Float Kits (see 5 below for all those
details)..... LOTS MORE!
rev. 05/17/2012
Be sure to read article
6, below, yes, even if you do not have a /5.
4.
Bing Carburetors, overhaul; GENERAL NOTES
part
2; including high altitude JETTING changes
tuning, ETC.
rev. 05/17/2012
5. Bing dual-independent float kit rev. 05/17/2011
6.
Early Bing CV Carburetors as on
R75/5 rev.
05/17/2012
This article has some information that
applies to ALL Bing CV carburetors, so I suggest
you READ IT!
7A. Synchronizing
Carburetors; the whole story, in awful depth.
04/27/2012
7B. Throttle cables;
UNconfusing the replacing of the throttle gears/cams
assembly, etc. rev. 06/16/2011
8. Throttle screws; friction & anti-friction devices; Snowbum gets OFF and RUNNING! rev. 09/21/2005
9. R80 series, poor fuel mileage, 1980+ Airbox Modifications, snorkels rev. 12/16/2009
10. Intake and Exhaust system tuning rev. 02/06/2008
12B. The K & N, UNI.....and other aftermarket air filters rev. 05/08/2012
13. The Dell'Orto
Carburetor
rev. 07/12/2011
Huge
amount of information for someone trying to understand how
ALL types of carburetors operate
(especially needle/slide types, but also vacuum types
and in particular, the Dell'Orto carburetors).
There
is
SPECIFIC information here on
Dell'Orto settings
for Airheads, where to obtain parts, 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. Links to the factory
DellOrto manuals (ON this website!) are also here.
There are MANY sketches/photos in this article. Allow TIME
to load up if you are on a very slow connection.
Didn't find what you wanted in the above FUEL SYSTEM articles area? Use the 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. 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.
http://www.cs.uu.nl/wais/html/na-dir/autos/gasoline-faq/part1.html
All the technical information on this site is:

But,
if you want to donate to help
defray costs: DONATING
ELECTRICAL System (primarily in Airhead motorcycles...but lots of basic information):
14. How to buy & use test lamps and meters (multi-meters, volt-ohm-ammeters) rev. 05/14/2012
14A.
De-mystifying and
Troubleshooting BMW Airhead Boxer
Motorcycle Electric systems rev. 06/03/2011
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. 03/24/2012
15-A. Alternators: TRUE Capability of the STOCK Bosch, substitutions, ETC. rev. 05/07/2011
15-B.
Troubleshooting the Alternator/Charging
Problems 01/15/2011
15-C. Aftermarket Alternators:
installation, capability,
performance rev.
05-07-2011
15-D. Really BIG
alternators on Airheads rev.
01/07/2011
15-E.
Why do alternator rotors fail? AND....how
to replace a bad rotor rev.
06/24/2011
16-A.
Starter & Starting Problems; Valeo to Bosch;
Bosch to Valeo;
FIT problems;
starter
relays; solenoids
Rev. 03/18/2012
16-B. Troubleshooting
the Starting System......discussion of all
variations....... rev.
11-22-2009
17. Alternator Brushes and Rotor rev. 05/10/2011
19. Alternator 'GEN' lamp circuit & resistor modification. rev. 06/03/2011
20. Testing Voltage Regulators (and notes on high output and/or adjustable regulators) rev. 04-26-2010
21. Servicing a Bosch Mechanical Voltage Regulator (INCLUDING the /2) rev. 05/18/2011
22.
Making the Bosch and Wehrle ELECTRONIC METAL CAN Voltage
Regulators Adjustable rev.
05/18/2011
23A. Increasing the
voltage output of the Wehrle PLASTIC voltage
regulator (for tinkerers and nerds) 12/07/2010
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,
updating /5 headlight, heavier wire, LED's, ETC. (See
24-C)
rev 05/13/2012
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.
05/16/2012
24C. Headlight modulators; Federal Law authorizing them; California Law; the technical details.
Links to sites with the laws and regulations.
PLUS, ALL types of
motorcycle lighting; headlight brightness.
Everything about laws on lights rev
06/25/2011
25. Replacing a 5 speed neutral switch (and selecting the correct switch) rev. 02/04/2012
26. Metric & American Wires, Colors, Bosch Codes.....and LOTS MORE rev. 01/14/2012
27. Installing an accessory electrical outlet, precautions, etc. rev. 05/06/2012
28. Ignition Theory.....How BMW Spark Ignition Systems Work...more
than you ever wanted to know
rev. 06/13/2011
30. Ignition
module's including all updates; ignition canister
(rebuilding yourself, OR sending them out); coils;
Dyna & Boyer; sources for
modules &
Hall sensors; ignition canisters;
testing & troubleshooting (including HIGH IDLE RPM); the 'new coils'
and 'new modules'; points
boosters/amplifiers. rev.
03/20/2012
Some of
the Hall sensor information applies to the K and Oilhead bikes.
I
highly recommend you read both #29 and #30, above; as an
understanding of both articles may well be needed if you
are contemplating changes or repairs.
Here is a
link to an article on the diagnosis and repair of the Oilhead Hall Effect
ignition sending unit.
This article has
some explanations and details that will help you understand the
Airhead electronic ignition!
http://users.rcn.com/dehager/service/oilhead_hall_sensors.pdf
31. Dual Plugging rev. 12/30/2011
32. SPARK PLUGS;
spark plug threaded holes; Torques;ANTISEIZE OR NOT, spark
plug caps and wire assemblies; resistor
& non-resistor spark
plugs. Airheads and K-bikes
rev. 04/07/2012
33. Ampmeters (ammeters) v. Voltmeters (and voltmeter problems) rev. 05/12/2011
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. Charging voltages,
another viewpoint. How to Load Test a Battery
rev: 03/03/2011
36. Accessing
the headlight bucket on RS/RT, cleaning the headlamp/glass,
aiming the headlight rev. 06/08/2011
37. The
Slash 5 (/5) starter relay 'cricket' noise, starting
problem, and how to fix it rev.
06/01/2011
ALL Slash 5 (/5) bikes with stock starter relays SHOULD
HAVE this modification done to them!
37A. Electronic
tachometer connections, wire colors, retrofitting to earlier
models; HOW TO CHECK YOUR
TACHOMETER CALIBRATION rev.
02/15/2012
37B. The story behind the
broken brake light switches (front and
rear) (ALSO stiff K bike throttles for 1985)
rev. 05/21/2011
38A. CAN-Bus, what is it, how
does it work, etc.
rev. 05/21/2011
A few (??) words about schematic diagrams in the following sub-sections
38B, ETC:
I have obtained the schematic diagrams posted on this website
from a variety of sources.
I have NOT taken any from the Chitech BMW Electric School Manual,
as you can purchase that manual (which covers 1955 to 1990+),
AND, many
schematics in it are fuzzy. I DO, highly, recommend you
purchase that manual, see my
URL page for
how to obtain a copy. That manual is almost a
must for Airhead owners. There is a critique, with some
corrections, that I made for that manual:
chitechelmnl.htm.
I DO HAVE, to my knowledge, every schematic diagram for every
Airhead (and some other models), but some are fuzzy or otherwise
unclear, some
need interpretation, and my collection includes all of the
World's versions, so there are, literally HUNDREDS of diagrams.
BMW even made diagrams
for the various add-on accessories....that included such as the
early Airheads when they were available with Avon fairings!
I have put a representative
diagram for all models up to about 1984 or 1985, on this website.
There are a LOT of similarities between various models,
especially some of them.
Try using the diagrams on this website with each other, as you
may find that helpful.
My files contain schematics of all sorts of accessory items including Authorities
models.
If you need
to contact me
for a specific diagram,
You may be asking about some
esoteric point, or something not clear in a schematic, etc.
Ask away...but
on the Airheads LIST or K bike LIST first. I will 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
if you knew the model code that BMW uses for
your
motorcycle.
Contact me at:
CLICK!
I would appreciate NOT being contacted for any specific diagram
or comments upon such, until you FIRST HAVE LOOKED at these 38B+ diagrams
and have specific
questions that are not answered by them. Besides the BMW
diagrams, I have some for various aftermarket items (such as
fairings), etc. Sometimes
questions you may have will be answered by referring to my
electrical hints article #15, or some other article in the
Electrical section of my website.
MORE....Regarding
electrical schematic diagrams:
The R80G/S is similar to the R65 and
R80ST. Models with the R65, ST, GS & G/S type of instrument pod will
be relatively or exactly similar.
The same or close year of a RS and RT may
be identical to each other.
The R75/5
will use
the same diagram as a R50/5 and R60/5.
The R60/6, R75/6, R90/6,
R90S....all will
be very similar.
The /7 is somewhat similar to the last of the /6 series.
The /6 and later with the earlystyle-type of pod (pod NOT like the
R65, ST, G/S, GS) will generally have those pods in common;
variances are noted in my website.
|
****Here is a link to a German website,
that has a LOT of Airhead (and some R1100 oilhead)
electrical schematic diagrams.
|
K bike???....see CLASSIC K bike section 3/4 way down (towards
bottom) of this page, for hyperlinks to
sites with electrical diagrams, links, etc.
38B. Miscl. Electrical! Electrical
schematics for Hazard flasher system, fold-out fog/driving lights,
heated grips.
VDO instruments. Replacing a
/6 left-side handlebars switch. Substitute voltmeters and clocks.
rev.
03/24/2012
38C. Schematic diagrams
in .gif; .pdf; and .bmp; for R90S, R60S, R75/6, R90/6; for 1975
and into
1976.
This is a LARGE file!
11/24/2009
38D. Schematic diagram for
the 1978
airheads, foreign and USA.
rev. 04/30/2011
38E. Schematic for the 1974
models, as .pdf
Not overly clear, but useful
38F. Schematic diagram,
PDF format, for the 1981
R100, R100CS. SIMILAR to many of this
era.
38G. Schematic diagrams
for the Slash 5 (/5), BOTH fused and unfused. High Resolution .tif
38G+. As above but .gif format
38H. Schematics and wires colors diagrams
and descriptions for the 1981-1985 R65,
R65LS, R45, R80ST, ETC.
INCLUDED are formats in .jpg, etc....also included is a clickable
.pdf format
38I. PDF diagram for
1981-1982 R100RS, series 0427 as shipped to various countries,
full base diagram.
38J. PDF diagram for
1981-1982 R100RS, series 0427, as shipped to various countries,
main lighting diagram (only)
Links for many more electrical schematics, etc., are found in article #80, below.
SOURCES FOR ELECTRICAL PARTS FROM OTHER THAN BMW ARE LISTED IN SECTION 78A & 78B.
Electrical contact cleaners and treatments are in article 73.
BOTH Mechanical AND Electrical:
39A. What those F, OT, S,
and Z marks mean, that are on your Flywheel (clutch
carrier), ALSO, how to mark a lightened flywheel,
ETC.
The marks are used for
mechanical and
electrical things, so they have their own article
here. You can even use this information
to degree-out camshafts, determine which of the two types
of cam sprockets you have, etc. rev.
08/13/2011
This is NOT the homepage.
Everything on this website is NOT
available from this
Technical Index of BMW Motorcycle Repairs Articles page!
click for: HOMEPAGE
Mechanical Systems, Miscellaneous, and 'other stuff':

See item #39 for information on the flywheel markings for
such as OT, S, F, Z
40. Setting
Valves......how to do it correctly. EXTENSIVE details
rev. 06/10/2009
After reading the
above,
I recommend you read article #60 section 1, below.
Scan down, or CLICK!
41. Overheating, excessive idle time, etc. rev.
05/27/2011
42.
The /2 slinger service (yeah, yeah, yeah, the /2 is not
in the group of BMW boxers called Airheads)
43.
Transmission input (clutch) splines, throwout bearing,
clutch arm cleaning, lubrication &
inspection.
Adjusting
Swing Arm. Rev. 04/08/2012.
See also: CLUTCH article, Section 60, item 9,
below...
which has a information on the throwout bearing, etc.
44. Maintaining the
paintwork, aluminum, windscreen & helmet
visor/shield; how to drill plastics safely;
how to
repair cracked luggage; how to repair fairings. rev.
01/16/2012
(ALSO see article 73 for information on what
products to
use to maintain the plastic visors, shields, ETC)
(Also See article 75)
46. Exhaust pipe finned (spider) nuts rev. 05/27/2011
47. Driveshaft Bolts, Washers, Torque, tools rev. 06/17/2011
49. Oil Transfers; oil moving someplace (or leaks). Filling the driveshaft. rev. 01/21/2010
50A. Oil consumption; thermostat; cooler; pressure bypass valve in the filter canister area; Suburban Machinery remote oil filter kit, ETC. rev. 02/24/2011
50B. The BMW Airhead Oiling System: Sketches,
descriptions; caps; thermostats;
oil breather system Rev. 03/23/2011
50C.
Oil Pans; oil pan gaskets; oil pan threads, oil capacity; dipsticks; oil pickups
rev. 10/18/2011
50D.
Oil Coolers; including
installation.
02/24/2011
51A.
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! A
LONG article full of information.
Rev. 02/24/2011
51B. Oil filters,
canisters, ETC. Simplified explanation of
52A. Basics on changing
your filter,
INFORMATION ON
TYPES OF OILS FOR YOUR AIRHEAD; OIL ADDITIVES;
fork oils;
GASOLINE
ADDITIVES.
Rev.
02/24/2011
51C. Oil essay: lubrication tech;
oil
recommendations, ALL ABOUT ZDDP...etc.
Rev. 04/10/2011
This is the article to read if you
really
want to understand lubrication itself.
51D. Oil viscosities, viscosity indexes,
engine oils, gear oils, suspension
fluids, shock absorber fluids,
SAE, SUS, Cst Rev.
02/24/2011
53. Brakes (just
about everything you might want to know about, INCLUDING
conversions)
rev. 04/13/2012
54.
Wheels, Axles, Hubs, Bearings, front forks, seals, spacers,
tires, dampers, ETC!!
Section 1: 19"
wheel recall rev.
05/03/2011
Section
2:
Wheel spoke lacing and
alignment of hub/rim rev.
01/11/2012
Section
3: Catch-all section; tires, spacers,
wheels,
hints; ETC! rev. 09/20/2011
Also contains info on swapping various years/models of
wheels (except Lester's, see Section 7)
I suggest that you also read Section 5, below.
Section
4: Wheel bearing preload & servicing wheel
bearings. (see Section 9, below) rev.
02/29/2012
also see Section 9, below
Section 5: TIRES (in
depth...and information on brands and models); hydroplaning;
top hat spacers;
nitrogen,
ETC!. rev.
04/25/2012 I suggest you read
Section 3 a couple of lines above and Section 6 just below!
Section 6:
Tubeless versus tubes, the whole story and then
some rev. 06/28/2011
Section 7: Lester
wheels rev.
06/20/2011
Section 8A:
Steering dampers; shock absorbers & springs.
rev. 01/23/2010
Section 8B: Ikon and Koni shock
absorbers spring chart; this is a link to my .pdf file on these.
Section 9: Airhead
Wheel Bearing Clinic++, BMWMOA National Rally, July 2005;
critique of BMW-ON
magazine
articles of 2004. Useful updating information, ETC.
(See Section 4, above) rev: 04/19/2011
Section 10.
Front
forks: alignment, stiction, braces, gators, oils, cleaning lubricating steering head bearings.
Avoiding fork tube twisting. Adjusting swing arm bearings. In-depth discussion of STICTION and
setting fork sag. Hints regarding fork internals.
Modifications.
rev.
04-09-2012
Section
11. Hyperlink to Anton's website wheel balancing
article
Section 12. TIRE
REPAIRS!!
rev. 05/03/2012
55. Maintenance Schedule rev. 04/19/2012
56. Cold Weather Starting rev. 06/16/2011
57. Rubber Noise Silencing Pads At The Cylinder Fins rev. 05/04/2007
58. Importing a motorcycle; dealing with EPA, DOT and Customs rev. 03/04/2010
59. TRANSMISSIONS
(4 and 5 speed): Output shaft snap ring (circlip) &
groove problem; serial numbers
versus model year; pawl spring breakage;
neutral switches; shift kits; input shaft
seal;
kickstarter;
throwout
bearing. SHIFT LINKAGE. Doing it yourself
as well as recommended repair specialists.
Hints on shifting
smoothly (PRELOADING THE LEVER), and the theory.
Rev 04/28/2012.
60. ENGINE INTERNALS:
Section 1:
Disassembly
& assembly:
heads, pistons, rings, cylinders, break-in; Helicoils;
Timeserts; cylinder studs,
ETC.
rev. 03/24/2012
Section
2:
Flywheel
(& also Clutch Carrier) removal/replacement
WARNING;
MAIN SEAL, oil pump & its cover and seal.
Re-installation of Flywheel,
seal installation photos, etc.
rev. 08/01/2011
Section 2A: Lightened
flywheel information rev.
02/08/2011
Section 3:
Cylinders (iron, Nikasil, Galnikal); boring, honing, cylinder shims,
sealants
rev. 01/07/2012
Section 4:
Pistons
(including swapping heads-cylinders-pistons), rings, pins,
clips, keepers,
decarboning. rev.
08/31/2011
Section 5: Valves, valve seats; leaded
fuels; guides, valve springs, aftermarket valves, noisy
valves, bead-blasting, ETC. rev. 04/03/2012
Section 6:
Rocker
arms, rocker arm shafts, valve gear, pushrod tubes,
cylinder heads. rev. 06/26/2008
Section
7: Camshafts, broken cam tips, cam sprockets,
alternator & cam seals, crank nose
bearing, front main bearing carrier
rev. 11/06/2011
Section 8: Replacing
pushrod tubes and/or pushrod tube seals. Pushrods. Valve
cover studs. rev.
01/29/2012
Section 9:
Clutch,
clutch arm, flywheel, clutch carrier, bolts, upgrades, throwout bearing,
cables,
crankshaft end play spacers, clutch lever at
bars.
Rev. 04/08/2012
Section 10 :
Crankshaft;
front main bearing & cover; rod bearings; MISCL.
rev. 04/03/2009
61. Long Distance
Touring
rev.
06/28/2011
62. Timing Chain ...replacing, etc. (Use this article with the cams article, #60, subsection 7) rev. 01/07/2012
63. U-joint Phasing Photos, Paralever Driveshaft models
64. Horsepower and Cd (drag)...why is my mileage lousy, compared to cars...and more. rev. 06/09/2011
65. TOOLS! (tools you will want in your on-bike tool kit, and at home) rev. 04/28/2012
66. Making a useful hydraulic jack, cheap rev. 02/25/2005
67A. Engine, Frame, and other ID numbers. rev. 03/26/2012
67B. Model differences over the years; and chronological information rev. 08/20/2011
68A. Part
numbers for hardware and some small
parts. Includes sources for some types of things (that are not
in REFERENCES 78B).
Pozi and Phillips screws DISCUSSION & INFORMATION; Locking methods discussion, ETC. rev.
05/17/2012
68B.
The ROUNDEL; sizes, part numbers,.....and BMW COMPANY HISTORY rev.
09/11/2011
69. Parts Coding Symbols. How to read the symbols on ETK, fiche, etc. rev. 04/22/2003
70. BMW Paint Codes 1970-? rev. 02/11/2012
71A.
Torque Specifications & problems; conversion factors,
using torque wrenches. rev. 06/27/2011
71B. Torque values on various models of
airheads. Read AFTER reading
71A rev.
10/24/2009
71C.
Changing
the range of a torque wrench; and adjusting for extensions
rev.
06/13/2011
72. Formulas & conversion factors rev. 05/31/2011
73. Chemicals, Oils,
Additives for oil and gasoline, Greases, Electrical Contact
Treatments, Antiseizes, Loctite,
Sealants, Waxes, etc. rev.
11/16/2011
74.
Maintaining your leather
items rev.
04/15/2010
75. Luggage, Windshields,
Locks
& Keys,
Instruments, mirrors,
etc. rev. 04/03/2012
See #44 on how to repair cracked luggage
76. Miscellaneous.
Fork filling; control cables; wobbles, weaves & tank
slappers (Also see 76B); 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.
Those pesky easy to lose WEDGES that fit at the handlebar
controls.....how to make one! This line is a hyperlink to
the sketch!
The part numbers for these wedges are:
32-72-2-072-233; 32-72-1-232-929; and
32-72-1-242-626
76B. Instability; weaving,
wobbling, tank slappers; the REAL story, in a way seldom
presented. (See 76 also)
Rev. 06/14/2011
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. How to edit E-mail
messages. rev:
05/15/2012
78B. REFERENCES:
ADDITIONAL information, that are not in 78A. This
includes more URL's;
e-mail addresses; contacts & descriptions.
Rev. dates are not listed for this article
80. MANUALS AND
LITERATURE; SOURCES, DESCRIPTION, CRITIQUE'S,
ETC.
rev. 02/27/2011
NOT just BMW either.
See also article 78B.
81. Fuel mileage!!......why does my motorcycle get such lousy mileage? rev. 06/01/2011
82A.
INSURANCE, for motorcycles and sidecar
rigs; lots of things you probably did not think about, or
know rev:
06/14/2011
82B. What To Do (and NOT do) Right Away
If You've Been In A Motorcycle Accident
Advice from a Motorcyclist's Lawyer!
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 through to the end of this page first)
A FEW GERMAN WORDS YOU NEED TO KNOW! rev. 02/29/2008 CLICK!
Errors
and omissions you see on this site should be reported to
me, and such are welcomed.
That includes helpful
comments, etc.
CLICK
I have some things I want to sell (or trade!), and things that I want, click here: SALE
Oilhead motorcycle section:
(snowbum does
NOT generally work on Oilheads)
1.
Place to send
ABS1 brains to get them repaired:
http://bmwk10075abs1fix.web.fc2.com/
2. Salvage yards, for oilhead parts,
etc:
www.beemerboneyard.com
(973)-775-3495
3. See article #30, above,
about the ignition Hall effect sensors.
An article dealing with a R1100RT
sensor repair, will be found at:
www.ebbo.org/2av54.php
4.
R1100RT:
LCD Temperature and Fuel Gauge Calibration; Fuel
Sender Testing & Cleaning,
troubleshooting 10/20/2010. (CLICK!)
5. Here are two links to a
website with some good stuff on it for Oilheads, such as on the
ABS system; TDC locating mandrel,
ignition timing box, etc.
First, the main link:
http://users.rcn.com/dehager/
The next link is to an
article on the same website.
It is on the diagnosis
and repair of the Oilhead Hall Effect
ignition sending unit.
http://users.rcn.com/dehager/service/oilhead_hall_sensors.pdf
6. Bleeding/servicing the
integrated brakes system....you may want to read these:
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/service_abs3.pdf
http://advwisdom.hogranch.com/Wisdom/abs3_filling_adapter.pdf
7.
****Here is a link to a German
website, that has a LOT of Airhead (and some R1100 oilhead)
electrical schematic diagrams.
Click on the Shaltplan, shown in red on
that page, for your model:
http://www.powerboxer.de/Schaltplaene-fuer-Boxer.html
Keep in mind that these are GERMAN
schematics, not necessarily for your USA or
other non-German-shipped country bike. Use these
schematics in conjunction with what you find
below, on my website. There is a LOT of information
besides schematics on that website!
8. Death Rattle: Does your 850, 1100, or 1150
Oilhead, 1994-2004, make that uncomfortable-to-hear rattle upon
startup? Hexheads too!
Read this:
http://www.mklsportster.com/Articles/mcncct.pdf
That article describes the
fix, with photos. The rear-view engine cut-away photo is a
REAR-view of an Oilhead motor. The Hexhead tensioners are the
same.
Note that the left tensioner assembly is
located on top of the cylinder, "facing" downward, in a position
that allows oil to drain out of the tensioner sleeve during
shutdown.
The right side tensioner assembly faces
upward from the bottom, and IT remains full of oil during
shutdown. This is why the tensioner that is typically repaired is
the left side.
9.
Hyperlink to a forum-type
website. Mostly on Oilheads, but some Hexhead, Camhead, K:
http://bmwsporttouring.com
10. Hyperlink to an
article on what belts were used, which to use, how to adjust
them, and at what interval replace them, etc.
http://www.bmwra.org/otl/belts/
11. Oilhead HINTS
rev. 03/28/2012
12. Replacing an oil level sight glass
13.
Original owner's manuals (booklets) for:
R1200GS
K1200, K1300 series
F650GS, F800 series
S1000 series
((there may be more models in the future here)
http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/index.html?content=http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/services/manuals/manuals_main.html¬rack=1

CLASSIC K-bike motorcycle
section:
(CLASSIC K-BIKES ARE K MODELS K1, K75, K100, and K1100)
Snowbum
is active on the K-BMW LIST:
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/kbmw
K1100LT and K1100RS repair manual:
http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/downloads/K1100LT_RS_Repair.pdf
1. Starter sprag clutch
problems in classic K bikes rev.
04/29/1010
2. Hints,
advice, parts, etc._____________________________rev.
04/09/2012
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/
Here is another website with a LOT of
colored wiring diagrams for K bikes:
http://smithduck.home.comcast.net/~smithduck/bmw/kwiring/kwiring.htm
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.
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).
You can also try:
http://www.kbikeparts.com
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,
any U-joint driveshaft system, including Paralever Driveshaft
models rev.
10/08/2011
8. K bike instrument
pod; repairing & calibrating speedometer; clock
mod. for 12 hour;
ETC.
rev. 04/26/2010
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 a hyperlink you click
on,
leading to another website. An
extensive
article on how the entire
fuel system and ignition system
works. A lot
of troubleshooting included.
Extensive
sketches, schematics,
diagrams, flow charts, etc.
I find little
wrong,
except maybe the section on using
the 4 each parallel'd 16 ohm resistors, with a
series connected voltmeter;
which SHOULD be a
CURRENT
meter. In addition, a voltmeter should be at the
other side of the resistors,
to ground.
In the article some of the use of current/voltage
terminology could be a bit misleading
to someone
with electrical
knowledge.....but, these are minor
nitpicks! Download and print in color!
Some information is usable for the 4 valve K bikes.
This is a VERY good article!
: http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bvogel/K100/download/efi-web%20page/K100%20troubleshooting%20Starting.pdf
12. This is another hyperlink to the above website,
but a different page;
that has a huge amount of K bike information, photos,
how-to's, ETC. At least it used to!
VERY worthwhile.
http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/bvogel/K100/K100.htm
13. Changing Coolant on a
Classic K bike, all the fun details (and more!)
PLUS Heat
insulation under the tank, etc. rev.
06/20/2011
14-a. If you need to have an ABS1
computer brain repaired, try here:
http://bmwk10075abs1fix.web.fc2.com/
Try the above first.
http://bmwk10075abs1fix.web.fc2.com/index.html will
get you the main page, lots of technical information
there!
Contact Tosi
at:
K100ABS@gmail.com
Also,
there is BBA
Re-manufacturing; 300 Myles Standish Blvd.; Tauntonk MA
02780 (866) 573-2740; (508)-822-4490
http://www.bba-reman.com
14-b. If you are having ABS
codes problems, before you jump to conclusions, remove
both ABS relays, clean contacts
and clean the relay connection spades too, and add
contact cleaner to them. This is good advice
for the ABS main
computer plug connections too.
15. See Oilhead section,
above, item #5, on the Hall devices.....that article has
information applicable to the K bikes. See my
ignition.htm
article too.
16. Adjusting the steering head
bearings on a K75, K100, K1100:
http://www.largiader.com/bearings
17. Brake light switch
problems....see article well above, #37B
If you have a 1985 K bike,
and a stiff throttle, also
read that article 37B...yes, a brakes switch article!
18. Hyperlink to a forum-type website. Mostly on Oilheads, but
some Hexhead, Camhead, K:
http://bmwsporttouring.com
19. Locks, gas caps, KEYS,
etc.......I have an article, #75, above, that covers all this in
some depth.
20. See Airhead section article #30 regarding the ignition
circuitry, lots of useful information on the Hall element, etc.
note also, that the
following article, while for a R1100RT oilhead, is very useful for K
bike owners:
This
article, which is illustrated, is about replacing the hall sensors for a
R1100RT sensor repair, and is SIMILAR for a K bike:
www.ebbo.org/2av54.php
21. Doing a rear main seal job is
involved. Here is a video of the procedure to R/R main seal
on a Classic K bike.
Useful for anyone wanting to know
what/how in taking apart the bike....even if not doing a rear main seal
job.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kx3mVne8Q-Y
It is in GERMAN for the audio. The
mechanical support for the bike is flimsy in MY opinion.
They found one of the headers
broken....in case you wonder about the exhaust pipe being 'shown'.
22.
http://k100rt.aforumfree.com/ has a lot of information for Classic K
bikers, NOT just the K100. Many service bulletins
are also on this site.
23.
http://www.flyingbrick.de/ has a lot of information.
It's in German, but very useful, and has all the wiring diagrams for
all the Classic K bikes (K1, K75,
K100, K1100, K1200), and lots more. Wiring diagrams are under
Shaltpläne.
24. How to replace an oil level sight
glass
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 and LOTS more.
I have a page that has some motorcycle (yes, some K bike stuff too) and personal stuff for sale (or TRADE!): click here
Sidecar
specific section (starting with my present rig, the tech
stuff follows this):
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
(highly recommended by me, and many others). I
removed the Police-type saddle, and Authorities radio
trunk
prior to our 2008 trip across the USA, installing
the stock seat and trunk. The
Police/Authorities items have been sold. I
have City-cases, as well as the
Tour-bags and use whichever is appropriate:
I often use the rig with the Tour-bag on left, City-case on
right, makes
for easier access; unless on a very long tour where I
need every cubic inch of space. Specifications
below are as I have modified the rig for my own
purposes; and are in brief, as there is lots more I have
done.
The SKUNK flag stands for Sidecars
Up Nort
Klub; Up Nort
stands for anyplace Up North of
someplace.

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
1C. Hyperlink for the Evergreen Council group
training schedule for Basic & Advanced training:
http://www.esc.org/step_national_schedule.php
2. Sidecar Technical
stuff. Links for manuals; mechanicals, photos,
licensing. Photos & modifications
details, subframes,
mounts, EXTENSIVE information on alignment considerations; specific details/photos
of R100RT-Ural rig mounts, etc.
rev.
05/09/2011
note: information that may be useful, is scattered into my
Airhead articles too.
5. Sidecar stories, off-beat stuff rev: 08/30/2006
6. Flying the chair; steering reversion; countersteering rev: 06/25/2011
7. Miscl. Sidecar Tech rev: 03/12/2010
8. EML sidecar: old brochure, plus
LOTS of
technical information on: suspension & brakes overhaul;
lamps, GT2; & other EML
models. SOME EZS information too.
rev. 07/13/2011
9.
EML sidecar tops; photos; description of various types of
tops; AND my own custom top rev.
06/27/2011
(also, see #8, just above)
10. The FLEXIT leaner sidecar rig.....history, photos,
etc. ANY leaner website
information too. rev. 03/12/2010
11.
EZS_steering_dampener (Useful information for EML
owners too!)_____________rev: 05-30-2011
12. 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.
My K1100LT is equipped with
handguards. See K bike section article 10 or click
this line
NOTE: see article 82, well above; about insurance!
All the technical information on this site is:
But,
if you want to donate to help
defray costs, click here: DONATING
I
have a page that has some motorcycle and personal stuff for
sale or TRADE/BARTER. Also lists things I WANT:
SALE
You
got this far, and STILL did not see what you wanted?
There is a SEARCH Page! : CLICK!
© "Copyright, 2012, R. Fleischer"
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