Vintage BMW Motorcycle OwnersAirhead Technical Library

Applicability

Find what applies to your motorcycle

Snowbum wrote for the whole boxer range at once — a single paragraph can cover a 1970 R50/5 and a 1994 R100R. Every article has been read for the models it actually discusses, so you can start from your own bike.

Read the tags as a starting point, not a filter to hide behind. These tags record which machines an article discusses. Much of what Snowbum wrote about one model applies to its neighbours, and he frequently says so in the text. When in doubt, read the article.

Pre-Airhead (/2 and earlier) 1923-1969

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R26	1956-1960	3 articles Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · The /2 (era) slinger service · Critique of the ChiTech Electrics School Man
R27	1960-1966	2 articles Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · The /2 (era) slinger service
R50/2	1960-1969	1 articles Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od
R60/2	1960-1969	4 articles Purchasing an old BMW Airhead Motorcycle; Ge · This is a major charting of basic formation · Driveshaft Bolts, Washers, Torque, tools, PU · Large alternators BMW Airhead motorcycles
R69S	1960-1969	4 articles BMW motorcycle front forks alignment, steeri · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od · Useful URL's & sources for BMW motorcyclists · The /2 (era) slinger service

Displacement classes (written without a series) 1970-1995

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R50	1970-1973	6 articles BMW motorcycle front forks alignment, steeri · Ignition timing; automatic advance units for · Pinging (Pinking). Lugging. Piston detonatio · Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · Bing dual-independent float kit · Oil viscosities, viscosity indexes, engine o
R60	1970-1978	4 articles Ignition timing; automatic advance units for · BMW Airhead motorcycle cylinders, studs, shi · Pinging (Pinking). Lugging. Piston detonatio · Oil viscosities, viscosity indexes, engine o
R80	1978-1995	17 articles Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Setting Valves; how to do it correctly. Avoi · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · The Alternator/Charging System. Operation. T · BMW airhead motorcycle clutch, flywheel, clu · Tuning Intake and Exhaust systems; plus othe · Modifications for performance, reliability,
R100	1977-1996	23 articles Brakes: Drum brakes. Disc brakes. Bleeding/F · Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Bing CV Carburetors, PART 1; GENERAL NOTES, · BMW airhead motorcycle clutch, flywheel, clu · Tuning Intake and Exhaust systems; plus othe · bmw airhead motorcycle engine top end assemb · Bing Carburetor PART 2; MORE GENERAL NOTES,

/5 Series 1970-1973

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R50/5	1970-1973	7 articles Dual Plugging: Ignition, electrics, milling · BMW Airhead motorcycle cylinders, studs, shi · Pinging (Pinking). Lugging. Piston detonatio · BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color · Slash 5 (/5) starter relay 'cricket' noise & · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od · BMW Airheads Motorcycle wheel spoke lacing &
R60/5	1970-1973	6 articles Dual Plugging: Ignition, electrics, milling · BMW Airhead motorcycle cylinders, studs, shi · Pinging (Pinking). Lugging. Piston detonatio · Bing dual-independent float kit · Slash 5 (/5) starter relay 'cricket' noise & · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od
R75/5	1970-1973	14 articles Tires, tyres, testing, tire hydroplaning, ru · Oil & filter change. The "$2000 O-ring" ($35 · Synchronizing Carburetors; the whole story, · Bing CV Carburetors, PART 1; GENERAL NOTES, · Bing Carburetor PART 2; MORE GENERAL NOTES, · Removing/plugging the Pulse Air & Evaporativ · Early Bing CV Carburetors used on R75/5, idl · BMW Airhead motorcycle cylinders, studs, shi

/6 Series 1974-1976

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R60/6	1974-1976	6 articles Bing CV Carburetors, PART 1; GENERAL NOTES, · Dual Plugging: Ignition, electrics, milling · Pinging (Pinking). Lugging. Piston detonatio · BMW Airhead motorcycles camshaft, cams, spro · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od · BMW Airheads Motorcycle wheel spoke lacing &
R75/6	1974-1976	3 articles Oil & filter change. The "$2000 O-ring" ($35 · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od · Schematic diagrams in 3 formats: .gif; .pdf;
R90/6	1974-1976	7 articles Oil & filter change. The "$2000 O-ring" ($35 · bmw airhead motorcycle engine top end assemb · BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color · This is a major charting of basic formation · BMW Airhead motorcycle wheel bearings clinic · Large alternators BMW Airhead motorcycles · Schematic diagrams in 3 formats: .gif; .pdf;
R90S	1974-1976	19 articles Brakes: Drum brakes. Disc brakes. Bleeding/F · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Oil & filter change. The "$2000 O-ring" ($35 · The Alternator/Charging System. Operation. T · bmw airhead motorcycle engine top end assemb · Modifications for performance, reliability, · The Dell'Orto Carburetor · Fuel System: Premium vs regular; additives;

/7 Series 1977-1980

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R60/7	1977-1978	5 articles Bing CV Carburetors, PART 1; GENERAL NOTES, · BMW Airhead motorcycles camshaft, cams, spro · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od · This is a major charting of basic formation · Torque Specifications & problems; conversion
R75/7	1977	2 articles Early Bing CV Carburetors used on R75/5, idl · Torque Specifications & problems; conversion
R80/7	1978-1984	4 articles BMW Airhead motorcycles camshaft, cams, spro · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od · This is a major charting of basic formation · Torque Specifications & problems; conversion
R100/7	1977-1978	5 articles BMW Airhead motorcycles camshaft, cams, spro · BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color · Ring & pinion gears, ratios, speedometers/od · Lester motorcycle wheels · Torque Specifications & problems; conversion
R100S	1977-1980	9 articles Setting Valves; how to do it correctly. Avoi · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · BMW Airhead motorcycles camshaft, cams, spro · Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color · BMW Airhead motorcycles, wheels, wheel beari · Miscl. Electrical schematics: Hazard flasher · Oil Coolers, including installation; oil can
R100RS	1977-1984	13 articles Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Setting Valves; how to do it correctly. Avoi · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · BMW airhead motorcycle clutch, flywheel, clu · Flywheel removal warning, main seal, oil pum · BMW Airhead motorcycles camshaft, cams, spro · Ampmeters (ammeters) vs. Voltmeters. GEN lam
R100RT	1979-1984	38 articles IGNITION: Points; Timing lights; Ignition Mo · TOOLS (extensive information) · Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Lamps; all types. Adding relays, lamp substi · BMW motorcycle front forks alignment, steeri · Tires, tyres, testing, tire hydroplaning, ru · Servicing BMW Airhead motorcycle tapered whe · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1
R100CS	1981-1984	1 articles BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color
R100T	1979-1980	1 articles BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color

Small Twins 1978-1985

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R45	1978-1985	23 articles IGNITION: Points; Timing lights; Ignition Mo · Brakes: Drum brakes. Disc brakes. Bleeding/F · Electrical hints, problems, fixes, descripti · Setting Valves; how to do it correctly. Avoi · Servicing BMW Airhead motorcycle tapered whe · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Basic (and advanced) electricity 101+. De-my · BMW airhead motorcycle clutch, flywheel, clu
R65	1978-1985	49 articles IGNITION: Points; Timing lights; Ignition Mo · Brakes: Drum brakes. Disc brakes. Bleeding/F · Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · New batteries, ALL TYPES, including lithium. · BMW motorcycle front forks alignment, steeri · Tires, tyres, testing, tire hydroplaning, ru · Electrical hints, problems, fixes, descripti · Setting Valves; how to do it correctly. Avoi
R65LS	1982-1984	5 articles Servicing BMW Airhead motorcycle tapered whe · Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · BMW Airhead motorcycle wheel bearings clinic · BMW Airhead motorcycles, wheels, wheel beari · BMW Airheads and earlier telescopic fork; oi

Monolever & Paralever 1981-1995

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R80G/S	1981-1987	8 articles IGNITION: Points; Timing lights; Ignition Mo · Brakes: Drum brakes. Disc brakes. Bleeding/F · Chemicals. Cleaners. Removing old labels and · BMW motorcycle front forks alignment, steeri · Tires, tyres, testing, tire hydroplaning, ru · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · This is a major charting of basic formation · Airheads & K bikes: Broken front and/or rear
R80ST	1983-1984	12 articles IGNITION: Points; Timing lights; Ignition Mo · Brakes: Drum brakes. Disc brakes. Bleeding/F · Tires, tyres, testing, tire hydroplaning, ru · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Modifications for performance, reliability, · Torque values for nuts, bolts, etc · This is a major charting of basic formation · Tachometers. Connections, wire colors, retro
R80	1985-1994	17 articles Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Setting Valves; how to do it correctly. Avoi · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · The Alternator/Charging System. Operation. T · BMW airhead motorcycle clutch, flywheel, clu · Tuning Intake and Exhaust systems; plus othe · Modifications for performance, reliability,
R80RT	1985-1995	6 articles Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color · This is a major charting of basic formation · BMW Airheads and earlier telescopic fork; oi
R80GS	1988-1996	9 articles Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · Torque values for nuts, bolts, etc · BMW Paint Codes 1970-? Paint. Sources. Color · Bing carburetors that urinate....piss/weep/l · BMW Airheads and earlier telescopic fork; oi · Airheads & K bikes: Broken front and/or rear
R100GS	1988-1996	20 articles IGNITION: Points; Timing lights; Ignition Mo · Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · BMW motorcycle front forks alignment, steeri · Tires, tyres, testing, tire hydroplaning, ru · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · Sidecar Technical Hints, tire rims, brakes, · Oil filters, canisters, ETC. Simplified info
R100R	1992-1996	11 articles Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Electrical hints, problems, fixes, descripti · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · BMW airhead motorcycle clutch, flywheel, clu · Torque values for nuts, bolts, etc · Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · Throttle screws; friction & anti-friction sc
R100RS	1987-1992	13 articles Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Setting Valves; how to do it correctly. Avoi · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1 · Tubeless tires and tube type tires; rims, ri · BMW airhead motorcycle clutch, flywheel, clu · Flywheel removal warning, main seal, oil pum · BMW Airhead motorcycles camshaft, cams, spro · Ampmeters (ammeters) vs. Voltmeters. GEN lam
R100RT	1987-1995	38 articles IGNITION: Points; Timing lights; Ignition Mo · TOOLS (extensive information) · Transmissions. Lots about details you may wa · Lamps; all types. Adding relays, lamp substi · BMW motorcycle front forks alignment, steeri · Tires, tyres, testing, tire hydroplaning, ru · Servicing BMW Airhead motorcycle tapered whe · Model differences, descriptions, problems. 1

Classic K (Flying Brick) 1983-1997

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
K100	1983-1992	19 articles SPARK PLUGS for Airheads, Pre-Airheads, Clas · EML & EZS sidecars;snobum,snowbum,specificat · Oil lubrication TECH. Oil recommendations; Z · CAN-BUS and OBDII. What are they? Other type · Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · Metric & American Wires & Colors; Bosch Code · Hints and advice for BMW K bike motorcycle o · Adding Running Lamp Function to Turn Signals
K75	1985-1996	14 articles Brakes: Drum brakes. Disc brakes. Bleeding/F · SPARK PLUGS for Airheads, Pre-Airheads, Clas · Oil lubrication TECH. Oil recommendations; Z · Ignition Theory; simple + in-depth, nerdy st · CAN-BUS and OBDII. What are they? Other type · Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · Metric & American Wires & Colors; Bosch Code · Hints and advice for BMW K bike motorcycle o
K1	1989-1993	9 articles SPARK PLUGS for Airheads, Pre-Airheads, Clas · Oil lubrication TECH. Oil recommendations; Z · CAN-BUS and OBDII. What are they? Other type · Metric & American Wires & Colors; Bosch Code · Hints and advice for BMW K bike motorcycle o · Adding Running Lamp Function to Turn Signals · Fuel caps: Removing a bad cap; R/R locks; ve · How to replace the oil level sight glass on
K1100	1990-1999	9 articles SPARK PLUGS for Airheads, Pre-Airheads, Clas · Oil lubrication TECH. Oil recommendations; Z · CAN-BUS and OBDII. What are they? Other type · Cables: Throttle; clutch; speedometer; tacho · Metric & American Wires & Colors; Bosch Code · Adding Running Lamp Function to Turn Signals · Classic BMW K bike Coolant Change; reducing · Fuel caps: Removing a bad cap; R/R locks; ve
K1200	1997-2008	3 articles SPARK PLUGS for Airheads, Pre-Airheads, Clas · Oil lubrication TECH. Oil recommendations; Z · CAN-BUS and OBDII. What are they? Other type

Oilhead & later 1993-2012

Model	Years	Most substantial coverage
R1100	1993-2001	3 articles The ROUNDEL; sizes, part numbers. INCLUDES C · MANUALS AND LITERATURE; SOURCES, DESCRIPTION · BMW OILHEAD MOTORCYCLES REPAIR HINTS
R1150	1999-2006	2 articles The ROUNDEL; sizes, part numbers. INCLUDES C · MANUALS AND LITERATURE; SOURCES, DESCRIPTION