Hey there guys! Just started on a basket '75 R90/sidecar rig, lots different from my '51 R/51 back in '65! Thanks for your great videos! Doubles the fun!
Chris - thanks so much for sharing your knowledge - awesome as I'm putting final touches on my R60/5 and this is exactly where I'm at with the project!
Hey man..! Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed this video.. I listened, saw and learned more about this type of bike, than all those "repair manuals" provides.. looking forward to see your next video..
A great request! Thanks. Beemer Boneyard has a tool page. You will find carb tuning devices, feeler gauges and clutch alignment tools along with many other parts at a fraction of what BMW dealers charge.
I like your videos. You're honestly venting about finding problems with bike design or idiotic repairs. I plan on buying an airhead and your videos will help me; ie the leak down test video.
You can go ride an Airhead around the mountain for 30 minutes and drain the oil to find that it is barely even warm. That is what I was talking about regarding extended warm up times. If you are diddling with the carbs, timing etc. you should have cooling fans blowing air on the cylinders. Thanks, Chris
Hi Chris, Thanks for this great video, it really helped me understand the process. Did you make that extension on the plugs to short out one cylinder at a time or buy it somewhere? That's a great idea! I'd appreciate the link if you have it. - Bob
Other than the haynes manual for BMW R bikes is there another than the clymer you might recommend? I have a 79 BMW R45 Euro Spec. Thanks for the videos.
HI Chris. First, thanks for the videos! I have learned a great deal about my '72 R75. I do have a question. I am seeing a double F and a double S when I'm timing my bike. I'm curious about what this means and how to solve it.
Thanks a lot for this educational video. I like the fact you don't use any tools to synchronize the carbs, ending up with a nice low, but stable idle! PS.: After not doing my exam last year, I started the required extra lessons to do it this year. Unfortunately, the instructor I had last year doesn't work there anymore, I had 2 different instructors the past 2 days and their equipment has become junk: speed-checker broken, intercom all noisy (+ louder bikes)... Next week 1 more lesson + exam...
Hi Chris , just wondering what these carbs setting is on the air screw ?? I just picked up a basket case 75 r60/6 doh as if I dont have enough with the gs1200! Marc vdp!
Well, the timing light and flywheel marks would be the same and instead of rotating the points plate to adjust the timing you'd rotate the hall unit (can).
Hi Chris, Watched your vid on carb balance but my Bike is newer, year 1993 a BMW R100rt .Heres my problem I did not understand the reason you short out the plugs and I did not pick up on what your thought processes were as that was happening.Can anyone clarify that part ?
Hi I have a 1974 BMW r60/6 that has a problem that nobody can solve. When I start the engine, the rev counter marks 1200rpm and after some time it starts to accelerate by itself until it reaches close to 3000rpm. This happens after 6 to 8 minutes. I wonder why? It have 2 carburetors Bing 1/26/123 and 124. Thanks
Roger, I do not have a video covering that. A good locksmith should be able to make a key and help you avoid replacing the ignition. I wish you luck, Chris
since one of the two cylinders is staggered the intake tube length is different for each side of the engine, it is as if you are a zen master tuner ! get it right and you are in motorcycle nirvana
Hi Chris, Sorry you didn't have to adjust the timing. Would have liked to see that. It appears to be tricky if you do it while the engine is running. The spinning rotor looks intimidating. Whats your approach here?
Hi rcpmac, The procedure is awkward but simple to turn the points plate with a screwdriver blade while the engine is running. I will have video of this procedure in the future. Thank you, Chris
Part 2 of my rant: I mentioned I really need a working speed-checker on the course to practice properly and I need a better intercom on the exam. Let's hope next week will be better, because I really don't like the idea of having to spend more money on even more extra lessons and an extra exam because of their junk equipment... I'll be happy when this is all over, so I can enjoy riding my own bike (hopefully a Beemer by next year)...
The “don’t get hot” statement is referring to the crankcase and oil temperature. Like the insides of the engine. Those cylinders sticking way out the sides get very hot - very quickly because that’s where the combustion is happening. They need airflow. The heat in those cylinders can take some time to transfer in to the big block of metal in the middle.
Thanks! My biggest fear is having trouble hearing the instructor trough the shitty intercom system of the riding school, and failing to keep speed until the speed-checker before doing the emergency-brake or obstacle-avoid test. I am used to continuously anticipate while driving in a car or truck, so it's very weird for me keeping the throttle wide open knowing I'll have to brake hard or avoid an obstacle... I guess I'll have to find the switch of my brain and turn it off :-)
Chris, you're a bad ass for putting these videos out there for us airhead lovers. Can you explain how idle adjustment and fuel idle mixture relate to synchronization--i.e., where does that step fit in? Is this order generally correct to get proper synchronization: Points->Valves->Timing->Idle Speed->Idle Mix----or does Idle Mix affect Idle Speed causing a semi-circular pattern until it's just right?
disconnect the battery before you remove the timing cover or you could short out the diode panel .and be sure of what the correct timing marks indicateor it will run like pile of poo. i put little o-rings on the advancer posts to assist those shitty little springs that dont have enough tension to positively return timing at idle.
Your a funny guy. Yeah I agree with BMW being fuckin overpriced crooks. I never buy from them here in Aussie. I go to an independent guy or eBay. Hopefully I can get my r65 running better. Got a feeling the valves might be tight though
I always love your videos. You just always seem so pissed off about everything all the time. It's great. I'm still trying to figure out why some R bike have the really rounded valve covers like the one in this video and the more angular valve cover like what you see in the one on your valve adjustment/rocker arm video www.bing.com/videos/search?q=r100+valve&go=&qs=n&form=VBREQY&pq=r100+valve&sc=1-10&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&mid=FBBA92C67201E115974DFBBA92C67201E115974D What's the difference and why. It doesn't seem to be related to the year of manufacture.
Hi man,I'm repairing cycles (boxers) too,and i've seen your videos 'cause since i don't have BMW,and now I will buy R100 from 1980. A little intresting for you, how we made older carburetors synchronizing. In Hungary were maden a spark plug which made of glass, and when you take in to the block, and start tehe engine, you see what colour made the fuel explosion. if it's orange, fuel too much, and if it's light blue, fuel not enough. Thats a video of it: youtubedotcom/watch?v=yFwCNXfJJLg
Too much time bitching about what you should have done and didn't or what you could have done and what is not relevant. If you are going to make videos, take some time to think it out and do it right. We don't care about what you are NOT going to show us.
Feel free to make your own video. Complaining to anyone that took the time to do something like this seems stupid. I'd rather have 100 non-complete maintenance videos than ZERO once you piss the guy off and he quits making them. I found the video to be quite informative as a brand new R90/6 owner.
you would have to work on these bikes to understand that there is no right and wrong in the traditional sense. in all reality you are trying to make two engines connected to one crankshaft work in unison, once you do get it there is really no way to describe it to others in plain english . but its worth doing !
Hey there guys! Just started on a basket '75 R90/sidecar rig, lots different from my '51 R/51 back in '65! Thanks for your great videos! Doubles the fun!
Hey there guys! Just started on a basket '75 R90/sidecar rig, lots different from my '51 R/51 back in '65! Thanks for your great videos! Doubles the fun!
Chris - thanks so much for sharing your knowledge - awesome as I'm putting final touches on my R60/5 and this is exactly where I'm at with the project!
I love your older videos like this one. Genuine and at full throttle f-ing around.
so much valuable info here! This guy is a God of airheads!
Hey man..! Thanks for sharing. I really enjoyed this video.. I listened, saw and learned more about this type of bike, than all those "repair manuals" provides.. looking forward to see your next video..
Another great video! I love working on my airhead, now. Thanks for all you share!
I am so glad my first few trucks and cars had points. With a little patience,this looks like a very easy task.
great video thank you for posting these.. as a first time airhead owner your videos are helpful!
what a amazing service! I respect.
Thank you! Comments such as these keep me making more.
Hi Chris, love the video man! You speak my language!
Thank you Chris for this Video. It is a big help where i am from.
Chris - thanks so much! Great vids as usual...
A great request! Thanks. Beemer Boneyard has a tool page. You will find carb tuning devices, feeler gauges and clutch alignment tools along with many other parts at a fraction of what BMW dealers charge.
Once I buy one of these BMW's, I will take it to you. I grew up in Pittsfield way back when.
Chris I'd like to be out for a few beers with you I'm sure I have a good time, I think your a solid guy. Thanks man
I like your videos. You're honestly venting about finding problems with bike design or idiotic repairs. I plan on buying an airhead and your videos will help me; ie the leak down test video.
From Cairo Egypt
great videos thanks
You can go ride an Airhead around the mountain for 30 minutes and drain the oil to find that it is barely even warm. That is what I was talking about regarding extended warm up times. If you are diddling with the carbs, timing etc. you should have cooling fans blowing air on the cylinders. Thanks, Chris
Great as always!
EME is great, got the 450 brushless alt, valeo starter, digi electronic ign for dual plugs. So far so great, tons of DC produced.
That BM runs like a sewing machine. I miss mine. Good video guys.
U are a very very good mechanic
Great and clear info.. thanks
awesome video thanks
You the man!
Hi Chris,
Thanks for this great video, it really helped me understand the process. Did you make that extension on the plugs to short out one cylinder at a time or buy it somewhere? That's a great idea! I'd appreciate the link if you have it. - Bob
Awesome fucking vid. Just got a 60/5 and this is amazing
Thanks Ken!
Other than the haynes manual for BMW R bikes is there another than the clymer you might recommend? I have a 79 BMW R45 Euro Spec. Thanks for the videos.
HI Chris. First, thanks for the videos! I have learned a great deal about my '72 R75. I do have a question. I am seeing a double F and a double S when I'm timing my bike. I'm curious about what this means and how to solve it.
Amen on how long it takes to warm up!
You're welcome.
Thanks a lot for this educational video. I like the fact you don't use any tools to synchronize the carbs, ending up with a nice low, but stable idle!
PS.: After not doing my exam last year, I started the required extra lessons to do it this year. Unfortunately, the instructor I had last year doesn't work there anymore, I had 2 different instructors the past 2 days and their equipment has become junk: speed-checker broken, intercom all noisy (+ louder bikes)...
Next week 1 more lesson + exam...
Thank you very much!
Thanks. I'll work on that.
Great video. Thanks so much. Where should I set the smaller screws? Those are air adjustment correct?
Hello Chris, could you add some comments regarding how to adjust the smaller screw (mixture)? Any recommendation will be really useful. Thanks.
Hi Chris , just wondering what these carbs setting is on the air screw ?? I just picked up a basket case 75 r60/6 doh as if I dont have enough with the gs1200! Marc vdp!
Would removing one of the suppressor caps from one cylinder not have the same effect as shorting out the spark plug?
EXCELENTE GRACIAS...............
Well, the timing light and flywheel marks would be the same and instead of rotating the points plate to adjust the timing you'd rotate the hall unit (can).
good info here. cris i have a /5 that starves for fuel at high speeds. float level?
You're welcome!
Hi Chris,
Watched your vid on carb balance but my Bike is newer, year 1993 a BMW R100rt .Heres my problem I did not understand the reason you short out the plugs and I did not pick up on what your thought processes were as that was happening.Can anyone clarify that part ?
Do you have video of replacing points with electronic ignition ?
I’ve got a dyna tek electronic ignition and I believe the coils are hooked up wrong any idea how they’re suppose to be connected?
Hi I have a 1974 BMW r60/6 that has a problem that nobody can solve. When I start the engine, the rev counter marks 1200rpm and after some time it starts to accelerate by itself until it reaches close to 3000rpm. This happens after 6 to 8 minutes. I wonder why? It have 2 carburetors Bing 1/26/123 and 124. Thanks
Yes.
When are you going to adjust the air mixture ????
Hi there my centrifugal governor is stuck any hints on getting it off, i am trying to be very careful not to damage it. thanks for all your videos.
He is!
Need help removing bing carb from cylinder head. I’ve tried penetrating oil. Any suggestions?
will this work with a later model airhead? like a 1994 r100 ?
Hi how I do synchronisation for BMW r 80 rt
Hello, did you post any video about carb sync for r80/7.
very helpful. Thanks!
You're welcome. Happy New Year.
nice chris can you still do this if you have boyer bransden ignition thanks
took my road test on a r60/5
Good Luck! I wish I could help.
I would suspect you have damaged the insulation somewhere on the ignition. It is possible to get a good spark in air but fails under compression.
Chris do you have a video showing how to replace ignition switch. Have r75/6 that needs to have keys made.
Thank you
Roger, I do not have a video covering that. A good locksmith should be able to make a key and help you avoid replacing the ignition. I wish you luck, Chris
I'll cover that at some point. It's all time vs. money :(
since one of the two cylinders is staggered the intake tube length is different for each side of the engine, it is as if you are a zen master tuner ! get it right and you are in motorcycle nirvana
Hi Chris,
Sorry you didn't have to adjust the timing. Would have liked to see that. It appears to be tricky if you do it while the engine is running. The spinning rotor looks intimidating. Whats your approach here?
Hi rcpmac, The procedure is awkward but simple to turn the points plate with a screwdriver blade while the engine is running. I will have video of this procedure in the future. Thank you, Chris
Chris Harris .
Agreed.... That's what I was looking for but didn't do it!
Part 2 of my rant:
I mentioned I really need a working speed-checker on the course to practice properly and I need a better intercom on the exam. Let's hope next week will be better, because I really don't like the idea of having to spend more money on even more extra lessons and an extra exam because of their junk equipment...
I'll be happy when this is all over, so I can enjoy riding my own bike (hopefully a Beemer by next year)...
Wait a minute? They don't get hot for 45 minutes, but you don't want to run them for more than 2-3 minutes without airflow? I don't get it.
The “don’t get hot” statement is referring to the crankcase and oil temperature. Like the insides of the engine. Those cylinders sticking way out the sides get very hot - very quickly because that’s where the combustion is happening. They need airflow. The heat in those cylinders can take some time to transfer in to the big block of metal in the middle.
Same as any other Airhead basically.
Grunt Grunt ;)
Great video guys and I finally got to see arschloch in action.........made my day, thanks!
Very educational!!! Is the BMW pig the new shop mascot?? OINK OINK LOL
Thanks!
My biggest fear is having trouble hearing the instructor trough the shitty intercom system of the riding school, and failing to keep speed until the speed-checker before doing the emergency-brake or obstacle-avoid test.
I am used to continuously anticipate while driving in a car or truck, so it's very weird for me keeping the throttle wide open knowing I'll have to brake hard or avoid an obstacle...
I guess I'll have to find the switch of my brain and turn it off :-)
Actually F=Früh. Translate to early. S=Spät translate to late. But I get you.
Chris, you're a bad ass for putting these videos out there for us airhead lovers. Can you explain how idle adjustment and fuel idle mixture relate to synchronization--i.e., where does that step fit in? Is this order generally correct to get proper synchronization: Points->Valves->Timing->Idle Speed->Idle Mix----or does Idle Mix affect Idle Speed causing a semi-circular pattern until it's just right?
disconnect the battery before you remove the timing cover or you could short out the diode panel .and be sure of what the correct timing marks indicateor it will run like pile of poo. i put little o-rings on the advancer posts to assist those shitty little springs that dont have enough tension to positively return timing at idle.
Chris, I understand you left the BMW dealer because you couldn't coop with the company's greediness?
Is it possable to put a link of where to get special tools or parts that are used so I can help the little guy and not go to the dealer.
Thanks! There are plenty of homeless Airheads out there... buy another one?
Heat it and gently pry under both ears and it should come off.
Your a funny guy. Yeah I agree with BMW being fuckin overpriced crooks. I never buy from them here in Aussie. I go to an independent guy or eBay. Hopefully I can get my r65 running better. Got a feeling the valves might be tight though
I always love your videos. You just always seem so pissed off about everything all the time. It's great.
I'm still trying to figure out why some R bike have the really rounded valve covers like the one in this video and the more angular valve cover like what you see in the one on your valve adjustment/rocker arm video www.bing.com/videos/search?q=r100+valve&go=&qs=n&form=VBREQY&pq=r100+valve&sc=1-10&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&mid=FBBA92C67201E115974DFBBA92C67201E115974D
What's the difference and why. It doesn't seem to be related to the year of manufacture.
Hi man,I'm repairing cycles (boxers) too,and i've seen your videos 'cause since i don't have BMW,and now I will buy R100 from 1980. A little intresting for you, how we made older carburetors synchronizing. In Hungary were maden a spark plug which made of glass, and when you take in to the block, and start tehe engine, you see what colour made the fuel explosion. if it's orange, fuel too much, and if it's light blue, fuel not enough. Thats a video of it: youtubedotcom/watch?v=yFwCNXfJJLg
It's called Color-tune I use it on big single brit bikes.
Too much time bitching about what you should have done and didn't or what you could have done and what is not relevant. If you are going to make videos, take some time to think it out and do it right. We don't care about what you are NOT going to show us.
Feel free to make your own video. Complaining to anyone that took the time to do something like this seems stupid. I'd rather have 100 non-complete maintenance videos than ZERO once you piss the guy off and he quits making them. I found the video to be quite informative as a brand new R90/6 owner.
you would have to work on these bikes to understand that there is no right and wrong in the traditional sense. in all reality you are trying to make two engines connected to one crankshaft work in unison, once you do get it there is really no way to describe it to others in plain english . but its worth doing !
Hey there guys! Just started on a basket '75 R90/sidecar rig, lots different from my '51 R/51 back in '65! Thanks for your great videos! Doubles the fun!
Thanks Citroen!
You're welcome!