Got another project :)

[TechTMW]

Just picked up this little beauty the other day for $1000.

It's a 1991 BMW R80

With only 9,000 kilometers (6,000 miles) on the Odometer!!

It's been sitting for a while though, and the fuel system needs a thorough going-through - the stains on the engine are from a small leak in the tank.

The stablemates welcome their new partner

Got the bike from a guy who originally had it listed for $2500. He had moved back to the states and couldn't take the bike with him due to emissions reasons (Being sent to California) I think I got lucky on this buy ... basically because I don't think anyone wanted to deal w/ a broken gas tank. Couple that with the fact that the guy's been trying to offload the bike for a year (through a freind as he left for the states 8 months ago) ten c-notes did their talking and the bike was mine

Mechanically, this puppy is SOLID. I had to ride it about 35 miles from his place to mine .... I ran out of gas on the reeway (The reserve line was clogged) So I had to walk the bike on the side of the freeway to an exit (only bout 2 km's on a 90 degree day YEAH!!!) But alas there were no gas stations at the exit, so I had a used car lot dealer siphon off a liter of fuel out of one of his old junkers for 2 Euro

That go me to a fuel station ... slowly. The bad gas, coupled with the fact that I there was enough crap in the lines to choke a donkey, and the bike would only go 80 km/hr (50mph) on the freeway. Amazing ... because when I got home and broke her down, I discovered that the left cyl main jet was completely clogged w/ corrosion ... !!!

One of the biggest problems came from a former repair. I suspect that the bike had corrosion in the tank once before, and the Previous owner tried to correct the problem w/ a Kreem treatment. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD, NEVER USE KREEM!! Every bike I've seen w/ this treatment eventually starts to experience flaking of the coating in the tank, and then the thing starts to rust all over again, but this time you have a bunch fo paint and nastiness inside of the tank in addition to typical rust and varnish, etc. This is the biggest problem facing this bike right now. Getting all the old kreem out of the tank. ugh.

I can see this is going to be a great slow-speed touring bike, and after only about an hour of riding it, i think it's going to be as reliable as they get. Maybe I'll just ditch the tank in favor of a new larger capacity touring style tank ...

[poppygene]

Stop! Theif!

Impressive horse trading skills there, Tech! And it's the right color to match the other bikes, too. That one will make a good all-around bike.

Kreem's no good, huh? I've never used it myself, but I've suggested it to others who had rusty tanks and couldn't find a suitable replacement. How about POR? Is it any better for situations like this?

[High_Side]

That has to be the most smokin' deal ever. Way to go! Just like, Gene, I have recommended Kreme to others and have considered it myself so thanks for the tip. For the price, it should be easy to justify a new tank, well, maybe not BMWs price!

[HITAMUDHOLE]

That is a great deal, congrats. Cool little machine you got there. I love finding great deals like that, just picked up a ski boat on a great deal myself. I don't mind making someone else's misfortune my fortune.

[old-n-slow]

I hope you are thoroughly remorseful after beating that poor fellow like that.

[BuzZz]

Nice bike, love the price. Once the tank/carbs are cleaned up, you'll be set for life, bike-wise.... except for the odd case of bike-lust that attacks us all from time to time.

[TechTMW]

ARGH!

Well. I found out why the bike has so few miles.... It's a restricted (to 20kW ~ 26hp) German Market Model!!!

You can see the restrictor on the photo of the engine in the first post - there is a Large plug (What looks like a screw head) on the top of the carburettor. This prevents the slide from moving up ... depriving the right cylinder of air and restricting the Horses!

A new (proper) part from BMW Costs $200

Sooooo.... I tried unscrewing the plug, but the bugger's stuck in there ... even tried baking it to expand the parts ... nada. Took it to BMW here to let them have a go at it .... They have never seen a restrictor of this type before - so I left it with them in the hopes that if they break it, they can give me a new one

If all else fails I have a supplier in the UK who can send me a used one for a few bux, so it's no big deal really ... but sheesh. I wonder if the American who bought it knew it was a restricted bike ... He must think all BMW's are some weak bikes

I take the tank to a welder buddy of mine tomorrow ... wish me luck ! The hole in the tank is a pinhole above the seam ... if he can't repair it to my liking I may just get a one off tank/fairing from the Tank Shop in Scotland -

Check em out - http://www.thetankshop.com/

[TechTMW]

Fixed the problem.

[Gummiente]

Well. I found out why the bike has so few miles.... It's a restricted (to 20kW ~ 26hp) German Market Model!!!

Just be thankful you never had to deal with the TUV. When I was posted in Germany we had our own Vehicle Safety Inspection center on the Base - the Germans were amazed at the crap we could get away with on our bikes.

Anyway, looks like you scored a great deal. Congrats!

[Toyuzu]

Sounds like a fun project, Tech. So how much power should it have un-restricted?