Older BMW information

[pookie]

Hey guys
This is my first post here. You will usually find me over in the 911 BBS. Anyways I may have a chance of getting an older BMW as a project bike. All I know about the bike is that it is a 1957 BMW and it is desperate need of a restoration. I was wondering if anyone knew of a website where I may be able to find more information on the older BMW bikes. I've been to BMW's webiste and it has 3 or 4 lines that tell how many bikes were made in 1957. I was hoping to find more info before I went in on the project.

Thanks in advance

[SCOTTinNJ]

Not sure about where to find info, but if you need parts check out Blue Moon Cycle near Atlanta and Bob's BMW in Maryland. Both should have catalogs on their websites. There's also a well known painter out in Ohio somewhere, but the name escapes me.

[Rapid Dog]

Best bunch ofBeemer knotheads I;'ve come across is http://www.boxerworks.com/
Good info forum especially for airhead.
Just ask a question...

[DerEifelFahrer]

Try www.airheads.org, this is probably the most resourseful site for restorers, and air heads in general. Theres also a German parts house that has parts for the old machines, presently has a very extensive listing on E-Bay, he is out of Rhine-Main which is very near Frankfurt.

Good luck

[johnty288]

IMHO the best resource for these bikes is Craig Vechorik at Bench Mark Works. I think he is in Mississippi and has an excellent website. The bike is an easy (although expensive) restoration.

[JonyRR]

hmmmm...pookie. I've got a guards red '72 911 targa with a big-bore motor, freshly-done webers, electromotive ignition and recaro-replica seats, body perfect, paint 95 points, fresh alternator, rebuilding the wiring harness. Bring the old BMW and some cash and we might be able to do some business if you're interested. Just a thought

[roger albert]

I'd second the Vech recommendation.
Worlds ahead of Bobs and somewhat better than BlueMoon.
I'd question whether it's an easy resto. Cosmetically, sure,
but the crank and slingers are no fun. Vech's site and service
are the best. I can help a bit as needed. Most of the other sites
listed above are great for 70+ beemers, but marginal for pre70.
Vech does little else but pre70
hth
roger

[RoLoo]

Originally posted by pookie

...all I know about the bike is that it is a 1957 BMW and it is desperate need of a restoration. I was wondering if anyone knew of a website where I may be able to find more information on the older BMW bikes.

...maybe this can help you a bit ?

www.motorrad-stemler.de
(all kinds of older BMW parts + cataloque)

Ron.

[emccarty]

Pookie and Jony I have a 1966 R50/2 with about 20,000 miles (my father bought it new). I have all the new parts to make it like new (too much to list). Most all the original chrome parts have new stainless steel replacements including rims. I have spent around $4000.00 in parts. I have a Hoske 10 gallon tank. Let me know if you might be interested in this package deal, I have lost interest in completing it.

[pookie]

Well I bought it...and its pretty bad. But you all will get a laugh...I only gave the dude $15 I figured if it turned out to be unsaveable then I would try and part it so someone could something they may need.

Thanks for the help

[1967 R50/2]

Firt let me say that the bike is NOT a 1957. By 57 BMW had switched to an earles fork for all the single bikes. That is likely an EARLIER R25 which were made from 51-56. In all likelihood it is an R25/3, and probably one toward the end of the production run which was not registered until 1957...hence the 1957 date.

If you give me the serial number I can look it up and tell you exactly.

Total production of R25s, R25/2s and R25/3s were 23,400, 38,651, and 47,700 respectively. That is ALOT of bikes in mid 50's BMW parlance.

I agree, that Vech is good. Also try the marketplace on IBMWR. Realistically you are looking at putting several thousands of dollars into the bike to get it restored, or even to run. You probably will never get back the money that you put into it. Personally, I would either part it out. Or turn it around and sell it. You could surely get more than the $15 you paid for it. I'd price it at around $1000-$1500, even as a non-runner. It is mostly there with the exception of the seat, and the handlebars which are easy to find and the rar fender lower....which is not so east. I would check with Mark Huggett on that one. http://www.bmwbike.com

If you ahve any more questions about old BMWs feel free to PM me. I have been dealing with these old things for a while.

[pookie]

I was contacted by another gentlemen who stated that it was not a 1957 as I was told. The serial # is 299423, at least that is the number on the frame.

I began a teardown tonight. The front fender, handle bars, shocks, tank, seat and both wheels came off tonight. The two stickers on the fron fork are inspection stickers from NC. One is labeled 1968-1969 and the other 1969-1970.

I saw in some pics where the exhaust is supposed to be on the other side. The other individual said the handlebars are not the right ones, is that correct?

Also if I have to part it or sell it as is, is it better for me to leave it in its current condition, or try and clean up all the parts before I sell it?

And finally, what goes behind the carb? Is there supposed to be some type of filter or battery or oil tank in that large opening?

[1967 R50/2]

Pookie

1. That serial number makes it an R25/3....so 56 or earlier.

2. The exhaust is indeed on the wrong side.

3. The handlebars are probably "Flanders" bars. Flanders still exists as a company and still makes handlebars. They also use to have the west coast distribution rights and so manufactured some accessories for the bikes.

4. I think it would be better to clean it up...provided that cleaning is all that is involved.

5. There is a air tube that goes behind the carb. It is routed up, runs under the tank, ending in a disc type airfilter right in front of, and over, the head.

Just aft of that there should be a battery tray that holds the battery via a rubber strap and a bicycle type tire pump.

[Rapid Dog]

$15!! that's fabulous...good deal!