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Registered ConfUser
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Waterlogged
Posts: 23,553
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I’ve really stepped in it now - 1954 BMW R25/3
Since turning 60 last month...and following a birthday visit to the Barber Motorsport Museum, I’ve had the itch to acquire a vintage bike...maybe as old as I am. BMW’s of that era were so advanced compared to others and just look cool (to my eye), so that was my first choice.
Bottom line...bored at work yesterday, flipped through CL and this 54 R25/3 was posted about an hour from home. Ad wasn’t there a day earlier. Owner bought the bike while in Germany on a work assignment in 2009 from the original owner. Bike was bought new, suffered a catastrophic engine failure in its first few months and received a new engine from the factory at that time, so numbers don’t match...ands haven’t since 1955. Apparently bike was under a tarp from 1970 until 2009 in the original owners garage. I pick it up this afternoon. Comes with tons of documentation including original German owners and service manuals, import docs, receipts and documentation for everything that’s ever been done to the bike, another box of NOS parts the original owner accumulated over decades and even a long letter from the original owner to the guy I’m buying it from with more details. I think I’m more excited about sifting through all the paperwork and parts than the actual bike. Bike received a full mechanical restoration. Starts, runs and rides excellent. Original paint and patina remain although rear fender was repainted and hand striped in Germany after a battery leaked on it decades ago. That original battery was drained and is in the box of parts! Should be an interesting experience... My son in the background...bored with the whole affair  Small leather pouch was a factory option that has been on the bike since new. Well worn leather: 
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Mike “I wouldn’t want to live under the conditions a person could get used to”. -My paternal grandmother having immigrated to America shortly before WWll. |
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03-19-2019, 03:59 AM
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A Man of Wealth and Taste
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Out there somewhere beyond the doors of perception
Posts: 51,063
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Wow a Kraut Moped! Where are the pedals?
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03-19-2019, 04:03 AM
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Registered ConfUser
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Waterlogged
Posts: 23,553
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13 HP baby. 250cc thumper.
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Mike “I wouldn’t want to live under the conditions a person could get used to”. -My paternal grandmother having immigrated to America shortly before WWll. |
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03-19-2019, 04:04 AM
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A Man of Wealth and Taste
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Out there somewhere beyond the doors of perception
Posts: 51,063
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I am sorry I couldn't resist...i like vintage.
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03-19-2019, 04:06 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Dahlonega , Georgia
Posts: 14,666
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That is way cool ! And congrats on the 60 year milestone , be safe out there .
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2002 Boxster S . Arctic silver + black top/int. Jake Raby 3.6 SS engine " the beast ". GT3 front bumper, GT3 side skirts and GT3 TEK rear diffuser. 1999 996 C4 coupe black/grey with FSI 3.8 engine . Rear diffuser , front spoiler lip with ducktail spoiler . |
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03-19-2019, 04:09 AM
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Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Chatham NJ
Posts: 137
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Very Cool !!
I luv my old shaft drive, totally different ride than the chains.....
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Paul 91 964 C2 Targa sold (shipped back to the fatherland) 09 Cayman PDK 17 Titan 55 Sunbeam S7 Deluxe 70 Triumph Bonneville |
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03-19-2019, 04:28 AM
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(the shotguns)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,676
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**** almighty I had the same bike! not THAT very bike but a 54 r25/3! very similar story. sat in a garage for 30 years covered in oil.
sold it after a short time as I was getting too far into bikes and saw trouble ahead. I regret it though. if you look through my old, old posts you'll find a few on it. mine wasn't nearly as nice though.
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***************************************** Well i had #6 adjusted perfectly but then just before i tightened it a butterfly in Zimbabwe farted and now i have to start all over again! I believe we all make mistakes but I will not validate your poor choices and/or perversions and subsidize the results your actions. |
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03-19-2019, 04:29 AM
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FUSHIGI
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: somewhere between here and there
Posts: 10,755
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the guys at OCC would really make it pop!
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03-19-2019, 04:30 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 31,511
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Very cool.
Doing some home work on it now since that series BMW is unfamiliar to me. https://tractionlife.com/1954-bmw-r253-motorcycle/ Enjoy!
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1996 FJ80. Last edited by Seahawk; 03-19-2019 at 04:36 AM.. |
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03-19-2019, 04:31 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Dahlonega , Georgia
Posts: 14,666
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Quote:
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2002 Boxster S . Arctic silver + black top/int. Jake Raby 3.6 SS engine " the beast ". GT3 front bumper, GT3 side skirts and GT3 TEK rear diffuser. 1999 996 C4 coupe black/grey with FSI 3.8 engine . Rear diffuser , front spoiler lip with ducktail spoiler . |
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03-19-2019, 04:52 AM
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Zink Racer
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Spokane WA
Posts: 3,998
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Looks amazing, you really bought a beautiful example and the documentation and story add a lot to the experience, enjoy!
One of our "bikes and pizza" nights a few years ago. My 50/2 with my buddy's and our friends Honda and Moto Guzzi. All 4 of us have /2's now. They are wonderful bikes to work on and very different to ride. 
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Jerry 1964 356, 1983 911 SC/Carrera Franken car, 1974 914 Bumblebee, a couple of other 914's in various states of repair |
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03-19-2019, 04:58 AM
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Registered
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Lake Cle Elum - Eastern WA.
Posts: 8,417
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Nice find Mike - I'm surprised it has telescopic forks. My '62 R25 has Earles Forks......
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Bob S. 73.5 911T 1969 911T Coo' pay (one owner) 1960 Mercedes 190SL 1962 XKE Roadster (sold) - 13 motorcycles |
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03-19-2019, 05:11 AM
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(the shotguns)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,676
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as I recall those came later on the /3.
the 25/3 is a scaled down bike. a different experience to the /2 twins. just a fun, easy to ride bike.
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***************************************** Well i had #6 adjusted perfectly but then just before i tightened it a butterfly in Zimbabwe farted and now i have to start all over again! I believe we all make mistakes but I will not validate your poor choices and/or perversions and subsidize the results your actions. |
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03-19-2019, 05:23 AM
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Banned
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Dana Point, Ca
Posts: 55,591
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My 59, I bought this and a 54 Aerial Square Four from a guy in Newport Beach, It was beautiful, not restored. I lived in Huntington Beach at the time and loved riding this all around town.
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03-19-2019, 07:04 AM
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(the shotguns)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 21,676
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oh man I gotta share too!
this was my '54 
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***************************************** Well i had #6 adjusted perfectly but then just before i tightened it a butterfly in Zimbabwe farted and now i have to start all over again! I believe we all make mistakes but I will not validate your poor choices and/or perversions and subsidize the results your actions. |
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03-19-2019, 07:11 AM
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least common denominator
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: San Pedro,CA
Posts: 22,506
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Love, love, love these old bikes!!!
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Gary Fisher 29er 2019 Kia Stinger 2.0t gone  1995 Miata Sold 1984 944 Sold I am not lost for I know where I am, however where I am is lost. - Winnie the poo. |
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03-19-2019, 07:12 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Long Beach CA, the sewer by the sea.
Posts: 37,787
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Take the original battery and hollow it out and install something modern.
Really cool bike! Love the shaft drive on a small engined bike. |
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03-19-2019, 07:27 AM
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G'day!
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What a beautiful machine....congrats, Mike!
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Old dog....new tricks..... |
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03-19-2019, 07:45 AM
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Registered ConfUser
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Waterlogged
Posts: 23,553
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Quote:
As my first vintage BMW, I’m comfortable with a simple single cylinder model. One carb to maintain, etc. Time will tell!
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Mike “I wouldn’t want to live under the conditions a person could get used to”. -My paternal grandmother having immigrated to America shortly before WWll. |
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03-19-2019, 07:53 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: NW Ohio
Posts: 9,733
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Very cool bike, good luck finding parts though. I see you are in Georgia, have you been to the "Wheels Through Time" museum in the Magee Vallet of N.C. yet, you will appreciate it very much if you are into vintage.
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03-19-2019, 08:30 AM
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1964 Porsche 356 C Sunroof coupe
1972 Porsche 914 2.0 fuel injected
1983 Porsche 911 SC Targa
Work vehicle
