This looks :funmeteryes:. Going to find myself my own r80 to rebuild :thumbup1::thumbup1:.
Keep up the good work!

Sounds good, I have one of those coming for the front. so it should be fun :clap:

Over in Europe you should have no problem at all getting one. Here in the US, we only had them imported from 81-87 at about 3000 bikes or so. You guys had over 20k bikes mfg between 80-96?

I'm sure my stats are off, but I know you guys have more.

They are a great bike though. Much of what I'm doing is combining the best of the R80GS and the G/S to make a perfect overland bike. :scooter:

1/29/11 and 1/30/11

I just pulled apark the Germa Petcock and cleaned it up. I'm not too happy about the single tiny filter within. Seems it can get clogged pretty good with one bad batch of gas. I may pull the filter and just run with inline filters. I would rather allow the crap to flow out of the tank and into the filters than build up in the petcock/tank and nail me further down the line.

Thoughts?

I'm also looking at adding a push button to the light switch blank on the left hand light control. I think it would be a good way to control aux lights or some other accessory.

You need those poor filter to stop larger rust-flakes entering down into the petcock. These rust-flakes will clogg the petcock.

You will need hoose filters as well, since rust-particles will pass through that poor "net" and the petcock. Those particles will clogg the holes and jets in the carbs.

Problem is that on the Germa petcock there are no in tank filters, just two open tubes.

Dump the Gemas and get the later ones - much better, with decent filters and reserve. I also use large plastic auto filters after each tap to be sure. Last ages, and really keep the fuel clean.

Good to know; I've used the plastic autofilters before but have found that they get brittle and break on the ends if you have to remove the tank. Was thinking about installing one of these as they are more rugged and cleanable;
http://images.motorcycle-superstore....uel-Filter.jpg

1/31/11 update:

Final update for a couple weeks probably as I will be in Spain. Mind the photos, taken by my Iphone 3g and it's great camera :lol3

Got a box from MaxBMW in NH today. Thanks to all the restorations on these G/Ses the fatherland must have realized there are probably a few fools who still want to restore these old bikes. I got my new harness in just over a weeks time from Germany. Much better than the 4-6 weeks I have heard about.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_xRqdeMG80P4/TU...1000000019.JPG

I also got some free shampoo, insect remover and some detailing spray due to a maxbmw promotion.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xRqdeMG80P4/TU...1000000020.JPG

In addition to all that, I got my emission hole plugs (r1150gs oil pan plugs), the $2000 oil cover O-ring and shim, and a new valve cover gasket as one got buggard trying to remove it from the cover for the powder coater.

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_xRqdeMG80P4/TU...1000000018.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_xRqdeMG80P4/TU...1000000017.JPG

I also got my M&Ms :D

1/31/11 continuation:

Could not wait until I got back. I installed the 2K O-ring. The old one was a bit compressed as evident of the fit on the new one. Glad I changed it.

Put in the emissions plugs with some red locktite and no crush washers. I may keep a spare should one fall out.

Stuck the valve cover gasket on the engine with some black high temp silicone. Figure I would rather have it stuck on the engine than the cover.

Well, I should be in Spain right now enjoying a San Miguel while looking out over the Mediterranean in 60 degree temps. As fate would have it a wonderful snowstorm nailed the east and canceling my connection and basically my trip. So, I am still stuck in Maine but the bike can continue being worked on while enjoying local craft beer and sub freezing temps. :helpsmilie::freezing:

So it continues, sorry no photos today

2/1/11 update

I contacted the powder coater today and told him I'm around due to the cancelled trip and that he can step up the pace if he wants.

Went to the shed today to look at those relay connectors. Yup...2 are different in regards to mounting. I may first try to bend the tab vertical from horizontal and if this is not possible then just switch out the connector. Weird they are different.

About 1:30 during the snowstorm I got a call from the wife and said the car lost power and died 4 miles from home. Great says I as I grab a rope and the jeep. Get there and see the problem. The water pump bearings gave up the ghost seizing the pump and wetting itself while toasting the serpentine belt thus bogging and stalling the car on a hill in a snowstorm. So I rig up the rope, tow her home. Verify my prognosis with the Bentley manual and the idiotweb. Verified

Spent most of the afternoon in the snow with now fading light ripping the old one out. I was right it was toast. Ordered a new one from Bav auto.

Oh did I mention that it too is a BMW, a 328i and I did all this with the on board tool kit

2/2/11 update


I heard the little furry bastard in PA did not see his shadow. Then again there are three snowstorms forecasted so not sure who is right

Currently snowing here today, 14-20 forecasted. I was able to get the mail and I had a box from Canada with my Omega 450 system in it

That thing is a work of art.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0528.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0529.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0531.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0532.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0533.JPG

Not going to need these, may ask Rick at motorrad if he wants to trade towards a coil
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0534.JPG

Spent the day soldering....damn I suck at that. :lol3 Eventually got a solid three connections that didn't look like crap and were solid. I may have to recover that first wire though there is no chance of it shorted.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0524.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0527.JPG

The kit came with a housing so was able to keep mine in mostly one piece.

Along with the kit I also got part of another Canadian box I'm expecting. Stainless Steel spokes for the wheel. I may end up just selling these as I don't think I will use them.

Eventually I made it down to the shed, got a bit of cabin fever. Used the fancy rotor bolt and popped the rotor clear off. Then removed the timing cover and replaced the chain, tensioner and spring. Yes I make it sound easy....but it was not. That damn master link is a royal PITA to install. Sometimes working on this bike I feel like a surgeon. Today placed rags in the oil holes while maneuvering the master link with forceps. Meanwhile I was keeping the plunger at bay with needle nose vise grips. Ugh

I did notice that the new spring was about 1/2" longer and that the tensioner was beginning to chip apart. Probably about time it gets replaced. There was some play on the old chain, but not too much.

Before you ask, those specs you see on the metal are not specs of dust, but frost.....:freezing:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0545.JPG
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0544.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0538.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0540.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0541.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0542.JPG
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0543.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0547.JPG

The oil seal on the timing cover was pretty well bonded to the cover. I had to use a drift to force it out and it left plastic behind that I had to remove with a torch and brass feeler gauge. Worst seal yet.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0546.JPG

Also, I found out about a great source of wiring stuff. Beaver power at Motorcycle Relay Kits, Parts, Powerlet, Centech, Posi-Lock, and More! I will be getting a few things from them to make life good on the bike

Shadowraven please leave your iPhone and go back to the previous camera :)))

:lol2: How this :thumbup1:

2/3/11 update:

Added photos to 2/2/11 update

Well I heard back from the supposed first owner. He is indeed the first owner. He bought it in MT while living in Idaho. On the way back he experienced a major earthquake and the bike survived fine, though the rest of the trip back was spend riding around earthquake debris. He rode it one year for 12 months in Idaho through snow and ice. During his ownership he did use it for which it was designed, dirt roads and exploring. He said that out of the 12 BMWs he has owned, this one is the one he liked the best. He'll be sending me a photo of it when new at some point in the near future.


Heard from the powder coater too, Just under $400 for everything....Spectacular guy. Remember Powderworks in Bangor Maine if you ever need anything done.

Since this was done, I decided to order my bucket of bolts list to attach everything. How a bucket of damn bolts can cost that much is beyond me, but if your going to do a job you had might as well do it right.

Went to the shed to break the trail, get some photos and ensure I did the timing chain install right. The trail you see has actually never been shoveled. It is packed after every storm. If I stepp off of the trail, I am thigh deep...I am 6'2"
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0548.JPG

The yurt photo; If you notice the twigs sticking out....that is to mark the trail after a storm to ensure I don't end up to my ass in snow.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_x...0/IMG_0551.JPG

Very nice :) thanks