I realize this is an old video but I just stumbled over it. You probably found out by now but the 5 speed didn’t go in until 1975. Good stuff! Hope you still have it. Love my airheads.
Sorry but the /6 models had a 5-speed gearbox from the start, in 1974. The switchgear on the first year /6 was the same as the /5. What you appear to have is a 4-speed /5 engine, perhaps with 900cc cylinders. This was a combination developed by the factory before the /6 series was built. Also, the gearbox oil filler is the /5 design (and more convenient than the /6). More evidence that you have a hybrid engine. Still a very nice bike, I like the RS bars on it.
It's so nice to see that you are having fun with your bike. Take good care of it, and it will accompany you until you are old. I've been driving BMWs for 49 years (R 75/6 and R 100 RS) and I won't stop until I drop!!
You are very fortunate indeed, This got me thinking: "...maybe this is how it is suppose to be in first place!!! ...you get a classic motorcycle/bike/car for no cost, you enjoy it for a while, then when you are content... You pass it on to someone else with the same agreement/condition in place, so that when they are done they can pass it onto someone else that could enjoy it!!!" I do understand that this is a very Zen way of doing things but hey maybe we got something here!!!
I just acquired a 1976 R90/6 yesterday from a friend who owned it since new. It’s always been stored in a heated garage but hasn’t been used in 23 years. It has a fairing and bags, but I plan to remove everything and just have the naked bike like yours. The bike needs a thorough going over but it is basically a solid bike to start with. I’m glad to have found your videos as I’m looking for any information I can get on fixing it up. If you know of any sources for parts and things like gaskets, seals, washers and rebuild kits I’d appreciate it. Enjoy!
@erniel7689, Congratulations on the purchase of your 76’ BMW R90/6 they are a fine machine. You were asking the person that posted this video about a source for information & parts for your motorcycle. Euro electronics and Boxer 2 valve are very good sources for Airhead parts.
Fabulous video and what a beautiful bike.I'm watching from Northern Ireland and it's great to see a young man who appreciates classic machinery.Enjoy the bike and thanks for taking the time.
It was satisfying to see this bike land with you. You seem like a knowledgeable and conscientious person who appreciates what he has and is willing to look after it. Thanks for sharing.
Nice to see this beauty on the road and you enjoying it. If your brakes feel firm but are still not giving you the stopping power you want, you could try to find a better pad. I always used Ferodo pads on all my street bikes and track bikes. I searched and sure enough Ferodo makes pads and shoes for your bike. Pads part number: FDB155. Shoes: FSB700 Also check your disc make sure its clean with no glazing. Can't wait to see more.
If you want better brakes then go for twin disc and a handlebar mounted master cylinder. That is what I have on my R90/6. I also have cast iron discs and braided hoses. I have seen other people fitting the full brembo set-up from a post-81 bike
Congratulations on completing the Front Brake Master Cylinder rebuild. Very nice motorcycle, I watched the first video that you posted. I own a 1976 BMW R90/6 26,000 easy miles on it. As I understand the motorcycle originally is from Nevada and wasn’t ridden much until the 1990’s. The four speed transmission is covered in the repair manual but don’t know how many came with four speed gear boxes. Mine has a five speed gearbox. I do know there are 3 different final gear ratios for that motorcycle. One for Touring/ Highway, the middle ratio came on the R90S as an all around performance ratio and the third is a ratio for quick acceleration. I’ve been on the freeway and cruising 75mph with ease. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
put a bar mounted hydraulic brake on it - I am using a 14-15mm piston as I have dual front discs and the stopping power is solid, perhaps a little too aggressive.
I know this is a year late. I bought one with a 4 speed until I really pushed on the gear lever and got it into 5th. After that I always had 5th. I had a European 900 that was imported that came with a kick starter. Also a 5 speed
The first model /6 bikes (1973-1974 year) have several parts carried over from the /5 model - 4 speed gearbox (with the curved lever), handlebar switches & levers, aluminium turning light shells - all different on 1975 model.
Hi, Mr 10mm. Great videos, & thank you so much for posting them. Super interesting. I've just bought a 1976 R100S, with the same "braking performance" as your bike. My ears pricked up when you said "upgrade". Do you have any suggestions that would fit in the original calliper locators? I've seen one guy on the 'Tube who has installed I think S series callipers but had to cut part of the original metalwork. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but better brakes are a serious consideration. If you've any thoughts on the matter, I'd appreciate hearing them. Cheers from Australia
I was checking out your power brake bleeder. Is your unit pushing the brake fluid from the master down to the caliper? I use a conventional vacuum bleeder that pulls from the caliper through the master but I have had many bikes where I could have used what you have. Especially on a re sleeved master. (long story)
If you can start it without problems by kickstarter, you have a actual 4-speed gearbox. The kickstart gear ratio of the 5-speed was nearly unusable. I would recommend a upgrade of the front breaks. 90/6 and 90/s with 2 discs break fine.
Yes it should have a 5 speed gearbox and no kickstart.../5 and early /6 600s and 750s had kickstart and 4 speed boxes I think ...but hey it works ...the handlebars are 100rs bars ..
I realize this is an old video but I just stumbled over it. You probably found out by now but the 5 speed didn’t go in until 1975. Good stuff! Hope you still have it. Love my airheads.
Good to know thanks man
Sorry but the /6 models had a 5-speed gearbox from the start, in 1974. The switchgear on the first year /6 was the same as the /5. What you appear to have is a 4-speed /5 engine, perhaps with 900cc cylinders. This was a combination developed by the factory before the /6 series was built. Also, the gearbox oil filler is the /5 design (and more convenient than the /6). More evidence that you have a hybrid engine. Still a very nice bike, I like the RS bars on it.
It's so nice to see that you are having fun with your bike. Take good care of it, and it will accompany you until you are old. I've been driving BMWs for 49 years (R 75/6 and R 100 RS) and I won't stop until I drop!!
right on ride safe
Awesome!!! Love the old BMW Airheads. Enjoy!!
me too man thanks!
You are very fortunate indeed, This got me thinking: "...maybe this is how it is suppose to be in first place!!! ...you get a classic motorcycle/bike/car for no cost, you enjoy it for a while, then when you are content... You pass it on to someone else with the same agreement/condition in place, so that when they are done they can pass it onto someone else that could enjoy it!!!"
I do understand that this is a very Zen way of doing things but hey maybe we got something here!!!
I just acquired a 1976 R90/6 yesterday from a friend who owned it since new. It’s always been stored in a heated garage but hasn’t been used in 23 years. It has a fairing and bags, but I plan to remove everything and just have the naked bike like yours. The bike needs a thorough going over but it is basically a solid bike to start with. I’m glad to have found your videos as I’m looking for any information I can get on fixing it up. If you know of any sources for parts and things like gaskets, seals, washers and rebuild kits I’d appreciate it. Enjoy!
Congrats man hope it's an easy refresh for you. This is a good resource and the factory service manual is a good one as well bmwmotorcycletech.info/
Beemer Boneyard will have most or all of what you might need.
@erniel7689,
Congratulations on the purchase of your 76’ BMW R90/6 they are a fine machine. You were asking the person that posted this video about a source for information & parts for your motorcycle. Euro electronics and Boxer 2 valve are very good sources for Airhead parts.
I just started to get into motorcycles, and man, your videos really inspired me. Amazing quality content!
I'm so glad man that makes me happy!
Fabulous video and what a beautiful bike.I'm watching from Northern Ireland and it's great to see a young man who appreciates classic machinery.Enjoy the bike and thanks for taking the time.
Cheers from the USA sir, thank you
It was satisfying to see this bike land with you. You seem like a knowledgeable and conscientious person who appreciates what he has and is willing to look after it. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
i just acquired one of these by accident ! can't wait to get it rolling again.
Nice congrats man!
Nice to see this beauty on the road and you enjoying it. If your brakes feel firm but are still not giving you the stopping power you want, you could try to find a better pad. I always used Ferodo pads on all my street bikes and track bikes. I searched and sure enough Ferodo makes pads and shoes for your bike. Pads part number: FDB155. Shoes: FSB700 Also check your disc make sure its clean with no glazing. Can't wait to see more.
Thanks for the tips!
If you want better brakes then go for twin disc and a handlebar mounted master cylinder. That is what I have on my R90/6. I also have cast iron discs and braided hoses. I have seen other people fitting the full brembo set-up from a post-81 bike
Congratulations on completing the Front Brake Master Cylinder rebuild. Very nice motorcycle, I watched the first video that you posted. I own a 1976 BMW R90/6 26,000 easy miles on it. As I understand the motorcycle originally is from Nevada and wasn’t ridden much until the 1990’s. The four speed transmission is covered in the repair manual but don’t know how many came with four speed gear boxes. Mine has a five speed gearbox. I do know there are 3 different final gear ratios for that motorcycle. One for Touring/ Highway, the middle ratio came on the R90S as an all around performance ratio and the third is a ratio for quick acceleration. I’ve been on the freeway and cruising 75mph with ease. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge sir, I appreciate it.
Great job Benjamin. I look forward to seeing your next adventures on the R90.
Thanks man! Got one coming up! Thank you for subscribing I appreciate that.
It's been fun to watch, such a sweet bike.
Glad you liked it man! I'll be making more videos about it soon too!
BMW is a great bike ! I like them striped down like yours .
I agree thanks man
Shout-out to the Peugeot moped in the background. I have a 103 I need to get on the bench one of these days...
Good eye! Got some videos about that little ripper too if you want to check em out!
Nice work!
Thank you!
This is a man’s man!
Well done mate.
Hey thank you
brake master location is a bit wonky for service, but makes for a clean handlebar. Pretty cool!
True!
put a bar mounted hydraulic brake on it - I am using a 14-15mm piston as I have dual front discs and the stopping power is solid, perhaps a little too aggressive.
thanks for the tip
I know this is a year late. I bought one with a 4 speed until I really pushed on the gear lever and got it into 5th. After that I always had 5th.
I had a European 900 that was imported that came with a kick starter. Also a 5 speed
Interesting, I'll try again. That must have been a nice surprise!
Airheads rule!
Hell yeah
4 speed and 5 speed transmissions, like nearly all parts on these airheads are swappable. The old one probably wore out so they put in a 4 speed.
Could be man
That is definitely a four speed in your bike. You can tell because the oil filler plug is more vertical on the five speed
The first model /6 bikes (1973-1974 year) have several parts carried over from the /5 model - 4 speed gearbox (with the curved lever), handlebar switches & levers, aluminium turning light shells - all different on 1975 model.
Polish the tank! Good work, love the old boxers. Nice 2002, too. Any new repairs done? Gotta get the starter and kick start fixed.
Single disc brakes on most airheads don't stop great .Dual discs work much better. Easy to find a dual disc front end
Thanks for the tip man
Hi, Mr 10mm. Great videos, & thank you so much for posting them. Super interesting. I've just bought a 1976 R100S, with the same "braking performance" as your bike. My ears pricked up when you said "upgrade". Do you have any suggestions that would fit in the original calliper locators? I've seen one guy on the 'Tube who has installed I think S series callipers but had to cut part of the original metalwork. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but better brakes are a serious consideration. If you've any thoughts on the matter, I'd appreciate hearing them. Cheers from Australia
I've seen guys do dual disk fronts, but that may require different forks.
I was checking out your power brake bleeder. Is your unit pushing the brake fluid from the master down to the caliper? I use a conventional vacuum bleeder that pulls from the caliper through the master but I have had many bikes where I could have used what you have. Especially on a re sleeved master. (long story)
Yeah man exactly. You have to be kind of careful with the pressure bleeders not to blow out any seals
If you can start it without problems by kickstarter, you have a actual 4-speed gearbox. The kickstart gear ratio of the 5-speed was nearly unusable. I would recommend a upgrade of the front breaks. 90/6 and 90/s with 2 discs break fine.
Yeah it's a 4 speed
Good call, more stopping power would be good
@@10mm Now i remember, i had the same RS handlebar on my 90/6 as far as i know with that little "chrashpad" from the RS clipped on the bar.
Found ya on your original reddit post, glad to see it on the road! Also, you have a 2002 turbo?!?! A real one?!
Thanks for stopping by man!! It's real in the sense that it has a turbo! haha but not an original
Yes it should have a 5 speed gearbox and no kickstart.../5 and early /6 600s and 750s had kickstart and 4 speed boxes I think ...but hey it works ...the handlebars are 100rs bars ..
Kind of a mash up but I like it a lot
What company did you send the MC to?
Apple hydraulics did this one
Niiiiiiiiiiiiice.
Hell yeah
MORE
Soon my man!
Dont repaint it. keep the patina and ride tha fire out of it.. Go on a trip on it. Im jealous.
All the best
Thanks man, you read my mind
You would have been better off with a handlebar mounted master cylinder from a post 81 bike. It is more efficent and you would have spent less money
He missed the perfect opportunity to get it re-sleeved to 14 mm bore, and get the same velocity ratio as the handlebar-mounted cylinder.