It does sound very good for a 250😊 Unfortunately this is not the original muffler, but I‘m sure I‘ll find one to make the bike as „period-correct“ as possible. Maybe it will sound even better then😀 Thanks for watching!!
@@WorkshopRebuild I am telling people, that the number 13 is Actually very Good !😀 ( the 13'th kick it was when it started 🙂 :-) But, the Worst of all is the number 22 😞 ( I think, that it has a 22 milimeter Bing carburetor on it ? ) . Thanks 4 the video 🙂
Thanks for watching and leaving a great comment! I prefer to do things this way, so I don't run into trouble down the road. The engine will need more work and that will be featured on my channel soon, so there will be more issues to resolve. Regards Andreas
Bought my R27 for my GF in 1965, after three Twins, R51/3, R60, R69S. Toured 35 states in one summer, her on the R27, me carrying all the camping gear. Zero repairs, one flat, wonderful time. Thanks for this. Always wondered what the innards looked like.
What an incredible journey with two BMWs in style! I’m glad to hear both bikes performed well on your road trip and that you packed so much adventure into one summer. You’ve had an amazing collection of bikes-some I haven’t seen in person, but they look stunning in pictures. Thanks for sharing! Regards, Andreas
It’s such a sleek design and complements the vintage aesthetic perfectly. I’m glad to see the speedo still working after all these years...so often, they end up seized from hardened grease, haha. Thanks so much for your comment; it’s greatly appreciated! - Andreas
I fully agree with you! The sound it makes is wonderful and now it just needs a little bit more love to last many more years. Thanks for leaving a comment! -Andreas
Love the BMW motorcycle tinkering! The little R25 is so cool. Watched your airhead rebuild videos too, and I'll happily watch anything you post on twins, especially BMWs.
Thanks, Justin! That’s exactly what it’s all about-tinkering and bringing a bike back to life after it’s been sitting for so long. I appreciate your support, and I’ll let you in on a little secret: I have a few twins behind the scenes waiting to be revealed. More content coming soon! 😃
Oh the memories😍! A 1954 R25 was my first bike and your video just reminded me how i had to replace the clutch because it was worn down. Easy to fix, everything mechanic, no computers. Had to install turnlights for my safety.
How amazing! I'm sure you had a lot of fun on your R25 if you wore down that beefy clutch haha. It's funny they didn't have turnlights now thinking back, but I guess that's how things evolve. Thanks for sharing this - Andreas
I grew up in 1980s half around the globe in Serbia with a 1956 R26 and a sidecar and that was a such a awesome machine. Built to conquer Soviet Union (WWII) and last 2 centuries. Even as a kid I enjoyed it's low idle and the sound sitting in that side car and that 250 single being right next to me and listening to it. That motorcycle is imprinted in my memory.
Genau so eine hatte ich um 1975 ! Für den TÜV musste der harte Griff vom Sozius-Sitz durch einen Lederriemen ersetzt werden, und Blinker mussten ran. Ein wunderbarer "Sound", geringer Benzinverbrauch und wartungsfreier Antrieb mit Kardan. Mein bestes Motorrad in der Zeit.
Thank you! These bikes hold so much nostalgia, especially for those who grew up around them. Your Ducati 250 Mk3 is a beautiful machine too-classic Italian style and engineering! Swapping would be tempting, but I think both bikes deserve a place in the garage. 😉 Cheers Andreas
I'm glad I could bring this old bike back to life with a little bit of effort. I will share future plans for this bike in upcoming videos, but the R60/5 project will be completed first. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Much appreciated! -Andreas
That’s a fantastic bike you have. I feel the R60s and R50s are somewhat underrated since the R75 often steals the spotlight with its larger displacement engine. In the years ahead, I believe the R60 will hold its value better due to its lower production numbers. I hope you’re thoroughly enjoying yours!
I love mine to bits. I have had a few 70s Airheads over the years including an R80 but the R60/5 is definitely my favourite out of them all. It still has some of the styling of the earlier BMWs and is easy to work on. Mine is a peach, not perfect but looks fantastic and rides like it has just left the factory. I do all my own spannering too within reason.
It's is pretty quite at the moment, but I'm sure once I've gone through the entire drivetrain it will be whisper quite. More videos coming soon. Cheers Andreas
This video is such a treat! Now that I‘ve learned more about the R25, I wouldn‘t mind having one myself. Great job getting this motorcycle up and running again! 👍👍👍
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that the R25 has sparked your interest! It’s a fantastic bike with so much character. Bringing it back to life was truly rewarding, and comments like yours make it even better. 👍
Based on all the feedback I’ve received, everyone has suggested keeping the R25’s original patina, and I think that’s a fantastic idea. I’ll definitely be restoring the entire drivetrain to ensure the bike is roadworthy, allowing this project to come together relatively “quickly.”
I repair small mower engines.My friend finds them, I repair, and she does the "Hair and Make-up" There still are no words to describe the emotion when a non-runner coughs back to life. Great Job. Narragansett Bay.
That sounds like an awesome partnership-you both bring these engines back to life in your own way! I couldn’t agree more; there’s nothing quite like that moment when an engine fires up after sitting dormant. It’s such a rewarding feeling. Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing! Regards, Andreas
I have a friends with 2 of these. One completely pristine and original. the other restored to the same level...years ago he converted his 401K to motorcycles. He's done quite well.
That’s incredible! Both bikes seem to represent the best of both worlds-one restored to factory perfection, if not better, and the other proudly displaying its patina from years of use, which many collectors find even more desirable. It’s always inspiring to see someone’s passion turn into something so rewarding. Thanks for sharing and for watching the video! Regards, Andreas
I had to deal with this special engine in the Bundeswehr, many AC generators after over 50 year still ran with it until the 90s, after a few kicks they all started even after years, its a military machine.
It really is! I'm glad this bike stood the test of time...not all of them made it and I'm glad I can take care of this one now. Thanks for your comment. Regards Andreas
@WorkshopRebuild you understand how this machine works and it wouldn't be suited to anyone else but an enthusiast or yourself to own, rednecks where I live would've long since neglected and/or destroyed this fantastic survivor leaving it outside to the elements. I'm so glad you have possession of it so that it will last for years to come. A shaft drive motorcycle in the early 50s, I would've never guessed this even existed. Just incredible piece of hardware. Them Bavarians are so innovative. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Martin! I will be working on this BMW R25 again over the winter as it still has engine flaws...more on this in an upcoming video. Cheers Andreas
That is going to be a fun back roads cruiser. It really tractors right along at just an idle. I can hear that it has a fairly heavy flywheel, and the exhaust has a great tone. I hope you get it on the road soon.
It's definitely meant for back road cruising instead of highway speeds, HAHA! The heavy flywheel and theexhaust tone really add to the charm. I’m looking forward to getting it on the road soon-thanks for the kind words! -Andreas
Had an R26. Brought the head to a guy in Alexandria Va. to weld a new exhaust nipple and thread it. He disappeared. I managed to track him down in Minnesota, and he was surprised. He did send me back the head repaired. Locked up the engine by driving it at 70 miles an hour on a trip to Annapolis. Don't know if it had side car gearing. It had a leading link fork.In the sixties and early seventies slash 2 bikes were under a grand. I've had a half dozen. If you have bottom end problems cranks are probably unobtanium, and those that knew how to rebuild the roller bearing cranks are taking dirt naps. Lots of small dealers were forced out. I believe Isettas used this same engine. You can win bar bets with these bikes. You lure someone in with "The bikes are hand crank.". The flywheels are so heavy, the compression so low, that by pressing down with your hand will allow you to start the bike.Have a friend hold the money. BMWMOA has a national and it is a feast for the eyes.
What an incredible story-thank you for sharing! Tracking down that guy in Minnesota must have been quite the adventure. The R26 (and similar 250cc models) certainly have their quirks, and I’m sorry to hear your engine seized on that ride. It does sound like the oil pump may not have provided sufficient lubrication to the bore. These engines use a low-pressure gear pump designed to supply just enough oil to the moving components, supplemented by a splash system. It's possible there may have been an issue with internal flow. As you mentioned, finding quality crankshafts for these bikes is a real challenge today, and only a few shops are capable of handling such specialized repairs. I’m currently gearing up to rebuild crankshafts in-house, including splitting them, replacing the connecting rod bearings, and reassembling them to run true. I’ll be starting with an R25 engine soon and have also received an R69S crankshaft for overhaul. It should be an exciting project, and I plan to share the process online. That’s the first time I’ve heard about hand-starting these engines, but now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense. I might just have to give it a try myself! Thank you again for such a detailed and insightful comment-I hope other viewers take the time to read it as well. Cheers Andreas
@@WorkshopRebuild You have to be able to source or manufacture replacement crank pins, bore the big ends of the rods and figure out a source for the bearing rollers. Maybe somebody who does two stroke cranks? Harley Davidson cranks? . How do you figure out the clearance? I hope you have a good command of technical german. We did a TWN, Triumph Werke Nuremburg, and I had a young man who was fluent helping with the manuals. I overheated it.That's what toasted it on a hot day in July. Doing 70 on a 1959 250 was trying to kill it. Best of luck on your journey.
Terrific video, I really enjoy your BMW content. I had an old R100/7 but I’ve always had a soft spot for the smaller displacement bikes and am very keen to see more videos on this little R25! 😃 Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you for your words! The R100 was the top-of-the-line back in the day an even then enthusiasts tried to squeeze more out of them (haha)! Smaller displacement bikes were incredibly popular in Europe, as everything was much closer and easier to navigate. In the U.S., however, the R25 was considered a bit underpowered and certainly not built for top speed. But then again, what would you expect from BMW’s entry-level model?😊 I will be sharing more videos about this bike in the coming weeks and I will dive deeper into the drivetrain as I already found bigger issues. Thanks for watching! -Andreas
Thanks for your feedback! I'm really happy I could save this one and at least bring it back to life for now. From what I'm hearing everyone would like me to keep the original patina, but make it roadworthy. I think this is a great idea and I already know there are issues I want to address with the drivetrain. More on this in upcoming videos as I tear deeper into the engine and corresponding components. Regards Andreas
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’ll be diving deeper into this bike over the winter since the engine needs more work than I anticipated. Stay tuned for more details in upcoming videos!
Thanks a lot! That’s awesome about your Husqvarna 390-I bet it was a beast to get running! Sometimes a good push start is all it takes to bring these machines back to life. Glad to hear your story!
Thanks for your feedback!! This specific bike is actually a1951 R25/0 with a R25/2 tank and seat. This must have been replaced or swapped in the past, but to me the bike looks very nice and original this way with some great patina. Cheers Andreas
Awesome, top end looks so similar to my R60/6 from 1975 which I converted to a 1000 with just a barrel, piston, carbs. bevel drive and top end job, even kept the original valve covers, looks like a sleeper but with 67bhp . Cheers
You are right, it is VERY similar! Who would have expected that similar components would be used 20 years down the line. You've finished up a great project with the 1000cc conversion. Now it's time to strip some weight to gain on top-speed haha. Enjoy your ride - be safe
I do Marine repair and also restore Muscle cars. From one professional to another great job you attention to detail and trying to keep it original is spot on. I aways wanted a early Norton Comando 850 but it it bruised up just get it running good no paint not restoration keep it banged up and scratched Bravo great job
Lovely job! ! ! Seeing the sweetly rebuilt head got me feeling downright emotional! I'm looking forward to where this goes next in the process. I also enjoyed the pace and content of your video style. So I'm happy to be a New Subscriber.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing! 😊 I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video and appreciated the pace and content-it means a lot! Rebuilding the head was definitely a special moment, as that lead to the startup of this engine. There will be more content about this BMW R25 in upcoming videos and I will also finalize an ongoing project of mine, which is a BMW R60/5 motorcycle restoration. Hope you end the content moving forward. Cheers Andreas
They are quite cool, especially the classic bikes. The 6V system can be upgraded to a 12V system relatively easy, which is a nice thing. I'm sure they made more power without a shaft drive though...haha! Regards Andreas
Thanks a lot, John! The R25 is a testament to simplicity and reliability. Unfortunately, this engine probably missed some services, but I'm glad it's back up and running again. Ah yes, the long winter months are ahead, but I'm sure you've stored your R1250RT well so it'll be all set for when the warmer weather returns.
Thank you for the advice! It’s always great to hear tips from someone with firsthand experience, especially with a bike like the 60/5. I’ll definitely keep that in mind about using aluminum-based anti-seize on aluminum. Appreciate you watching and sharing your knowledge! Regards, Andreas
Great video - I have a 1954 R25/3 that is lots of fun, I put a rebuilt bing carb on and had to replace the regulator and condenser but it has been reliable since then, great way to travel - I like the tip of how to check the oil flow to the rockers - was it easy to get the special shaft made?
Thanks for watching-I'm glad you can relate! Your R25/3 is probably a fun little bike, especially after giving it the care it needs. The shaft is quite straightforward to make. It's made from ground shaft material with a diameter of 5/16" (7.9 mm) and a length of 210 mm, though you can make it longer if needed. The front features a square drive measuring 7 mm x 7 mm, with 0.50 mm removed from the round stock to form a square tip. This square tip feature is 15 mm long to engage with the oil pump drive sleeve. If you decide to make one, it’s quite simple-just replicate the tip of the oil pump shaft you remove from your engine and extend the shaft portion to the desired length. I hope this tool proves useful if you give it a try! Regards Andreas
They do, and they almost seem a bit underappreciated. This particular bike was essentially half the displacement of a BMW R51. Looking back at BMW’s lineup, their 250cc entry-level models were their most popular bikes before 1969. From the late ’30s to the mid-’60s, BMW continued to refine the engine and the bike it was housed in, improving handling and stability for a more comfortable ride. A very impressive line of bikes, to be honest! Thanks for watching😃
My R27 was essentially half an R50S, with the 7,000 rpm valve train. Freeway capable all day, super quiet, valve covers UNDER the tank. I'd buy a new one.
I have one just like that. It's more rare than the R25/2, Never had problems with it. Mufler and tail light (Japanese !!!) are not original, of course. Purchased it in 1973, when I was 18. Ordered pieces some ten years later, and in the BMW factory they could supply me for about half of them. I guess now you have many aftermarket pieces. Now he stands there till my grandchildren are old enough.
That's an incredible story! It's amazing how well these classics hold up over the years, especially when they're cared for properly. You're right-aftermarket parts have definitely been fitted to this bike, but luckily there are still parts available for this model to this day. Hopefully, when your grandchildren are old enough, they'll appreciate the legacy and get to experience the joy of riding it. Bikes like these are meant to be passed down and enjoyed through generations! Regards Andreas
Had a ride on one of these around 25 years ago. I was shocked at the total lack of performance in it. NSU Max was in production at the same time as these, and it is difficult to conceive how anyone would have purchased one of these as an alternative.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s true that the performance of these bikes is modest compared to others from the same era, like the NSU Max. However, bikes like these often appeal for their simplicity, reliability, and charm rather than outright performance. They were designed more as practical, everyday transportation rather than high-performance machines. It’s fascinating to see how motorcycles have evolved since then.😊
It's the reality haha! Unfortunately the clutch perch is a 1 year only part, but they make "high quality" replicas... for $250USD! That's what I received and to be honest it would have been better to make my own from a chunk of steel. Finding an original will be hard, but I'll keep my eyes open on ebay etc. Cheers Andreas
You're welcome! You're right, that bike definitely has a lot of value, especially to the right collector. It’s amazing how much some of these bikes are worth today!
How do you find a machine shop capable and knowledgeable about airhead cylinder head rebuilds, valve guides/seats etc? Also could you share a rough price about how much that might cost per head?
I use a machine shop specialized in 2stroke & 4stroke engines, that only works on small engines…basically anything up to 1.0L bike. Valve guide and seat information was sourced through Mark Huggett. He has the specifications and details for most classic BMW bikes. I will have a rough breakdown on this R25 in my upcoming short video series, but if you want a full breakdown feel free to send me an email. I‘m more than happy to provide that to you.
Gute Arbeit. Das ist eine schöne Maschine. Bitte nicht lackieren. Meine ist von 1950. Good job. its a beautiful bike. Don´t paint it. Mine is from 1950.
Fun fact: torque specifications for most fasteners were introduced in the 1960s. Before that, every bolt on this motorcycle was tightened by the "guttentight" method, and somehow, nothing has fallen off to this day. So, it turns out it wasn’t such a bad technique after all!
Ich fahre Seit 25 Jahren eine BMW R26 Bj 1958. Du solltest dir einen originalen Krümmer und Endschalldämpfer besorgen ebenso benötigst du ein anderes Rücklicht (Eber-Rücklicht)
That‘s what I thought too! It‘s hard to believe it ran like this…but who really knows. The only information I received from the previous owner was:“ It ran 12 years ago…“😅 Either way, it‘s now in running condition, but there are still more issues that I need to address. More on this in an upcoming video.
You are correct! The BMW R51 was the twin engine version of this bike. The bore and stroke were identical with 68mm x 68mm, but obviously using two cylinders.
Nobody understands that. Why does the cylinder stay on instead of at least inspecting the piston and rings? And why is oil good just because it looks clean but has been sitting around for ages? Copper paste also causes corrosion, especially on aluminum.
Many viewers understood what I did, and some even learned something new. Inspecting the piston and rings wasn’t essential to get this engine running. If the bore shows no scoring, the piston and rings are in good condition. Any oil is better than no oil-keep in mind, this engine was designed over 70 years ago when oil quality was far inferior to what we have today, so using a bit of older oil isn’t an issue. If you’ve worked on classic BMW motorcycles, you’ll know that anti-seize is invaluable when tightening the exhaust nut. There are still many aspects of this bike that I haven’t addressed, which could lead to bigger issues down the road. However, since I plan to restore the entire drivetrain to factory specifications, it’s not a major concern.. Hope you enjoy the upcoming videos.
That's how that came about... BMW began standardizing torque specs in the 1960s, especially with the /5 series in 1969. Before that, mechanics relied more on feel, but by the 1970s, torque specs became common in manuals for better precision and reliability.
Great engine note for a 250 single. Very Great Escape.
It does sound very good for a 250😊 Unfortunately this is not the original muffler, but I‘m sure I‘ll find one to make the bike as „period-correct“ as possible. Maybe it will sound even better then😀 Thanks for watching!!
@@WorkshopRebuild I am telling people, that the number 13 is Actually very Good !😀 ( the 13'th kick it was when it started 🙂 :-) But, the Worst of all is the number 22 😞 ( I think, that it has a 22 milimeter Bing carburetor on it ? ) . Thanks 4 the video 🙂
So glad to see a startup where the engine is checked and lubed thoroughly before starting so that it isn't damaged.
Thanks for watching and leaving a great comment! I prefer to do things this way, so I don't run into trouble down the road. The engine will need more work and that will be featured on my channel soon, so there will be more issues to resolve. Regards Andreas
🎉🎉
Bought my R27 for my GF in 1965, after three Twins, R51/3, R60, R69S. Toured 35 states in one summer, her on the R27, me carrying all the camping gear. Zero repairs, one flat, wonderful time. Thanks for this. Always wondered what the innards looked like.
What an incredible journey with two BMWs in style! I’m glad to hear both bikes performed well on your road trip and that you packed so much adventure into one summer. You’ve had an amazing collection of bikes-some I haven’t seen in person, but they look stunning in pictures. Thanks for sharing! Regards, Andreas
the headlight/ speedo and mount is a work of art by itself and it sounds fantastic for one cyl
It’s such a sleek design and complements the vintage aesthetic perfectly. I’m glad to see the speedo still working after all these years...so often, they end up seized from hardened grease, haha. Thanks so much for your comment; it’s greatly appreciated!
- Andreas
A thing of absolute beauty. Plus a magnificent soundtrack to boot.
I fully agree with you! The sound it makes is wonderful and now it just needs a little bit more love to last many more years. Thanks for leaving a comment! -Andreas
Love the BMW motorcycle tinkering! The little R25 is so cool. Watched your airhead rebuild videos too, and I'll happily watch anything you post on twins, especially BMWs.
Thanks, Justin! That’s exactly what it’s all about-tinkering and bringing a bike back to life after it’s been sitting for so long. I appreciate your support, and I’ll let you in on a little secret: I have a few twins behind the scenes waiting to be revealed. More content coming soon! 😃
Oh the memories😍! A 1954 R25 was my first bike and your video just reminded me how i had to replace the clutch because it was worn down. Easy to fix, everything mechanic, no computers. Had to install turnlights for my safety.
How amazing! I'm sure you had a lot of fun on your R25 if you wore down that beefy clutch haha. It's funny they didn't have turnlights now thinking back, but I guess that's how things evolve. Thanks for sharing this - Andreas
@ at that time, turnlights were FORBIDDEN in Switzerland …
I grew up in 1980s half around the globe in Serbia with a 1956 R26 and a sidecar and that was a such a awesome machine. Built to conquer Soviet Union (WWII) and last 2 centuries. Even as a kid I enjoyed it's low idle and the sound sitting in that side car and that 250 single being right next to me and listening to it.
That motorcycle is imprinted in my memory.
Genau so eine hatte ich um 1975 ! Für den TÜV musste der harte Griff vom Sozius-Sitz durch einen Lederriemen ersetzt werden, und Blinker mussten ran. Ein wunderbarer "Sound", geringer Benzinverbrauch und wartungsfreier Antrieb mit Kardan. Mein bestes Motorrad in der Zeit.
Great little bike. I remember them from when I was a child growing up in Germany. Would swap that for my 1967 Ducati 250 mk3 in an instant.
Thank you! These bikes hold so much nostalgia, especially for those who grew up around them. Your Ducati 250 Mk3 is a beautiful machine too-classic Italian style and engineering! Swapping would be tempting, but I think both bikes deserve a place in the garage. 😉 Cheers Andreas
Thanks for getting started on this one. Once finished let me know and I will get the garage ready. 😊
I'm glad I could bring this old bike back to life with a little bit of effort. I will share future plans for this bike in upcoming videos, but the R60/5 project will be completed first. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Much appreciated! -Andreas
My pleasure Andreas. I'm a proud custodian of a 71 R60/5
That’s a fantastic bike you have. I feel the R60s and R50s are somewhat underrated since the R75 often steals the spotlight with its larger displacement engine. In the years ahead, I believe the R60 will hold its value better due to its lower production numbers. I hope you’re thoroughly enjoying yours!
I love mine to bits. I have had a few 70s Airheads over the years including an R80 but the R60/5 is definitely my favourite out of them all. It still has some of the styling of the earlier BMWs and is easy to work on. Mine is a peach, not perfect but looks fantastic and rides like it has just left the factory. I do all my own spannering too within reason.
So quiet, and shaft drive! A gem.
It's is pretty quite at the moment, but I'm sure once I've gone through the entire drivetrain it will be whisper quite. More videos coming soon. Cheers Andreas
This video is such a treat! Now that I‘ve learned more about the R25, I wouldn‘t mind having one myself. Great job getting this motorcycle up and running again! 👍👍👍
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that the R25 has sparked your interest! It’s a fantastic bike with so much character. Bringing it back to life was truly rewarding, and comments like yours make it even better. 👍
@@WorkshopRebuild ARe you going to "restore" the appearance or leave it rough around the edges?
Based on all the feedback I’ve received, everyone has suggested keeping the R25’s original patina, and I think that’s a fantastic idea. I’ll definitely be restoring the entire drivetrain to ensure the bike is roadworthy, allowing this project to come together relatively “quickly.”
Wonderful!!!
I love everything single video you provided on this channel!!!
Thank you! I appreciate the support you're offering, it means a lot to me.
Good thorough work 💯👍, well done. It is good to see the young generation fixing, restoring and having a genuine interest in older machines 🏍️👍.
Amennn 🙂
Beautiful bike. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. It’s always a pleasure to share these classics with others who appreciate them!
What fun.. It's always a pleasure to get an "Oldie: going again !! Well done Sir !!
Thank you! It really is a great feeling to bring an "Oldie" back to life. I appreciate the kind words!
The Engine beat is really something......................Superb.............................👍
I'm glad you enjoy it! In person it sounds even better. I hope I can share more details about this engine in the near future. -Andreas
I repair small mower engines.My friend finds them, I repair, and she does the "Hair and Make-up" There still are no words to describe the emotion when a non-runner coughs back to life. Great Job. Narragansett Bay.
That sounds like an awesome partnership-you both bring these engines back to life in your own way! I couldn’t agree more; there’s nothing quite like that moment when an engine fires up after sitting dormant. It’s such a rewarding feeling. Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing! Regards, Andreas
I have a friends with 2 of these. One completely pristine and original. the other restored to the same level...years ago he converted his 401K to motorcycles. He's done quite well.
That’s incredible! Both bikes seem to represent the best of both worlds-one restored to factory perfection, if not better, and the other proudly displaying its patina from years of use, which many collectors find even more desirable. It’s always inspiring to see someone’s passion turn into something so rewarding. Thanks for sharing and for watching the video! Regards, Andreas
I had to deal with this special engine in the Bundeswehr, many AC generators after over 50 year still ran with it until the 90s, after a few kicks they all started even after years, its a military machine.
THANK YOU
I'm glad I could share this with you. Thanks for your comment. -Andreas
A remarkable machine!
It really is! I'm glad this bike stood the test of time...not all of them made it and I'm glad I can take care of this one now. Thanks for your comment. Regards Andreas
@WorkshopRebuild you understand how this machine works and it wouldn't be suited to anyone else but an enthusiast or yourself to own, rednecks where I live would've long since neglected and/or destroyed this fantastic survivor leaving it outside to the elements. I'm so glad you have possession of it so that it will last for years to come. A shaft drive motorcycle in the early 50s, I would've never guessed this even existed. Just incredible piece of hardware. Them Bavarians are so innovative. Thanks for sharing this.
Great! Now let's see more. I'd love to have one of those old single cylinder BMW's.
Thanks Martin! I will be working on this BMW R25 again over the winter as it still has engine flaws...more on this in an upcoming video. Cheers Andreas
The old bike sounds great lovely old machine
Sounds fantastic
That is going to be a fun back roads cruiser. It really tractors right along at just an idle. I can hear that it has a fairly heavy flywheel, and the exhaust has a great tone. I hope you get it on the road soon.
It's definitely meant for back road cruising instead of highway speeds, HAHA! The heavy flywheel and theexhaust tone really add to the charm. I’m looking forward to getting it on the road soon-thanks for the kind words! -Andreas
Had an R26. Brought the head to a guy in Alexandria Va. to weld a new exhaust nipple and thread it. He disappeared. I managed to track him down in Minnesota, and he was surprised. He did send me back the head repaired. Locked up the engine by driving it at 70 miles an hour on a trip to Annapolis. Don't know if it had side car gearing. It had a leading link fork.In the sixties and early seventies slash 2 bikes were under a grand. I've had a half dozen. If you have bottom end problems cranks are probably unobtanium, and those that knew how to rebuild the roller bearing cranks are taking dirt naps. Lots of small dealers were forced out. I believe Isettas used this same engine.
You can win bar bets with these bikes. You lure someone in with "The bikes are hand crank.". The flywheels are so heavy, the compression so low, that by pressing down with your hand will allow you to start the bike.Have a friend hold the money.
BMWMOA has a national and it is a feast for the eyes.
What an incredible story-thank you for sharing! Tracking down that guy in Minnesota must have been quite the adventure.
The R26 (and similar 250cc models) certainly have their quirks, and I’m sorry to hear your engine seized on that ride. It does sound like the oil pump may not have provided sufficient lubrication to the bore. These engines use a low-pressure gear pump designed to supply just enough oil to the moving components, supplemented by a splash system. It's possible there may have been an issue with internal flow.
As you mentioned, finding quality crankshafts for these bikes is a real challenge today, and only a few shops are capable of handling such specialized repairs. I’m currently gearing up to rebuild crankshafts in-house, including splitting them, replacing the connecting rod bearings, and reassembling them to run true. I’ll be starting with an R25 engine soon and have also received an R69S crankshaft for overhaul. It should be an exciting project, and I plan to share the process online.
That’s the first time I’ve heard about hand-starting these engines, but now that I think about it, it makes perfect sense. I might just have to give it a try myself!
Thank you again for such a detailed and insightful comment-I hope other viewers take the time to read it as well.
Cheers Andreas
@@WorkshopRebuild
You have to be able to source or manufacture replacement crank pins, bore the big ends of the rods and figure out a source for the bearing rollers. Maybe somebody who does two stroke cranks? Harley Davidson cranks? . How do you figure out the clearance? I hope you have a good command of technical german.
We did a TWN, Triumph Werke Nuremburg, and I had a young man who was fluent helping with the manuals.
I overheated it.That's what toasted it on a hot day in July. Doing 70 on a 1959 250 was trying to kill it. Best of luck on your journey.
That motorcycle is so cool. I love BMWs. Many years ago I had a 1975 R75. I had a lot of nice rides on it. Great video. 👍 I enjoyed it.
Terrific video, I really enjoy your BMW content. I had an old R100/7 but I’ve always had a soft spot for the smaller displacement bikes and am very keen to see more videos on this little R25! 😃 Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you for your words! The R100 was the top-of-the-line back in the day an even then enthusiasts tried to squeeze more out of them (haha)!
Smaller displacement bikes were incredibly popular in Europe, as everything was much closer and easier to navigate. In the U.S., however, the R25 was considered a bit underpowered and certainly not built for top speed. But then again, what would you expect from BMW’s entry-level model?😊
I will be sharing more videos about this bike in the coming weeks and I will dive deeper into the drivetrain as I already found bigger issues. Thanks for watching! -Andreas
This video makes me want to get one, that would be a really fun project
That's awesome! Get yourself one before they go up in price...they are actually getting harder to find by the day and gaining in popularity.
THUMPERS RUUULE!! Super project.
I couldn’t agree more! It’s such a pleasure to hear this engine come to life and share it with you. Thanks for watching - Andreas
Wow, great find! You did a fine job getting it going! If you are going to restore it further I hope you make a video of it.
Thanks for your feedback! I'm really happy I could save this one and at least bring it back to life for now. From what I'm hearing everyone would like me to keep the original patina, but make it roadworthy. I think this is a great idea and I already know there are issues I want to address with the drivetrain. More on this in upcoming videos as I tear deeper into the engine and corresponding components. Regards Andreas
Excellent...enjoyable and understandable ...more R25 updates please
I’m glad you enjoyed it! I’ll be diving deeper into this bike over the winter since the engine needs more work than I anticipated. Stay tuned for more details in upcoming videos!
Really good job, Andreas. I had a 1980 Husqvarna 390 rebuilt, it fired up when I rolled down an enbankment. Push starting sometimes is a good option
Thanks a lot! That’s awesome about your Husqvarna 390-I bet it was a beast to get running! Sometimes a good push start is all it takes to bring these machines back to life. Glad to hear your story!
Yes Andreas, it was a nice early motorbike. We sure appreciate your videos. You are a very good mechanic. Sincerely, Benjamin
Great Video 👍 I love the R25/2 😍
Thanks for your feedback!! This specific bike is actually a1951 R25/0 with a R25/2 tank and seat. This must have been replaced or swapped in the past, but to me the bike looks very nice and original this way with some great patina. Cheers Andreas
I ride that back in 72. Buddy of mine had one
So cool! I hope you enjoyed the ride as much as I did😊👍🏻
Awesome, top end looks so similar to my R60/6 from 1975 which I converted to a 1000 with just a barrel, piston, carbs. bevel drive and top end job, even kept the original valve covers, looks like a sleeper but with 67bhp . Cheers
You are right, it is VERY similar! Who would have expected that similar components would be used 20 years down the line. You've finished up a great project with the 1000cc conversion. Now it's time to strip some weight to gain on top-speed haha. Enjoy your ride - be safe
I do Marine repair and also restore Muscle cars. From one professional to another great job you attention to detail and trying to keep it original is spot on. I aways wanted a early Norton Comando 850 but it it bruised up just get it running good no paint not restoration keep it banged up and scratched Bravo great job
That is a great sounding engine!!!
That was great. Love the excellent filming
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I put a lot of effort into the filming, so it’s awesome to hear that it’s appreciated! 😊
Great job. Lot's of fun to watch.
Lovely job! ! ! Seeing the sweetly rebuilt head got me feeling downright emotional! I'm looking forward to where this goes next in the process. I also enjoyed the pace and content of your video style. So I'm happy to be a New Subscriber.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for subscribing! 😊 I'm thrilled you enjoyed the video and appreciated the pace and content-it means a lot! Rebuilding the head was definitely a special moment, as that lead to the startup of this engine. There will be more content about this BMW R25 in upcoming videos and I will also finalize an ongoing project of mine, which is a BMW R60/5 motorcycle restoration. Hope you end the content moving forward. Cheers Andreas
Well done, lovely old bike. Greetings from AUS 🦘🇦🇺
Thanks for tuning in to watch! Cheers Andreas 🇨🇦
Great video. Great bike. Many thanks.
Cheers, Peter.
I’m glad you enjoyed it and it was a pleasure to share this video with you! 😃
Im a sucker for shaft drive. Love these old bikes apart from 6v headlights. If only RE made a 350 with a shaft!
They are quite cool, especially the classic bikes. The 6V system can be upgraded to a 12V system relatively easy, which is a nice thing. I'm sure they made more power without a shaft drive though...haha! Regards Andreas
great video, love that bike.
greeting from Indonesia mate.
Good job! I love the R25 and its simplicity. Just put my R1250RT away for the winter - it's a bit different from the R25. 🙂
Thanks a lot, John! The R25 is a testament to simplicity and reliability. Unfortunately, this engine probably missed some services, but I'm glad it's back up and running again.
Ah yes, the long winter months are ahead, but I'm sure you've stored your R1250RT well so it'll be all set for when the warmer weather returns.
Very cool. Thanks!!
Good job ! i am surprise how similar this engine is to ours /6 and /5series.
Thank you!! The 250cc engines are very similar and it's cool to see how many design cues were used for the later model BMW motorcycles. Cheers Andreas
So much like the 60/5 I used to have. Don't use copper anti seize on aluminium use aluminium based anti seize. Nice job.
Thank you for the advice! It’s always great to hear tips from someone with firsthand experience, especially with a bike like the 60/5. I’ll definitely keep that in mind about using aluminum-based anti-seize on aluminum. Appreciate you watching and sharing your knowledge! Regards, Andreas
Nice bike.
Nice video!
Thank you for your comment and thanks for tuning in! Cheers Andreas
Aaaah the good old days.
Yes, the good old days! Everything was very simple and somehow it still works after so many years :D.
Cool looking bike. I'd likely remove the passenger seat unless it was just going to be a museum piece.
Really enjoyed this video !
Thanks 👍
I’m glad I could share it with you! Thanks for your comment😊 Cheers Andreas
Cool bike!
I appreciate it! I'm glad I could share it with you - Regards Andreas
Great video - I have a 1954 R25/3 that is lots of fun, I put a rebuilt bing carb on and had to replace the regulator and condenser but it has been reliable since then, great way to travel - I like the tip of how to check the oil flow to the rockers - was it easy to get the special shaft made?
Thanks for watching-I'm glad you can relate! Your R25/3 is probably a fun little bike, especially after giving it the care it needs.
The shaft is quite straightforward to make. It's made from ground shaft material with a diameter of 5/16" (7.9 mm) and a length of 210 mm, though you can make it longer if needed. The front features a square drive measuring 7 mm x 7 mm, with 0.50 mm removed from the round stock to form a square tip. This square tip feature is 15 mm long to engage with the oil pump drive sleeve.
If you decide to make one, it’s quite simple-just replicate the tip of the oil pump shaft you remove from your engine and extend the shaft portion to the desired length.
I hope this tool proves useful if you give it a try! Regards Andreas
Single 250 with a drive shaft! 👍
Yes it's really neat... but expensive to repair haha. Thanks for watching!
Awesome video
I appreciate it! -Andreas
My favorite Beemer 😂🎉
I'm glad I could share this with you! Hope you enjoyed the video
Sweet! I forgot these existed. Basically half a boxer, right? Super cool.
They do, and they almost seem a bit underappreciated. This particular bike was essentially half the displacement of a BMW R51. Looking back at BMW’s lineup, their 250cc entry-level models were their most popular bikes before 1969. From the late ’30s to the mid-’60s, BMW continued to refine the engine and the bike it was housed in, improving handling and stability for a more comfortable ride.
A very impressive line of bikes, to be honest! Thanks for watching😃
My R27 was essentially half an R50S, with the 7,000 rpm valve train. Freeway capable all day, super quiet, valve covers UNDER the tank. I'd buy a new one.
I have one just like that. It's more rare than the R25/2, Never had problems with it. Mufler and tail light (Japanese !!!) are not original, of course. Purchased it in 1973, when I was 18. Ordered pieces some ten years later, and in the BMW factory they could supply me for about half of them. I guess now you have many aftermarket pieces. Now he stands there till my grandchildren are old enough.
That's an incredible story! It's amazing how well these classics hold up over the years, especially when they're cared for properly. You're right-aftermarket parts have definitely been fitted to this bike, but luckily there are still parts available for this model to this day. Hopefully, when your grandchildren are old enough, they'll appreciate the legacy and get to experience the joy of riding it. Bikes like these are meant to be passed down and enjoyed through generations! Regards Andreas
Had a ride on one of these around 25 years ago. I was shocked at the total lack of performance in it. NSU Max was in production at the same time as these, and it is difficult to conceive how anyone would have purchased one of these as an alternative.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It’s true that the performance of these bikes is modest compared to others from the same era, like the NSU Max. However, bikes like these often appeal for their simplicity, reliability, and charm rather than outright performance. They were designed more as practical, everyday transportation rather than high-performance machines. It’s fascinating to see how motorcycles have evolved since then.😊
Not everyone wants to ride at a ball busting speed.
what's that lever on the right side of the gearbox?
It's a short neutral finder lever, positioned at the same height as the shift lever on the left. I'll get more into this once I rebuild the gearbox.
need something like that for project camp bike
You made me laugh when you called the clutch perch “junk”.
It's the reality haha! Unfortunately the clutch perch is a 1 year only part, but they make "high quality" replicas... for $250USD! That's what I received and to be honest it would have been better to make my own from a chunk of steel. Finding an original will be hard, but I'll keep my eyes open on ebay etc. Cheers Andreas
thanks mister. that bike is worth a fortune to someone.
You're welcome! You're right, that bike definitely has a lot of value, especially to the right collector. It’s amazing how much some of these bikes are worth today!
How do you find a machine shop capable and knowledgeable about airhead cylinder head rebuilds, valve guides/seats etc? Also could you share a rough price about how much that might cost per head?
I use a machine shop specialized in 2stroke & 4stroke engines, that only works on small engines…basically anything up to 1.0L bike.
Valve guide and seat information was sourced through Mark Huggett. He has the specifications and details for most classic BMW bikes.
I will have a rough breakdown on this R25 in my upcoming short video series, but if you want a full breakdown feel free to send me an email. I‘m more than happy to provide that to you.
Gute Arbeit. Das ist eine schöne Maschine. Bitte nicht lackieren. Meine ist von 1950.
Good job. its a beautiful bike. Don´t paint it. Mine is from 1950.
The guttentight method 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Fun fact: torque specifications for most fasteners were introduced in the 1960s. Before that, every bolt on this motorcycle was tightened by the "guttentight" method, and somehow, nothing has fallen off to this day. So, it turns out it wasn’t such a bad technique after all!
super
Thank you for your support! -Andreas
Imagine someone, 70 years from now, trying to revive a 250 ccm bike of today with such simple measures... A Kawasaki 250 Ninja for instance... Hahaha.
👍
Thanks a lot!
Đẹp quá
Thank you! It is a lovely bike
Ich fahre Seit 25 Jahren eine BMW R26 Bj 1958. Du solltest dir einen originalen Krümmer und Endschalldämpfer besorgen ebenso benötigst du ein anderes Rücklicht (Eber-Rücklicht)
😃
Thanks for tuning in! Cheers
These bikes were built bullet proof...if ridden within specifications, these could last forever
how fast can one talk!!
It was a bit fast excuse me
Crikey. How did those valve guides get so bad? Presumably it was still running like that before the clutch issues!
That‘s what I thought too! It‘s hard to believe it ran like this…but who really knows. The only information I received from the previous owner was:“ It ran 12 years ago…“😅 Either way, it‘s now in running condition, but there are still more issues that I need to address. More on this in an upcoming video.
It is half a boxer engine
You are correct! The BMW R51 was the twin engine version of this bike. The bore and stroke were identical with 68mm x 68mm, but obviously using two cylinders.
Nobody understands that. Why does the cylinder stay on instead of at least inspecting the piston and rings? And why is oil good just because it looks clean but has been sitting around for ages? Copper paste also causes corrosion, especially on aluminum.
Many viewers understood what I did, and some even learned something new. Inspecting the piston and rings wasn’t essential to get this engine running. If the bore shows no scoring, the piston and rings are in good condition. Any oil is better than no oil-keep in mind, this engine was designed over 70 years ago when oil quality was far inferior to what we have today, so using a bit of older oil isn’t an issue.
If you’ve worked on classic BMW motorcycles, you’ll know that anti-seize is invaluable when tightening the exhaust nut.
There are still many aspects of this bike that I haven’t addressed, which could lead to bigger issues down the road. However, since I plan to restore the entire drivetrain to factory specifications, it’s not a major concern.. Hope you enjoy the upcoming videos.
Слишком много слов.
Not at all
It's 2024!
Please no more "will it run"? videos.
German torque spec. « Gut und tight «
That's how that came about... BMW began standardizing torque specs in the 1960s, especially with the /5 series in 1969. Before that, mechanics relied more on feel, but by the 1970s, torque specs became common in manuals for better precision and reliability.