1977 BMW R100/7 - 100K miles

16 years ago

On my local craigslist, there is a '77 BMW for sale. It looks interesting, but I don't know much about BMW motorcycles.... aw shucks, don't know much about motorcycles in general.

Nevertheless, are there any particular sorts of hassles associated with BMWs that you wouldn't suffer if, say, I bought an older japanese bike?

If it weren't for the high miles, the bike would be high on my "hey cool!" factor.

Kelt

Comments (7)

behaviorkelton
Original Author
16 years ago
http://knoxville.craigslist.org/mcy/333668313.html
pianojuggler
16 years ago
Older Beemers have their share of problems. But the two biggest problems you will have is finding parts and finding someone to work on one. If you can do your own wrenching, life will be easier, but there are many special tools required for things like clutch work, pushrod tube seals and like that. Frequently, you can find recommdations for functional alternative from the BMW boards on the internet. Also there are a couple of sources for vintage parts -- both salvage and NOS. Bob's BMW is the most well-known.

The bike in the ad looks like an interesting machine. I have an R75/7 that is set up similarly... Lufmeister fairing and aux tanks, Meyer Day-Long saddle, Krauser bags, Reynolds rack and ride-off stand... These bikes will go forever if you take care of them. My first BMW -- a 1972 R60 had 165,000 miles when I sold it and it was still going strong.

Also the price he's asking is stellar, or it least it would be for that bike in this part of the country.

BMWs have a lot of character, handle great -- even the old ones, and if you take care of a bike like this one, it will hold its value... maybe even go up.

Yeah... definitely "hey, cool!"
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behaviorkelton
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks,

I e-mailed the guy a couple days ago, but no response.

We'll see. Frankly, I'd prefer a similar bike but with smaller displacement. I haven't ridden a motorcycle since the 80's, and don't necessarily go for a adrenalin rush style of riding.

Thanks again
pianojuggler
16 years ago
All BMW R-bikes are very docile (except the few Rennsports, or other hopped-up bikes). The R100 has plenty of torque, it's smooth and powerful on the freeway, but don't expect arm-stretching acceleration. It's not a Ninja. And the power is very managable. An R100 can out-accelerate 99 percent of all the cars on the road, but a 600cc crotchrocket will leave it in the dust.
behaviorkelton
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks!
Well...it looks like the seller has either sold the bike or isn't responding to his e-mails.

It would be nice to find a coolish bike in the local area.

There is now a 2001 SV650 up for $3100 with 4,000 miles. This bike, I suspect, is a bit more frisky than the BMW...which I don't need... but if it's reliable, it could be a good thing. (I don't know if the SV bikes are any more or less reliable than the next bike)
paparoseman
16 years ago
My sister bought an SV 650 for her first bike. She had no problems learning to ride it. The SV has good power but it is not a bike that will spit you off for one mistake with the brakes or throttle. Sv's are quite reliable and have sold in huge numbers so parts are easy to find in case you break something.

Normal service work on an SV is also cheaper than many bikes because there is little body work to remove to adjust the valves.

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1977 BMW R100/7 - 100K miles

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1977 BMW R100/7 - 100K miles

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behaviorkeltonOriginal Author

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