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Author Topic: buying an airhead  (Read 1218 times)

GrimReaper

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buying an airhead
« on: March 11, 2010, 09:35:24 AM »
Hi guys.I found a 1971 SWB R75/5 on the local craigslist for 1500usd with 60K miles on it.The bike has been parked about 5 years ago.The owner said the bike runs,Anyway i need couple of advices.
  1.What should i be ready to replace?
  2.How to check the spines?
Of course i am going to ask for a service records(the owner brought the bike from Canada when he moved to USA)
  Any help will be highly appreciated.

   Thank you

Offline Bengt_Phorqs

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Re: buying an airhead
« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2010, 01:47:54 PM »
That's a good price for an R75.  Be skeptical about the mileage though.  It could be anywhere from 160k to periods of broken speedo.  1st, get a Haynes or Clymer manual or even both.  2d, read up on what SnowBum has to say.  3rd, run a compression and a leak down test.  Be prepared to replace the coils and points.  Nothing wrong with running points, it's a good system, but may need some tuneup.  The spline lube isn't difficult, just time consuming the first time you do it.  No shortcuts, remove the tranny and inspect the seals and splines.  4th, you're going to need a lot of rubber bits.  Hucky's spare parts is a great source for older airhead spares.

Or, you could just change the fluids and ride the heck out of it this season and then do all the work it will need over the next winter!
Airheads Rule!! [smiley=beerchug.gif]
Bengt Phorqs, Jake R90/6, R80/7, R1200RTw, Moto Guzzi California EV , Triumph TR250W, Yamaha TY250A Trials, Suzuki DR650

GrimReaper

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Re: buying an airhead
« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2010, 10:59:02 PM »
Thanks.Actually it was 1971 R60/5.Last registration on the plate said March 96.Bike was registered in Canada.So i guess it sat about 13 years.Tank was drained but carbs not.Did not see any leaks.Engine oil was clean.Did not see rust either.
  I will try to cut the price a bit.
it is an airhead,it has to be cheap  ;D

Offline montmil

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Re: buying an airhead
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2010, 05:33:44 AM »
Quote
...it is an airhead,it has to be cheap  ;D

Well, they often start out that way. It is an addiction. There is no cure, only treatment. ;)

Monte
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline Bengt_Phorqs

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Re: buying an airhead
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2010, 07:25:25 AM »
#1 on what the Mont-ster has to say.  Do try to pick it up at a lower price, and then be prepared to spend at least that much again to get it up to a good condition.  Airheads are not cheap, contrary to what you may think.  They need care and feeding like any other farm implement, I mean fine piece of machinery.  The difference from a modern bike is that you can work on them without having to rely on a dealer network.  That's what you have us for! 8-) 8-)
Bengt Phorqs, Jake R90/6, R80/7, R1200RTw, Moto Guzzi California EV , Triumph TR250W, Yamaha TY250A Trials, Suzuki DR650

Offline Ed Miller

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Re: buying an airhead
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2010, 02:03:50 PM »
You might need to rebuild the carbs.  Did you also check for rust in the gas tank?  At least you won't have any brake hoses full of brown crud.  

Ed Miller
'81 r65
Falls City, OR