1979 Paint Scheme

[Crossrodes]

I've been doing some research on my bike to determine if the current paint scheme is an original scheme.  I'm sure the paint is not.  I've been to the site in the UK that has many of the colours and schemes but I don't see the scheme that is currently on my bike (they do show a '78 but don't show a '79).  I went to a paint shop yesterday and the manager said that my scheme is correct.

Here's what I have:

The main colour is red and the tank has a faded in black on top with the two pinstripes on the sides.  The other parts except for the front fender are similar (red with a touch of black). I think the front fender is a replacement as it is a completely different (awful) red.

I guess the real question is whether the black is part of the original colour scheme...I'm sure the stripes are but I'm not so sure about the faded in black on the top of the tank.  Also if the faded in black was part of the original scheme would the front fender also have a faded in black?

Does anyone know? Have a '79 with an original scheme with pictures?

I could come up with a creative paint scheme but I want to keep this bike in the original colours to keep my collectors plate.

[Bob_Roller]

I don't know if this will lead you anywhere, but try contacting BMW NA customer service.
 
Have your VIN handy .

The toll free number is : 1-800-831-1117 .

Online email inquiry : CustomerService@bmwmotorcycles.com .

[Crossrodes]

Good idea Bob.  I've sent them an email with VIN.

[Semper Gumby]

Its probaly Silver Beige paint code 548 I think with some brown Pinstipping.  What you say Rob?

[DeeG]

Does it look something like this?

Technically a 78, but built late enough in the year to be considered a 79.

[Crossrodes]

It's similar to that.  The tank colours look the same except where the colours transition; mine is fogged in.  Also the plastic at the back end of the seat is painted red/black on mine (the plastic is a different shape also) and I have two side panels that cover the electrical boxes that are red/black.

Do you have the paint colour codes for the red and the black?

[Crossrodes]

Well BMW Customer Service didn't give me any info other than tell me to contact the dealer.  So I did.  The dealer said there were 3 reds in '79...Canyon Red (518) Hell Red (551) and Henna Red (565).  Looking at the Brit website that shows most colours I'm thinking that mine is Canyon red.

Now the question:  Does anyone know if the black that the top of the tank is painted (similar to the picture that Deeg posted) is an original scheme?  Mine has a softer transition from black to red (fogged) from the top to the side and Deeg's seems to be an abrupt transition.  Anyone know which is correct?

[Mike V]

Mike,

Check here...
http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/paintcodes/reds.htm
&
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/pcodes.htm