New addition ..

[Bill Conquest]

Hi ..just found a '76 r75/6 .. Good shape with a few issues I need help with. First the headlight and tail lights don't switch on.. High beam flasher works. & parking tail light when switch is in that position... Any ideas..?
Also it idles really high after it warms up.
It sat for quite awhile until the seller got it .. He only rode it a few times.. Has a luftmeister fairing.. Any tips would be really a help.
Thanks, Bill

[Julio A.]

High idle after warm up may be a sign of a lean mixture or improper carburetor settings. Usual culprits is that the carbs were synchronized when the engine was still cold.

[montmil]

You mentioned it has been laid up for awhile. Does 'awhile' mean several months or...?

If this Classic were mine, the first order of business would be to change and inspect all fluids -forks to final drive. Establish that benchmark for future maintenance chores.

Do a basic tune up: Set valve lash (a big component of idle rpm's), check timing and points setting, dump float bowls after checking for water or debris. Got a tank full of fresh fuel?

Electrics will require some investigative work. Confirm the bulbs are good by both visual and use of leads from a known-good battery. Hawaii. Better begin a check on connections and wiring for corrosion; could be a concern with any and all switch assemblies. A simple electric circuit tester for 12v could pinpoint where power is lost.

1976 R75. Some Airhead folks believe the R75 is the best Airhead ever built.

Find a comfy spot to work. Gather your tools and enjoy discovering what makes your new BMW what it is.

Now then, Bill. You know what's next, right?

Without a photo, your ghost R75 doesn't really exist.  [smiley=camera_sm.jpg]

[Bill Conquest]

Thanks guys.. I'm actually back on Ca....up in the Tahoe area . The bike came out of grass valley where it was on a garage for 6 or 7 years .. Another person got it, ( a car & plane mechanic).. Rode it's few times.. Changed all fluids & filters ..it will need all the base line checks as you suggest, Monte.. Is it possible the headlight relay is bad..?
Thanks, Bill.  Will post pics ASAP!

[Barry]

First the headlight and tail lights don't switch on.. High beam flasher works. & parking tail light when switch is in that position... Any ideas..?

That symptom points to a problem with the headlamp relay. Not having a headlamp relay I'm no expert but the fact the the head lamp flasher still works is a dead give away that there is some problem with the relay or the power that switches it  (which could include the light switch). If you are electrically inclined and want to read up on headlight relays Snowbum has a good write up http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/headlightrelay.htm and I have Joe Cuda's Relay 101 article if you need it.

First diagnostic test would be to check if the relay coil is energised or not when operating the light switch.

If it turns out the relay is faulty I think it's a simple double pole relay that can be cheaply substituted. The original may have a diode to keep the dash light on while cranking.  If you are not fussed about that feature you could ignore the need for a diode or buy a substitute relay and transfer the diode yourself. That's what I would probably do.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Bill, the /6 machines have the headlight relay and flasher relay in the headlight bucket.  It's not unusual for wiring to become frayed and corroded inside the bucket.  Carefully remove the headlight and inspect the bucket.  You will also see two fuses in the very back of the bucket.  Wouldn't hurt to inspect those as well.

Congratulations on your new acquisition.  Once you get it sorted out you will like it.

[nhmaf]

1976 is the best year for a /6 as well - the transmission issues that they had with the early 5-speed in 1974 were pretty much resolved by then.   Should be a nice rider when it is all sorted out.

And of course, we want PICs !!!
 

[Bill Conquest]

Thanks so much everyone.. It's in clean shape except for a few things...has a luftmeister fairing on it , il have to take it off.. Will post pics when I get back to Hi.
 Bill

[Bill Conquest]

Well ... It turned out to be the headlight relay .. You were all correct..!
I swapped it out for one off my '75 r60 and it worked.. So off to the napa in Truckee...They matched it up quite nicely.
Now for the high idle issue..
Thanks, Bill