Battery cover decals revisited (briefly)

[Altritter]

I saw a posting the other day on the Airheads board of the BMWMOA Forum that reminded me of a lively discussion on this board a few months ago. Someone asked a question that we covered then, to wit: Were the decals original items from the manufacturer, or were they add-ons. (The bikes in question are from roughly the same era as our R65s.)

One of the answers surprised me: The decals were not applied to the bikes at the factory, but were shipped with the document package for the purchaser to stick on at his/her option.

Any "bought-it-new" owners or other knowledgeable persons out there who can comment on the accuracy of that assertion? If correct, then it should ease the anxiety of any of our members who suffer compulsive tendencies by making the decals "nice to have" rather than "need to have" items for a complete restoration.

[Justin B.]

The only "new" bike I have ever bought was a 1978 R100/7 and it was a demo with about 300 miles on it.  I'm pretty sure the stickers were on the bike when I got it, but the dealer could have done so...

[Altritter]

From Justin: << but the dealer could have done so...>>

True — and added a charge for a DIO (dealer-installed option)?  

[Justin B.]

Most likely...

[k_enn]

For the model year 1982, it is absolutely true.  The decals came with the bike, but were not applied.  I believe that I still have mine, unapplied.  

k_enn

[Altritter]

From k_enn:  << I believe that I still have mine, unapplied.

I recommend that you safeguard them. As members of this group can attest, the white ones for 1979-84 are becoming scarce, as are the more expensive ones for 1985-87. Someone eventually will want to buy them from you.

I found that I bought mine that age has affected the NOS (new old stock) decals, even in a dealer's hands. Extreme care is required when peeling off the backing. (I had to buy three to obtain two good applications.) The last one I bought (from Capitol Cycle) was > $15, about 6 months ago. Beemer dealers charge even more.

[R65Guy]

I concur.  The decals came separate in the paperwork packet and were applied upon delivery.