BMW R50/2 Starting proceedure

Starting procedure for totally restored R50/2 at Airheadrestorations.com

[@HeyYouNaN]

I have an R60/2 bike, It used to be my dad’s bike and now it’s mine…he passed 11 years ago and many people took many parts of it, now I have to restore the entire bike…

[@jimsylvia6944]

thanks for the great words. The red bike in the background is a 1966 R69S which is on its way So Africa. The bike I started was a 1966 R50/2 and now lives in California...You have a very nice bike, the R69 has always been a favorite of mine. I have restored 6 over the years ... Great bike, treat it with kindness.. Jim

[@Keith-rk4td]

Thanks for keeping these machines alive!! They are the best in the world!!

[@daveyator]

I bought this exact bike from Jim a few years ago. She’s having a few major carb and throttle issues but I’m trying to work through them. I will say that Jim is totally supportive and has given advice and frankly a few parts supporting his rebuilds. I wouldn’t hesitate buying a bike from him if you’re in the market for one of these.

[@marcschouten3474]

Thanks for the video. It’s worth the watch just to hear the sound of the engine. My mechanic ran an airhead without pipes when I was there once and it sounds amazing. Like a spitfire.

[@johneastman1905]

Delightful to meet you, see your shop and learn about properly starting these fine bikes.

[@windycityben4850]

I love hearing these bikes start! Great video 👍🏻

[@aggelosmokas3121]

Great video !!! starting the restoration of my 1961 R50 , video serves as an exceptional paradigm of how i want mine, Again many thanks!

[@muziekweekendjaarlijks6630]

Absolutely perfect Sir.

[@robertcross1441]

In 1967 I bought a 1960 R 50, I could start it by hand leaning over thr seat. Fast forward to 1980 I bought a 1973 R75/ 5 I kept it for 32 years.I sold as It became too heavy for me. Both wonderfull bikes.

[@mrt1998]

Back in 1982 I owned a 69 R60 US it had 144,000 miles when I sold it. Ran forever!

[@jimsylvia6944]

Thanks Keith....I think you are right...

[@michaelfirth1075]

Sounds great.

[@99skychief]

Hello J MK, I found that at room temperature there is no need to use the choke and you would still need to tickle the carbs if the choke is on. I do just as Jim does when starting the bike, let it idle to warm up and reduce engine wear while I inspect the tire pressure, make sure my brake light is working (so important) and headlight's high and low beam and no oil leaks...by then the bike is warmed up and safe for heading on the open road.

[@discogodfather22]

If it's dying as you open the throttle try balancing the carbs relative to the throttle cable tightness. Give it some more tightness and screw the bypass screws out slightly. The throttle slide is not moving fast enough for the amount of fuel being delivered, thus the stumble.

[@augustusmaxwelljr1589]

Those are beautiful bikes. Perfect to be exact. Just curious. What year are those bikes and models? Just bought a 1959/69. I have a long ways to go to be like yours. Love the info. Thank you so much

[@jimsylvia6944]

I would start by checking the plugs and see how they are burning. If you are smelling gas you may be a bit rich. Try re-adjusting the air fuel screw. With the bike warm to temp start on one side and turn the air/fuel mix screw in till it bottoms and out to within 1/4th of the Bing spec. Turn the rest of the way out slow until you hear the engine accelerate then turn back about 1/4 turn. Do the other side and try that. You may have to turn the idle back a bit on each. Check to see if the slide on the choke is all the way open, with the ticklers on the carbs we sometime forget the air cleaner has a choke.

[@sidneybolt1099]

Jim, hello from the UK. Jim can you do a video on setting up the carburettors - balancing and mixture setting?

[@kowaltoboggan]

Beautiful bike! One question I always have had is why doesn’t anyone use the choke on the air filter housing for cold starts? I see it is room temperature in the video, but that would solve the warming issue and eliminate the need to tickle the carbs. Just curious.

[@danhake5971]

Jim, thanks so much. I have a R69S bike from my father that I am having a challenge with, do you know of any mechanics that you can recommend in the Florida area, by chance?