Can I get this abandoned BMW Airhead running?

[@Seth-b6i]

Old Beemers were the greatest bikes of all time, IMHO.

[@evanleebodies]

And still are

[@harryireland1935]

These are the kind of videos that have the potential to explode your viewcount and subscribercount. But most importantly, this is why I subscribed to you years ago. I'm gonna shut up now and watch the entire video. Thank you!

[@ranranpoopants]

Why you soo worried about his viewer count. If you’re such a pro why don’t you do it yourself?

[@harryireland1935]

@@ranranpoopants I don't know why I would even respond to someone with a name like that, but it seems you're misreading my comment. Which is highly positive and supportive of that video and his channel and that's why I hope it gets a lot of views.

[@Indobiker61]

Can't wait to see it run...😂

[@bryanduncan1640]

There are so many videos of “abandoned” bikes on KZbin! Who are all these people who abandon these bikes? Furthermore, how do you transfer ownership over so that you can ride/sell the finished product as, I assume, most of these bikes will have been stolen?

[@DispatchMoto]

@@bryanduncan1640 I only take on these types of projects if they come with titles for that exact reason.

[@majormassenspektrometer]

BMW's Chrome on those fork legs must be special. I never saw a bike in such a state without rusted to shit chrome fork legs.

[@geoffas]

My dad who was an army and later a Rolls Royce trained mechanic always recommended pouring diesel into any seized, or potentially seized, cylinders and leaving it overnight to loosen things up. I saw it work on several occasions.

[@plunder1956]

When you consider the state it was stored and left in I am amazed the engine survived. The right cylinder and piston rings looked terrible. A testiment to German engineering and your skill aat getting it freed up. A most satisfying rescue.

[@freddie_ray1498]

It's a sin to leave any bike out in the elements for any period of time. This vid was very educational and fun to watch. I love bringing the old stuff back to life..

[@thomasspoerli4659]

Your Frankenstein's engine has risen from the grave.... Greetings from a swiss BMW airheads fan. I'm a genuine swiss guy, not an expat. A french talking one. Switzerland, Europe, " the old world" .

[@w.peterroberts9624]

Have a lot of children. We need more!

[@kevinparkes417]

Exceptional! This goes to show just what amazing engineering these bikes were.

[@geoffas]

I had a 1975 BMWR90S for 30 years and it never missed a beat. They were incredibly well-manufactured bikes.

[@henkneijer77]

perfect bmw mouse house, please use a lot more mos spray everywhere inside outside it won't hurt and wait until it takes effect, you're too impatient. If you lubricate well, you drive well. This also applies to repairs.

[@toddtonis]

I really enjoyed watching you bring this airhead back to life. I have an R100S and can tell you these are really good bikes. I've heard from other airhead riders that these engines can take a huge amount of abuse and damage and still keep running to get you home. Your bike fits into that category based on that cylinder. Glad you chose to do the project that way. I also appreciate that you video exactly how you work on bikes with your tools all over the floor; just the way the rest of us do in real life. Honest wrenching. Well done!

[@jdillon8360]

Great to see the effort you put into cleaning up and re-using old parts instead of just throwing new parts at it. Appreciate it!

[@SD_Alias]

A R65 turned into a squirrels home… ;) Drove that bike almost 40 years ago. Would like to get one again… Loosing old Screws, sparkplugs etc. a hot airgun is helpful...

[@andrewdavis6917]

Fantastic work. Love seeing an old engine be worked over and brought back.

[@williamconquest5066]

I have 6 airheads..2 r65’s and am always doing something..great video and I learned much from you..many thanks..!

[@marktolner2922]

Excellent video and an excellent job to get that old timer running again after being neglected for so long. I was as stoked as you were when it fired up.

[@lukewalker1051]

You are a wizard is all I can say. I don't anybody who could have chosen a more thoughtful and straightforward path to starting up this frozen old BMW. All the elements you resourcefully employ...spinning the crank with the right hand cylinder off was brilliant...and will add...all with a positive and level headed demeanor of a man on an exploration with excellent capacity to articulate your next steps and with great humor. What great talent you have. Respect.

[@jhaedtler]

I had a friend that brought me an R90S that he found sitting behind a bar for 20 years. I did the same as you just got it running. What an amazing bike!

[@grabir01]

Soak the piston and rings in 2 stroke oil for a few days. Re-install if none of the rings are cracked. Once you get the motor started and un through a few heat cycles, the rings will free themselves up. You should be good. Check compression both sides as you go so you will know when the rings are seated once again.

[@flat6fever680]

Good idea. Monitoring compression as you go.

[@bielbills]

I want a BMW airhead soooooo bad!!! 🤩 This things were built to last!

[@paulfrost8952]

Also they are easy to work on and Motoworks BMW motor cycle specialists have all the parts and tools to help keep them going.

[@citizenX117]

best moto build channel in youtube! keep going

[@ByronTexas]

Did the same thing with a '74 CB 500 yesterday. I was counting on the Honda build quality and I was pleasantly surprised

[@vincecarnevale4406]

Worked in a auto garage in the 70's with a mechanic who had an BMW ,he told me the only repair he had to do to it was to replace the o ring where the driveshaft went into the rear whee,l due to a few drops of oil leaking a week.

[@fishaussie9112]

🇦🇺about time wrenching on classic again This has been one of your best videos in a long time

[@Feinrizulwur]

Take the pistons out. Above all oil out, New Filter and oil. Polish cylinder and pistons put to gether. Then Try to crank it.

[@CharlesWillisBonsai]

I only have time to add this to my watch list right now and comment. I'm stoked to see BMW airhead stuff on the channel.

[@MD-qm6gy]

Pretty sure those were Nickasil lined cylinders by this period. Boring them isn't really in the cards. You gotta replace the liner.

[@patmcgaha8120]

I enjoyed the segment very much. Problems encountered, identified and resolved!

[@firestorm755]

JB weld the corroded section in the cylinder then re hone it. You've nothing to lose by trying it

[@petermosdell580]

Love it. Love it. Love it. Back from the dead and minimal spend. Great vid 👍

[@biker66ton]

40 years ago, i had the same problem with a GT 550 Suzuki. Solved the rusty Piston exact the same way, wood behind the cilinder, en wood on the piston. where you use an Iron bar. Anyway, both did solved it haha.

[@bigwu100]

The forks look bent

[@Violaodabossa]

Thank you for this great video👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 I never owned a BMW until I bought one on march 12th2020 a '89 R100GS PARIS DAKAR which is my first bike after exactly 30 years break causey a heart operation. I learned and experianced how great and simple this motor concept is. So it is no wonder that this R65 started after this long time without exchanging parts. Airheads are great ❣️ Best wishes from Wuppertal / Germany >Lutz

[@gjermundvaland8568]

Love these "will it run"-videos! 😊

[@pushrodfury6644]

Super thorough and methodical - Nicely Done!

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

I always like to BMWs. I remember seeing your building in Munich when I was there in 73.....

[@zawzawaung6789]

I've been through this exercise with R65-R80-R100s a few times. I think what you're doing will just get the bike on the road. But I'd advise stripping it down to the frame, looking over what you need to order from parts. I've worked on quite a few R65s, and I have to say that they're the exception to some classic BMW rules. HINT: rocker arm needle bearings.

[@youremostwelcome]

This is a terrific video. Usually stuff coming out of The Americas is overblown, sensationalised nonsense. This was nice and understated without any of the carry on, and was thus, super enjoyable. Thanks a lot!

[@johna1160]

You're right about there being an abundance of commercialized over hyped crap emanating from here. You're wrong about it being the usual stuff. As this video clearly demonstrates, there's more than enough worthwhile content to be found. You've just been watching the wrong stuff! As with any subject, it's up to you what you watch and what you pass by.

[@johnybenx3165]

I agree. This reminded me of Mustie1's videos, which are very detailed, step by step, without being boring and full of fillers. I was honestly hoping this video wouldn't be from somewhere from the US, but was pleasantly surprised by the lack of hyper sensationalization

[@youremostwelcome]

@@johna1160 Fair call, you're right. I shouldn't go about making sweeping statements like that

[@terryanderson8354]

Good stuff!!! New sub - I'm impressed you saved those rings!!

[@loui260756]

I had a 1982 R65, almost the same bike, but with double front brake, and 50HP ... It was my daily, until 1995 😊

[@STP-bc5cy]

You should have 10 times the views. Well done.

[@darin8087]

Taylor.... I'm stoked with you great video The bike looked in bad shape got it going Awesome

[@MRgrimlock84]

I've missed seeing your will it run videos! Love it as always!

[@majorscope]

This is a pre 81 model with the metal air box. Should be a heavy flywheel model which is much sweeter than the later models.

[@kemperhiggins895]

A new classic octane video? A good day for me. Keep up the solid content!

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Sad seeing it in that condition. I had a ‘79 like that and loved it. My riding buddy gave me his years later, after it had been sitting unused for over 10 years. I got it cleaned and running in a few days but the math just didn’t work for rebuilding it. Parts are unfortunately not cheap for them.

[@williammoses6460]

And she still ran smooth. Let’s hear it for good engineering.

[@jimjohnson1285]

I'm glad you kept going with out just throwing parts at it. 👍👍👍👍

[@MerlinZener]

I've got one of those R65s too, in much the same state, sadly. One of these days I really need to get around to it. Too many other bikes!!!

[@snottyvar]

I like your style. So much more to learn when you are resourceful.

[@johns8000]

I would love to see what running the engine a bit did to the corroded portions of the jug. I wonder if it honed it some more or caused damaged to the piston skirt. Great vid

[@scdevon]

Don't worry. It will "self clearance itself out as it runs and breaks in"......... (what every hack says). That cylinder will end up burning oil and losing compression, unfortunately. Fun video, though.

[@FFVoyager]

The R65 with an ally airbox and heavy flywheel was introduced in 1978 and went on a diet in 1981 - lighter flywheel, plastic airbox and (I think) electronic ignition. The frame changed in 1985 to the single shock style.

[@norberthaase1697]

Das ist korrekt.😊

[@peterturnbull9133]

Really enjoyed this video. Following your process and approach to getting the engine started was really interesting. Loved that you decided to repair the corroded cylinder rather than replace it in the interests of seeing if it would start …. Thank you

[@OPV17]

i love the airheads!!!

[@woodyunderwood2828]

You are one good mechanic...I have been there done that and you beat me big time!

[@IanLawrie-l9q]

Awesome! This is the most inspiring video I’ve seen in the field of restoration/revival. Makes me want to go find something awful hidden behind in an awful place and try to emulate 👍👏👌

[@owenwilliams9582]

Great stuff, brilliant to see the old girl coming back to life and back in the game.. Thanks for making the vid.

[@whiteknightinblack]

so, you said off camera, you figured out what was wrong with the starter button, what was it? love these vids, along with all of your other vid series. thank you for them, keep um coming!

[@bobjohnson9597]

I had a 1977 R100RS and rode it for almost 7 years with fence pipe exhaust pipes and would race a Honda Civic on the back roads of Backwoods East Tennessee when almost no one owned or rode a bike. I sent the carbs off to Ohio ti be rebuilt and that's literally the only work that ever needed to be done to it. I sold it to a guy in the city who completely restored it and that's the only bike that I regret that I sold in my life. My advice is dont get caught up in this viewings-subs prison and keep making these videos for your enjoyment only. Thanks again for posting your adventures.

[@mjc2ride336]

Nice, you did it right by taking it apart and honing it out and cleaning up the piston rings and heads.

[@tmackinator]

Applying heat to the exhaust bung on the head would have been a good first step.

[@alanbrown5593]

Greetings from Scotland, good to see skill and enthusiasm.

[@saldarnell7634]

Great videos as always.. how do u pick choose what to work on next?

[@henkneijer77]

Don't forget new oil seals! When pressing in, the large oil seal on the crankshaft must be lifted over the shoulder on the crankshaft stub using a thin sleeve, in this case a temporary construction made of cardboard and adhesive tape.

[@christocambetes3074]

Why wouldn’t you use the AVAPOW battery box you just promoted?

[@Sander_Vonk]

Thanks Taylor. This is again a very nice video to watch! 😊. Thanks! Keep them coming!

[@mikeymike3240]

I’ve missed these videos man, keep em commin 😊

[@grosbeakmc]

Hey Taylor, great video... it's nice to see an old bike come back to life.

[@michaelweilmuenster5754]

Evaporust is amazing. I've used it on my last 2 restorations. The ignition switch is probably corroded inside from sitting outside so long. I had a guy offer me a 78 CB 750 that was so rusty and dilapidated, i had to turn it down. It just screamed money pit. I felt bad but i kept telling myself "you can't save them all ".

[@441rider]

Hot olive oil heated up in plug holes can free stuff up without chemicals.

[@Roger_Ramjet]

And that smell, hmmmmmm

[@letsgofishing24.7]

That was amazing!

[@benthillerup]

Just love the “will it run” vids👍

[@christocambetes3074]

Now you added the box. Great results.

[@brucebenjamin4964]

I was saying “hit the bowl with your screwdriver “ and you did!! Nice save on the Beemer!!

[@richardcasey7521]

I don’t understand why people don’t thoroughly clean these filthy bikes before they begin working on them. The engine sounds healthy. Good video!

[@biker66ton]

Very interesting the little Zoo in the engine hahah. Some creature had his home in there. Hahaha. When doing a proper job on the engine, an other 20 or 30 years of riding fun are gauranteed. BMW stands for quality. Specially the airheads.

[@cport955]

That looked like it would never run. It’s amazing what can be brought back to life

[@andylee5418]

Love it mate - Will it run videos are the best!! Cheers

[@MarkMiles-jp2ne]

Best disassembly video I've ever seen

[@johncorlett3699]

would heating the piston in the oven have helped free the rings, by cracking the rust, allowing rust buster to soak in better? a bogging battery will provide enough to turn the engine, but not enough to spark...... excellent vid

[@skysurferuk]

9:00 With regard to plugs, I tend to use an old plug, with a 5" grinder, cut a slot down the length of the threads of the plug. That works as a thread chaser quite well.

[@jjcale1976]

Today's bikes are not as solid and simple as those old BMWs

[@jamestobler8473]

That was very cool thank you.

[@bluefluteman]

Wow! Great video, good job. Thank you Sir.

[@JKaymitBindestrich]

Please more of these "WILL IT RUN" Videos! Great Video 😍

[@clivesilk3501]

you can buy plastic storage boxes in different sizes that are ideal for using for soaking parts over night ... nice old bike !!

[@nothingbutprojects8193]

Super clean works great loosening up stuck rings.

[@hawkhawkins5374]

Great video. Really enjoyed it.

[@mayo_moto]

Great video pal. Thanks for taking us along.

[@scottbaker9066]

Hone the bore and wire brush the piston! Just like when I was a farm kid... use new rings, I rebuilt a bunch of stuff with original rings, gaskets from shoe box cardboard wet with Permatex.

[@larrypierce5925]

Have a r 100 rs in the garage 10 years Your video gives me hope Thanks

[@svoctopus4888]

I have one of those, AVAPOW's. Model: A68. It's the 6000A. Works great. I bought it to use to start my sailboat's diesel engine and my truck engine too. I've only used it on my old GMC truck. It was supposed to come with a cigarette plug-in (male fitting). Nope. Mine came with the female fitting? Someone who package it has, A.D.D.. Got mine off Amazon a year ago.

[@TexasTacoKiller]

Dang that was worth the watch... great how you really get deep into the weeds on the motor, not to mention you have the tools to get it done as well.... so how much did you sell the bike for? I'm curious, because I've always wanted to do a project bike ( BMW or Honda) over the course of a year...

[@sergiuadrianspulber2636]

truly satisfying to watch. keep it up!

[@MrBowsmith]

Are those front fork stanchions bent?

[@sraiken]

I am enjoying your video. I paused after your jump box ad. I bought one..... but no 30% discount there buckaroo. I got a $5.49 discount. It is OK, it looks like a good jumper. I am looking at a 1975 R90/6 that I might buy, so I am in the knowledge absorption mode. Thanks for the knowledge

[@michaeljoseph9881]

You gotta put oil done so under Jack wagon some in the intake port end exhaust port.

[@rostislavkappel6553]

Best video i have seen ,I thing ever,as long I remember.

[@hardnut52]

Brilliant video i have now subscribed,wish we could find project bikes like that in the uk getting more scarce to find over here now. look forward to the next. Dave.

[@freezerburn04]

Bravo. Your looks a couple of times were pretty funny, lol. Easy cool vid thanks a ton👍🙏👋

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

When you pulled the rocker cover off the right side, the first one, a washer, about 9mm, fell out of the casing, it looked like.