Putting a 1968 BMW R50/2 Back On The Road

[@RichardHarding44]

Looks nice - I had similar symptoms on my single R25 - I changed plugs, had a refurbed carb, lots of fiddling but in the end I changed both the ignition coil and condenser on the advice of the folks on the BMW forums - I don't know if it was coil or condenser as I changed both but it was instantly cured of misfire at high revs

[@beerriot]

Interesting! I'll make sure those stay on my list to investigate. Thanks!

[@edwardward5481]

You might consider putting the horn on the right front sidecar attachment. The front engine case is now easy to take off since the horn is out of the way. Also, check if the magneto is lined up with the engine's "S" mark. To do this get the engine on the "S" mark. Now stand in front of the bike and look back between the front forks. You should see the magneto line up mark lined up in the middle of the bracket window. If it is off adjust the magneto then readjust the points. Nice bike, indeed!

[@beerriot]

Hey, that horn relocation trick is something I might have to look into - thanks! Check my latest video for an update on what I've done with the magneto/etc. since posting this. ;)

[@TheCrunkrockjoseph]

it is common that they run good, start easy, and then once hot wont cooperate. In my experience, it was the ignition coil partially failing. wiring a new one fixed each bike in question.

[@beerriot]

Heh. Funny you should mention this today. I was just out in the garage getting a new coil (and condenser, and points) installed. I didn't get the timing set before it got dark, but I'm looking forward to a test ride soon.

[@MyWillypilly]

I understand why these bring so much money. They are the boiled down to all you need and nothing you don't. Refined simplicity. I get it

[@beerriot]

It certainly feels that way from today's perspective, where it's odd for a road bike not to have displays for things like engine speed, engine temp, gas level, gear selection, etc. Not to mention other features like at least five gears, hydraulic disc brakes, automatic fuel shutoff, and rear turn signals. But I'd argue that while you don't *need* an oil filter, it might have provided a significant boost to some of the maintenance intervals. I'm also glad to have had MSF training to always use both the front and rear brake together, because only the rear brake lever activates the brake light. And it does have (unused) sidecar mounts. 😂 It is, as you guessed, a load of fun to experience a machine built with a different perspective of "necessary", though.

[@MyWillypilly]

@@beerriot I detect a small level of carcasm.

[@abandoneduniverses]

Τhousands of these were abandoned at early 90s in Greece.

[@beerriot]

I wonder what happened to all of those. It seems to have been a somewhat popular choice of bike to restore in the US in the past 10 years, judging by all the walk-around-and-cold-start videos one can find here.

[@MyWillypilly]

What nice is that, you can put some money into it and not lose your ass.

[@m_pescador]

Condensador