Hi,
I've come across a non-CFO '77 that I'm interested in, but it has snowflake mags, and a rear disc brake. I've read that the mags were an option. I've also read that BMW started to sell the '77 RS with mags, but had a problem with the supplier. But I have not seen anything about a '77 equipped with a rear disc brake. Have any of you come across this?
Thanks,
Steve
• The mags are a benefit, and you will like having them, but you'll want to check them very carefully.
Front wheel mags made before 1981 do not have the support web. They would crack and the NTSB made BMW replace them. Obviously an older wheel that hasn't cracked by now may never be an issue, and/or there's a high probability that the front mag was already checked and replaced way back when. The concern is only the front mag, and there are 2 things to look for...
1. There will be NO web between the spokes...
And, 2. the date stamp will be prior to 1981...
► Now the good news... The NTSB recall never expires and BMW will still replace the front mag FREE to the current owner as long as the bike is in running condition. You get a brand new wheel, new axel, seals and wheel bearings. And like any warranty work, this must be done at a BMW dealer. When I went, I took a new tire and they also mounted/ balanced my new tire for free.
• The rear disc is no great stopper, but (like the front discs) there are lots of things you can do to improve it. Once modified, it's safe and starts to approach modern braking performance.
• Generally, mechanical drum brakes just need a 5 mile ride to get scuffed in and return to 100%. Hydraulic disc brakes are not so easy. Brake fluid, pads and hoses need to be completely replaced. These are messy and pricey jobs, but something that must be done.
• The earlier ATE brake calipers are not "fabulous". Being single-acting, they will never stop like a modern bike... but stopping power gets to be 'respectable' after the full repair.
• The brake master cyl under the tank is a whole other issue. It will need rebuilding. And you will proabably see that it has been leaking brake fluid for 40 years onto the electrical system components that are on the left side of the frame. This will cause Starter Relay issues. This is another known fault. Without a kick starter, this fault can leave you stranded.
We already have articles covering each of these items individually. And with most of these you can fix one item a week and still get in some good riding.
► Bottom line, you've found a treasure ! But if you need to use shop services to get it back on the road, you'll be spending an arm and a leg to do so. So I would not pay a premium for this bike until it's been proven that each of these items has been repaired. (A used front wheel alone is $500 on eBay!)
Ask specific questions about what else you want to know. Hope this helps.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
What happens to the early wheels...
You REALLY need to pay attention to the front wheel first.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Many thanks Richard. Good info!
The BIG questions is: What date is on that front wheel ???
What I've given you is the gist, but not the details. YOU have to be prepared and know all the details because when you call BMW North America YOU will know more than they do. And this is simply because the issue pre-dates their computer system !!
In fact, the issue predates the 20-something kid that will answer the phone !! When you tell him that BMW is going to pay for a $1000 total front wheel replacement (parts and labor) for a 1977 motorcycle, his programmed reaction is going to be "No. Sorry. You are mistaken." And you will need to stand your ground, or they will deny your claim.
Then, to add insult to injury, YOU will need to tell him the part number of the replacement wheel he has in stock.
Score: BMW-NA 0, Steven Shockley 3. 😎
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
A bigger question than the wheels, is the rear disc brake. I have found nothing in any reference material about a rear disc brake ever having been installed by the factory on a '77 RS.
I can't answer that, but I will say that there's a lot of mounting tabs for the master cylinder and brake lines that would not be on a drum brake series bike.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
When it comes to particular features on a bike or car that don't make sense such as in this case cast wheels and disc brake on a 77 RS remember some 78RS bikes could have been released as 77 bikes. Or, BMW started to add cast wheels and disc brakes late in 77 ahead of the 78 model. Only BMW management at that time knows what they were thinking. St.
Beware! I do not suffer fools gladly! St.
When it comes to particular features on a bike or car that don't make sense such as in this case cast wheels and disc brake on a 77 RS remember some 78RS bikes could have been released as 77 bikes. Or, BMW started to add cast wheels and disc brakes late in 77 ahead of the 78 model. Only BMW management at that time knows what they were thinking.
Good point.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Alas, it sold. Beautiful bike. Sold for $5900.
You probably don't want to hear I got my '83 RS for $2500 CDN!
I am not sure if it was the British BMW bike website or Snowbum's site that had/has a list of serial numbers and the years released.
The British site is closed down now I believe. St.
Beware! I do not suffer fools gladly! St.
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