Honda-SOHC

I've owned BMW airheads on and off since the 1970's when I had one of the last R90S's into the UK.

I think that Matt Hull (Classic Bike Guide) did say that the bottom - end problems on his bike came through low oil level. Most of the older boxer engines had a real thirst for oil and on touring trips with other owners, often at the end of a long day's ride on the continent, we would buy a gallon of 20/50 and share it between three or four bikes. There was never any left in the container!

My understanding is that both the gearbox and shaft drive is difficult to self - service though there are a few well - known businesses that offer overhaul if needed.

Perhaps it might be worth joining the BMW Club, which has lots of information available, as well as a tool hire service for DIY work that includes nearly all of the special tools ever offered by BMW?

Maybe not Ted, but I can’t find any helpful content posted by this guy which leads me to believe he signed up just to sell stuff.

If that’s the case, he should at least donate to the upkeep.


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Its been a pretty good morning so far. Head and barrels now removed and time for a rest and some tea. Just a couple of worries along the way: 1) I only have 11 head bolt washers, not 12 so where is the 12th, was there ever a 12th? ( I have used an inspection lamp to look down the cam chain tunnel and I cant see anything in there, I have given the head a good shake and it hasnt fallen out. 2) the screwdriver slot on the cam chain tensioner adjuster screw is stripped out/snapped off. Waiting for my son to come round later this morning to help remove the forks.

I was hoping that Ted!

Well done Mike always rewarding when you overcome such obstacles - the Cylinder head was a swine to remove on my 400.

As you have the engine out it should be easier to get releasing fluid everywhere before you start.
I have found you need plenty of time for such penetrants to soak through not a quick process.
It might be a consideration to look at ways you might be able to get gravity to help so that the weight of the head itself helps.
Just wondered is there is a way to support the engine upside down on wooden blocks or similar?

It's slightly different subject area - my carb sliders took well over 24 hours of petrol & other solvents to work in a closed container, all four of my carbs were stuck solid. The last one did not yield until three or four days believe it or not. The good news is new they eventually freed off without damage of any kind.