R75/5 Restoration
Based on a 1977 BMW R75/7.
This was never meant to be a full nut and bolt concours restoration but it was also much more than an 'oily rag' resto.
As part of a hardly used collection, this bike had been sat around for about ten years without turning a wheel and was in need of some attention. The elderly owner sold it to a friend who started to restore it but lost interest part way through, that's when we got the call and duly purchased it.
Most of our stock bikes are purchased as donors for custom projects but this one was too original and being a model that was only made for a couple of years, it was decided to restore it instead.
With the frame and swinging arm already freshly powdercoated, the motor was stripped for inspection and various parts replaced including new valves, guides and piston rings. In general the motor was pretty healthy. The spoked wheels did look a bit sad though, and were torn apart for a complete refresh. The alloy rims were polished, hubs aquablasted, new bearings fitted and then all laced up with stainless spokes. A fresh pair of Avon Roadrider hoops finished them off.
Once the front brake caliper had been stripped and rebuilt and the rear shoes replaced, the brakes were back to their best. The front forks were treated to new seals and oil and the rear shocks replaced with shiny new ones.
Luckily the header pipes and Keihin silencers were stainless so they were polished up and now look great.
As the original colour of this bike was a lovely metallic blue it was decided to have all the bodywork repainted, and what a great job our paint pals at Wicked Coatings did.
It looks better than factory.
After a few shakedown runs the bike was put up for sale and was quickly snapped by a young chap called Finn who wanted his first big bike to be a classic and of course he's benifeiting from having cheap classic insurance and tax and mot exemption as it's over forty years old. What a great way to get into motorcycling!
Side Rock Cycles