BMW /5 toaster-tank cafe

[jkluesner]

Got the new mufflers in today. Going with the long-stock look. Also tore took the shocks off and noticed they are in poor condition. Anybody have some suggestions on a good upgrade from the stock Boge shocks (not too expensive of course)? Also, put some of my books to good use  Needed something to stabilize the block after taking off the front end (I am still using the centerstand behind the books) and didn't have anything like a block of wood.


exhaust by jkluesner, on Flickr


shocks by jkluesner, on Flickr


book_stand by jkluesner, on Flickr

[Big Rich]

Are the shocks rebuildable? If not, Dime City should have something to help you out.

Lookin good so far man.

[JustinLonghorn]

I love the stack-o-books motorcycle stand.
 
Damn I want an airhead.

[VonYinzer]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/13-3-8-RFY-Air-Shock-Absorbers-Banshee-YFZ-Warrior-ATV-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2a0c970b38QQitemZ180599851832QQptZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Thats what Im going to run on my 1971 R5. They come pretty highly recommended, especially for that price. Look them up on EBay, as they come in a few different colors as well.

[jkluesner]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/13-3-8-RFY-Air-Shock-Absorbers-Banshee-YFZ-Warrior-ATV-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2a0c970b38QQitemZ180599851832QQptZMotorsQ5fATVQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Thats what Im going to run on my 1971 R5. They come pretty highly recommended, especially for that price. Look them up on EBay, as they come in a few different colors as well.

Von, I really like those. Will they be enough for the bmw + me weight? My bike weighs in stock around 450 lbs and I weigh roughly 185. If so, these look they are great deal. I also like the gold-black color combo... 

[VonYinzer]

I know of people who run them on an XS650 and love them. As I havent purchased them yet, I cant really say for sure, but I THINK theyll be ok for a heavier bike. Im sure other folks here could give you more detailed info though.

[jkluesner]

After some consideration I think I am going to go with some period-based cafe style shocks. You can pick up a pair of NOS Hammerhead shocks on ebay for about $200 including shipping. I have to admit, I love that upside-down reservoir look

Anybody have any experience with these?


hammerhead by jkluesner, on Flickr

[JoeTee]

this is a super rad bike, lookin forward to seeing ur progress.  good stuff man!

[swellguy]

After some consideration I think I am going to go with some period-based cafe style shocks. You can pick up a pair of NOS Hammerhead shocks on ebay for about $200 including shipping. I have to admit, I love that upside-down reservoir look

Anybody have any experience with these?


hammerhead by jkluesner, on Flickr

I have a pair I put on my cb750 before I tore it down for my cafe build. The ride was pretty nice . . . far better than stock shocks. I have a custom swingarm that takes eye to eye (i/o eye to clevis) shocks. They do look terrific.
They are period correct but my sense is that they tended to be more often used on Japanese bikes than some of the European cafés. On my 77 R100, I have a set of Konis that really suit the bike; to me the Hammerheads might be a built too much bulk when compared with sideways cylinders, big gas tank, etc.
I don't think you can go wrong though, just my style choice.
PM if you'd like and I can take a snap or two of my bike with a view of both for your review.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Omars has the Hammerheads, I've been looking at buying a set for a while and still think I still may. Let me know what your experiance with them is. Here is a link
http://www.omarsdtr.com/shox2.html

[jkluesner]

Omars has the Hammerheads, I've been looking at buying a set for a while and still think I still may. Let me know what your experiance with them is. Here is a link
http://www.omarsdtr.com/shox2.html

Went ahead and ordered them. Should have them by early next week. FYI, I will be in Costa Rica for the next month and a half, so there won't be many updates on this thread I plan on buying some parts while I am gone though (mainly new carbs and a nice seat).

Job requires that I go...

[swellguy]

Here's a shot of the Koni's already on my R100 café:





and what a set of Hammerheads look like on them:





Obviously in my case they would bump into my exhaust but this gives you a sense of the difference.

[jkluesner]

Here's a shot of the Koni's already on my R100 café:

Yeah, I see the issue with the exhaust. Personally, I kind of like the "chunky" look. I might go with a mild-knobby tire setup as well. Did you paint the engine block? If so, what paint did you use. Also, did you put a block-off plate where the airbox used to be?

[swellguy]

The engine is powdercoated and I did use a block off plate.
If you go for knobby tires, and I don't know what your budget is, I just installed a set of Dunlop K180s on my cb750 project:





Assuming you're running 18 rear and 19 front.


There is also the classic Dunlop K70s:





which are far easier to obtain than the K180s.

[tinyhondaurl]

OH MAN!  I absolutely love the old airhead Beemers.  I started working at on of the local bike shops here.  We deal primarily in vintage Harley stuff but we've all got a huge hard on for these old Euro bikes.  We have a beautiful slash 5 in the shop right now and my boss is the proud owner of 3 slash 2's.  I'm super excited to see how this one turns out.  Good luck to ya.