Hello from Germany! This was very impressive! You showed me that i`m not the only HillyBilly Gipsy repairing my Motorbikes in my Garage on the Floor... Thank You very much (i own a 1150rt,but its very silmilar)for your short videos!BUT ,the only thing i don`t understand is ; WHY did you ride without using your lights ?I wish you a good,happy new 2023 !
Hi, happy new year to you. i was always told that be very careful of the 'tidy' workshop .I knew a guy who was a brilliant mechanic, but his workshop was a bloody mess. I can't work in a tidy place, it makes me feel tied up. I always ride with the lights on. I didn't for this video as I didn't want the light to make the camera react to the light so that you wouldn't see the bike. I love the BMW bikes. I am doing a GS at the moment .I am changing it to look like a V85TT
Hi I really enjoyed watching your series of videos on the restoration of your R1100RT. Having owned several new boxer engined BMWs I have now bought a 2004 R850R, not for full restoration but definitely as a project bike. I wonder if I could ask about the process you follow for a couple of things. The first is preparation and painting the engine (including the type of paint you use), and the second is how you go about removing broken/seized studs/bolts ….you had several on your project (and I have a broken exhaust stud). You obviously have a wealth of experience and any words of wisdom would be much appreciated Warm regards Howard
Hi, thanks for your kind comments. I love the R850R , a cracking bike. Yes, the engine casings on those are well in the elements aren't they? They always need work. On a bike like yours, the only real way to get a good finish that is going to last is to remove the engine panels, and get them powder coated. But, if you remove them, and you don't want the hassle of getting them powder coated. You have to get them as clean as possible, which means removing all the old paint, with a good quality paint remover. It takes a long time and it is a faff to remove it all. But it is the only way. Once you have got that far use an engine enamel paint after using a good quality primer. I put mine in the oven. My wife gets a bit upset, but hey ho. If you take your time and do it slowly, you will be surprised at the results. Seized bolts, eh. Yes they are a nightmare. The exhaust ones always break on the boxer twins. I have got some drills which are perfect for drilling the centre of the stud out. The only way is to drill the stud, out slowly building up to the size of the stud. Then once it is drilled out you can then re-tap the thread. I had to do all six of the ones on the bike I restored. If you can't remove the stud, the only option, is to replace the head. Let me know if you need to know any more. take care.
@@RestorationBiker Hi, Thanks for taking the time to reply so fully to my message, I really appreciate your advice …I’m sure you’re very busy but could I ask you for a couple of clarifications! When you mention removing the engine panels for powder coating, presumably that means a complete engine strip down, and also paint removal with stripper (or could it be sand blasted)? When you drill out seized bolts or studs do you have some sort of jig to guide the drill bit, or do you drill by hand and use judgement and experience to ensure you drill straight down the middle of the bolt shaft? Thanks again for taking the trouble to help Warm regards Howard
@@howardthompson2669Hi, I once restored a R850R, before I did You tube. I removed the front cover that covers the timing chain etc. I did paint the engine cases too but as they weren't that bad I left the engine in the frame and just painted the front cover off the bike. If the engine cases are bad any you want to really get into them, then you will have to remove the engine, and do a full strip. But that is extreme. You can normally get a good job done with the engine in situ. The secret is to do a small area at a time so that you don't get too overwhelmed with the amount of work that is needed. The only problem with the R and the GS, and to an extent the RS too, is that the engines are 'on show' so any flaking looks bad. At least on the RT the engine is hidden. With regards to the studs. I have done a lot of these on the heads of the Boxer twins as they always snap. The way I do it, is . Grind the stud so that it is flat and flush with the top of the stud hole. That way the drill can't slip off the top and cause grief. Then, the most important bit. You have to centre pop the stud ready for the drill. It is essential that you get this in the centre. You will need a quality centre pop that is sharp. Take your time and get it right. Then use a small dia drill as a pilot to drill right through the stud. Go slowly and use plenty of lubricant.. But, be very careful as at the bottom it is possible to drill into the head holding stud hole. This can be a disaster, as oil is pumped up to the head via these holes. Don't ask how I found this out, it was disaster. Then, it is possible to open the hole up with larger drills until you have the right size for the tap. Then re-tap the hole and use stainless studs to prevent problems in the future. I did all six studs on the bike in my video. and it was fine after. Let me know how you get on and let me know if you need any more help or info.
@@RestorationBiker Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my enquiries. I'll let you know how I get on with the studs. The paint on my bike isn't too bad, lifting and flaking mainly under the engine, and at the edges of panels. I've got a few other jobs that I want to spend some time on, like overhauling the brakes, and then start riding again in the summer before an annual motorcycling pilgrimage to the Highlands with my brother in September ...a long way from Cornwall, but the scenery and roads are worth it. I'll then have next winter to think about making the engine look handsome again. Warm regards. Howard
@@howardthompson2669 Hi Howard. Scotland eh. I used to go to Scotland every year as a motorcycling mate of mine lives there. We used to do the Scottish rally which is the first weekend in September. A fantastic rally. I don't know if it still runs, as it was run by a guy called Colin Pate. I think he has retired now so I don't know if anyone else has picked it up. We did all of the challenges over the years, one of the best was the Islander run. We had to visit Arran, Mull, and Skye over a three day period. We used to do the Welsh rally in May, the English in July, and the Scottish in Sept. If you did all three then you could apply for the three nations award. We got that three times. Another was the RBR. What a fantastic rally that is. Look it up on the net. The only problem, is, it is addictive. Now I am talking about them, it is making me get itchy, to get out and do them again. Take care Howard and enjoy your motorcycling.
Hi, I rode the bike a few times and all my mates said I should keep that one and sell the other one. But because I restored it, I didn't want to see it get dirty. So, I sold it. But it went to a guy who really looks after his bikes so I know he will keep improving it. So i am happy. Glad you enjoyed the series.
just bought this bike last week and am now going thru it. i want to remove the exhaust to paint and heat wrap it. what size copper o rings do i need to get when i reinstall the exhaust pipes? thanks
Hi mate, congrats that was a massive quality job. How long did it take to do it and how much in spare pieces to be replaced? Have an RT too, same conditions of your one before the restoration.
Hi, Thanks. I really enjoyed doing that bike .I love the RT's a lot. I have had quite a few of them. I bought it in Sept 2019. and finished it a year later. But covid helped me a lot as I was able to really crack on when we were locked down. I don't think I could say how much I spent on it to get it done. It had so many new parts, not just the obvious stuff like tyres, pads, filters, plugs oils etc etc. I replaced one side of the fairing and had it painted, and the front mudguard. That was DEAR!. The problem with a bike is when you decide to do 'a couple' of little jobs. It normally ends with the whole bike being on the floor in bits. It is THEN a full restoration. I have a R1100GS which I have just bought. And it needs a 'couple' of little jobs. But I want to ride it this year, so I am going to tax it and then I will ride it. Hate wasting tax. Might 'restore it next year!!!
Was beautiful to see your skills, unbelievable how you fixed it. My compliments man, you'r an expert.
Hi, glad to hear you enjoyed the videos. I loved doing that bike. It was so nice to ride it at the end as it rode so nice
You are the best. Congratulations!
Hi, many thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Well done!
Many thanks, it is a great bike and rides superbly.
You certainly earned the pleasure of that ride. Congrats.
I have a very similar bike. It came pre-assembled.
Yes, these are great bikes I love riding them. I am really going to enjoy this one. That ride was a great first ride. Keep watching for more
Hello from Germany! This was very impressive! You showed me that i`m not the only HillyBilly Gipsy repairing my Motorbikes in my Garage on the Floor...
Thank You very much (i own a 1150rt,but its very silmilar)for your short videos!BUT ,the only thing i don`t understand is ; WHY did you ride without using
your lights ?I wish you a good,happy new 2023 !
Hi, happy new year to you. i was always told that be very careful of the 'tidy' workshop .I knew a guy who was a brilliant mechanic, but his workshop was a bloody mess. I can't work in a tidy place, it makes me feel tied up. I always ride with the lights on. I didn't for this video as I didn't want the light to make the camera react to the light so that you wouldn't see the bike. I love the BMW bikes. I am doing a GS at the moment .I am changing it to look like a V85TT
Hi
I really enjoyed watching your series of videos on the restoration of your R1100RT. Having owned several new boxer engined BMWs I have now bought a 2004 R850R, not for full restoration but definitely as a project bike. I wonder if I could ask about the process you follow for a couple of things. The first is preparation and painting the engine (including the type of paint you use), and the second is how you go about removing broken/seized studs/bolts ….you had several on your project (and I have a broken exhaust stud).
You obviously have a wealth of experience and any words of wisdom would be much appreciated
Warm regards
Howard
Hi, thanks for your kind comments. I love the R850R , a cracking bike. Yes, the engine casings on those are well in the elements aren't they? They always need work. On a bike like yours, the only real way to get a good finish that is going to last is to remove the engine panels, and get them powder coated. But, if you remove them, and you don't want the hassle of getting them powder coated. You have to get them as clean as possible, which means removing all the old paint, with a good quality paint remover. It takes a long time and it is a faff to remove it all. But it is the only way. Once you have got that far use an engine enamel paint after using a good quality primer. I put mine in the oven. My wife gets a bit upset, but hey ho. If you take your time and do it slowly, you will be surprised at the results.
Seized bolts, eh. Yes they are a nightmare. The exhaust ones always break on the boxer twins. I have got some drills which are perfect for drilling the centre of the stud out. The only way is to drill the stud, out slowly building up to the size of the stud. Then once it is drilled out you can then re-tap the thread. I had to do all six of the ones on the bike I restored. If you can't remove the stud, the only option, is to replace the head. Let me know if you need to know any more. take care.
@@RestorationBiker Hi, Thanks for taking the time to reply so fully to my message, I really appreciate your advice …I’m sure you’re very busy but could I ask you for a couple of clarifications!
When you mention removing the engine panels for powder coating, presumably that means a complete engine strip down, and also paint removal with stripper (or could it be sand blasted)?
When you drill out seized bolts or studs do you have some sort of jig to guide the drill bit, or do you drill by hand and use judgement and experience to ensure you drill straight down the middle of the bolt shaft?
Thanks again for taking the trouble to help
Warm regards
Howard
@@howardthompson2669Hi, I once restored a R850R, before I did You tube. I removed the front cover that covers the timing chain etc. I did paint the engine cases too but as they weren't that bad I left the engine in the frame and just painted the front cover off the bike. If the engine cases are bad any you want to really get into them, then you will have to remove the engine, and do a full strip. But that is extreme. You can normally get a good job done with the engine in situ. The secret is to do a small area at a time so that you don't get too overwhelmed with the amount of work that is needed. The only problem with the R and the GS, and to an extent the RS too, is that the engines are 'on show' so any flaking looks bad. At least on the RT the engine is hidden.
With regards to the studs. I have done a lot of these on the heads of the Boxer twins as they always snap. The way I do it, is . Grind the stud so that it is flat and flush with the top of the stud hole. That way the drill can't slip off the top and cause grief. Then, the most important bit. You have to centre pop the stud ready for the drill. It is essential that you get this in the centre. You will need a quality centre pop that is sharp. Take your time and get it right. Then use a small dia drill as a pilot to drill right through the stud. Go slowly and use plenty of lubricant.. But, be very careful as at the bottom it is possible to drill into the head holding stud hole. This can be a disaster, as oil is pumped up to the head via these holes. Don't ask how I found this out, it was disaster. Then, it is possible to open the hole up with larger drills until you have the right size for the tap. Then re-tap the hole and use stainless studs to prevent problems in the future. I did all six studs on the bike in my video. and it was fine after. Let me know how you get on and let me know if you need any more help or info.
@@RestorationBiker Thanks again for taking the time to reply to my enquiries. I'll let you know how I get on with the studs. The paint on my bike isn't too bad, lifting and flaking mainly under the engine, and at the edges of panels. I've got a few other jobs that I want to spend some time on, like overhauling the brakes, and then start riding again in the summer before an annual motorcycling pilgrimage to the Highlands with my brother in September ...a long way from Cornwall, but the scenery and roads are worth it. I'll then have next winter to think about making the engine look handsome again. Warm regards. Howard
@@howardthompson2669 Hi Howard. Scotland eh. I used to go to Scotland every year as a motorcycling mate of mine lives there. We used to do the Scottish rally which is the first weekend in September. A fantastic rally. I don't know if it still runs, as it was run by a guy called Colin Pate. I think he has retired now so I don't know if anyone else has picked it up. We did all of the challenges over the years, one of the best was the Islander run. We had to visit Arran, Mull, and Skye over a three day period. We used to do the Welsh rally in May, the English in July, and the Scottish in Sept. If you did all three then you could apply for the three nations award. We got that three times. Another was the RBR. What a fantastic rally that is. Look it up on the net. The only problem, is, it is addictive. Now I am talking about them, it is making me get itchy, to get out and do them again. Take care Howard and enjoy your motorcycling.
Thanks. A brilliant series of videos of the 1100RT renovation.
So, did you decide to keep it?
Hi,
I rode the bike a few times and all my mates said I should keep that one and sell the other one. But because I restored it, I didn't want to see it get dirty. So, I sold it. But it went to a guy who really looks after his bikes so I know he will keep improving it. So i am happy. Glad you enjoyed the series.
just bought this bike last week and am now going thru it. i want to remove the exhaust to paint and heat wrap it. what size copper o rings do i need to get when i reinstall the exhaust pipes? thanks
Hi, I don't know the size but this is the BMW part number 18211341323
Hi mate, congrats that was a massive quality job. How long did it take to do it and how much in spare pieces to be replaced? Have an RT too, same conditions of your one before the restoration.
Hi, Thanks. I really enjoyed doing that bike .I love the RT's a lot. I have had quite a few of them. I bought it in Sept 2019. and finished it a year later. But covid helped me a lot as I was able to really crack on when we were locked down.
I don't think I could say how much I spent on it to get it done. It had so many new parts, not just the obvious stuff like tyres, pads, filters, plugs oils etc etc. I replaced one side of the fairing and had it painted, and the front mudguard. That was DEAR!.
The problem with a bike is when you decide to do 'a couple' of little jobs. It normally ends with the whole bike being on the floor in bits. It is THEN a full restoration. I have a R1100GS which I have just bought. And it needs a 'couple' of little jobs. But I want to ride it this year, so I am going to tax it and then I will ride it. Hate wasting tax. Might 'restore it next year!!!