1st post, and airhead questions

[basketcase]

After five years away from BMW's I recently acquired a 1990 R100RT and have it home and in the carport. It is my first airhead and based on the little bit of reading I've done, the whole scheme of routine maintenance is different from my previous experience (3 K bikes).

The previous owner rode around 1,200 miles a year and kept it up meticulously. I do not think it needs anything for a while, but I do have some initial questions.

1. If I were going to go over the whole bike and look at, touch, check, and tighten things, what would be the task list? Included in this question is "Where to start -- such as, "disconnect the battery" and other must do reference points?

2. Valve adjustment interval and how to do that chore? I anticipate being more mechanically involved with this bike than with previous rides.

3. Books: Where might I obtain an owner's manual, and what is in print that might fill in the gap types of knowledge about this motorcycle?

As an intro note --

- Real name: Rick
- Been riding since junior high with a 13 year hiatus from 1982 until 1995
- Motorcycling is my chief "mental health break." Mostly I tend to ride by myself or with a small group of two or three others.

My username should say it all about several of the cars and motorcycles I have owned...

The website looks great! Kudos to whoever thunk it up and to those who keep it going!

I work every weekend that I am not on vacation, but I'll look forward to shaking hands with as many of you as I might as time permits.

Thanks in advance for the help with the maintenance questions.

Rick

[Bikebum]

Rick, welcome to the forum. You failed to mention the color of the RT. What kind of accessories does it have? I look forward to meeting you.

[basketcase]

Jamie, thanks.

Here's a photo I took before I offloaded it from the trailer.



The bike has been custom painted. I already own the trailer and it did not come with the bike -- the color similarity is coincidence.

[jdubeemer]

good lookin' airhead. First thing you should do is join the club. Try to make the Christmas party at Guntersville state park and get to know everybody.

[basketcase]

good lookin' airhead. First thing you should do is join the club. Try to make the Christmas party at Guntersville state park and get to know everybody.

Thanks. The check is in the mail, literally.

I appreciate the invite to the Christmas gathering, but my local employed and volunteer activities have already preempted the Dec 5 date for this year. I'll have to look at some other meeting dates to swap lies and kick tires.

PM me if you come through Tuscaloosa and I'll buy coffee.

If you all show up on the same day, we may have to pass the collection plate...

[SteveHebert]

Man that is pretty sweet looking! It is an original for sure. I would love to see it up close. Lots of us have airheads as well for that "down to earth ride".

Try and come to a meeting, of not just for the day to say hi. Maybe the January meeting in Montevallo.

Steve

[Gator]

Sweet looking bike Rick. Where did you get it? It looks like a bike I saw a photo of that was for sale on either the MOA flea market or on E-Bay but maybe not. Try to make some of the meetings when you can. This is a great group of people to be around.
Gator

[basketcase]

Gator, I am an MOA member and posted the same picture over there. Then when I realized there was a forum on this site I decided there was no better way to introduce myself! (Shy and reserved is not my chief shortcoming...).

The previous owner is longtime friend and colleague who decided to get out of riding after a neck/spinal surgery. He mentioned the bike to me several weeks back. My previous BMW’s were K bikes, and I had passed on several earlier opportunities to purchase airheads. Unbeknownst to him I had already begun browsing BMW's and plotting a move to a different ride, so I took him up on the offer. My Gold Wing will go up for sale soon.

A while back the original paint job was looking faded so came up with that paint scheme from looking at various bikes, and then had it done by a custom painter who now does maybe two bikes a year.

I have the fairing lowers wrapped and in a box, but I've realized the R & R chore is pretty involved. They may end up staying in the box!

[Gator]

That must have been where I saw the photo Rick. It was Deja Vu all over again. Congratulations on aquiring such a great looking bike. Welcome to the club and to the forum. There are definitely some folks here that can help you with any questions or problems you may have with your Airhead. I hope to see the bike in person soon.
Gator