Edward
Registered user
To bring a sordid tone to this thread it is worth bearing in mind that the bike will likely have a better resale value in standard trim should that time ever come.
R100CS Barn Find Re-commission
- Thread starter (RIP) Tunneruk
- Start date
"The bike left the factory as a 506 scheme which is Classic black with gold pinstripes"......... that's what I'd go for
Me too....
To bring a sordid tone to this thread it is worth bearing in mind that the bike will likely have a better resale value in standard trim should that time ever come.
Probably true but doesn't that strike you as a bit weird? If you bought a Harley and left it standard people would think you neglected it! Likewise said Harley or Landrover Defender fitted with desirable mods and clear signs of maintenance would have an enhanced resale value.
It is a bit of tough one to call I admit .....
I really do like the grey colour it's in but I'd also really like to put it back to factory.
I completely agree with John's (Dogbytes) comments above and I think it's important to not let the bike control the situation.
If this was a 10 owner bike with a chequered history and a bunch of different parts fitted It's be a no brainer, I'd paint it however I wanted, I'd probably go a bit left field and do it a metal flake bronze or something!
In this instance, with this bike I think if I painted it any colour than original every time I rode it I'd be thinking "Hmmm I wish I'd painted it original black"
I'm going to paint it the colour I want, and the colour I want is the original one, that's what I feel is right for the bike and that's what will give me the most satisfaction.
I do however have another project looming which will be VERY left of field, one which will get my creative juices flowing, that's going to get all sorts of crazy shit happening AND IT'S AN AIRHEAD (of sorts) ........ My lovely old R100CS, she's going back to original!
I really do like the grey colour it's in but I'd also really like to put it back to factory.
I completely agree with John's (Dogbytes) comments above and I think it's important to not let the bike control the situation.
If this was a 10 owner bike with a chequered history and a bunch of different parts fitted It's be a no brainer, I'd paint it however I wanted, I'd probably go a bit left field and do it a metal flake bronze or something!
In this instance, with this bike I think if I painted it any colour than original every time I rode it I'd be thinking "Hmmm I wish I'd painted it original black"
I'm going to paint it the colour I want, and the colour I want is the original one, that's what I feel is right for the bike and that's what will give me the most satisfaction.
I do however have another project looming which will be VERY left of field, one which will get my creative juices flowing, that's going to get all sorts of crazy shit happening AND IT'S AN AIRHEAD (of sorts) ........ My lovely old R100CS, she's going back to original!
Edward
Registered user
I'm afraid it is true of 'classic bikes' and no, I don't think I do find it weird. There are, though, some weird folk in that world in my experience. What I do find mildy puzzling is a standard bike in good unmolested condition will uaually be worth more than an immaculate restoration. I agree largely with your previous post.
Chris's bike is a bit too far gone to simply ride as it is. Just look at the frame! If he rides that it's just going to get worse. As for painting it black.. It's a really good colour for the cs
The cs was good out of the box, in my opinion better than the R90s. The RS and RT versions are good too but not everyone wants a big fairing. The cs wasn't a big seller just like the st, so now it's relatively rare and needs to be saved from the customisers. I hope it goes back to original with hand painted pin stripes and all.
Oh it will ...... I hadn't realised the pinstripes were hand painted!
It'll look great. As I said before, the one I rode was the best airhead I've ever ridden, so I think a nicely renovated one will be a real joy. You and it'll probably feature in these pages in fifty years time - except by then you'll be George! 
It'll look great. As I said before, the one I rode was the best airhead I've ever ridden, so I think a nicely renovated one will be a real joy. You and it'll probably feature in these pages in fifty years time - except by then you'll be George!
I really hope that's true!!
I may be confusing them with old triumphs but I'm sure I've seen a video of them being hand painted on BMWs. Whatever good luck with the restoration and as Rob says please don't paint the frame gloss.
No pressure then
there re are pictures on the internet somewhere of the ladies at the factory hand painting the pinstripes. Some one even new the ladies names. Can't find the link unfortunately.
Good choice the black ! It will look very cool indeed, glad for you and the bike 
Look forward to seeing the finished article
Look forward to seeing the finished article
So this time next week we expect a photograph like this
I found this online .....
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-1 by tunneruk, on Flickr
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-2 by tunneruk, on Flickr
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-3 by tunneruk, on Flickr
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-4 by tunneruk, on Flickr
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-6 by tunneruk, on Flickr
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-5 by tunneruk, on Flickr
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-7 by tunneruk, on Flickr
1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-1 by tunneruk, on Flickr1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-2 by tunneruk, on Flickr1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-3 by tunneruk, on Flickr1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-4 by tunneruk, on Flickr1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-6 by tunneruk, on Flickr1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-5 by tunneruk, on Flickr1981-bmw-r100cs-road-test-7 by tunneruk, on Flickr
I did about 100 miles on the old girl yesterday. It's highlighted a slight charging problem. The battery on the bike is new but I've noticed a slight reluctance to start of late so I gave the battery a big old overnight charge. 13v on the volt meter and about 13.5 when running, lovely job!
However, when out on the road, after about 5 minutes the volts drop to just about 12v and ever so slightly under 12v with the lights on. Switch the bike off for 10 minutes and hey presto 13v on the meter again. It's not super serious and the charging light isn't coming on but I think I'll sort it out when I do the restoration. In the mean time I'm going to scotch up the rotor and fit new brushes, it's quick and easy so it seems mad not to do that at least!
IMG_0436 by tunneruk, on Flickr
IMG_0437 by tunneruk, on Flickr
However, when out on the road, after about 5 minutes the volts drop to just about 12v and ever so slightly under 12v with the lights on. Switch the bike off for 10 minutes and hey presto 13v on the meter again. It's not super serious and the charging light isn't coming on but I think I'll sort it out when I do the restoration. In the mean time I'm going to scotch up the rotor and fit new brushes, it's quick and easy so it seems mad not to do that at least!
IMG_0436 by tunneruk, on FlickrIMG_0437 by tunneruk, on Flickr
This might be handy
Dont trust the gauge! its 30 plus years old It could be true but have you a Semi calibrated meter that you can bodge on for a test run ??
Remember these old beasts there's a sort of a rule that if the light is on when ignition switched on and it goes out when revving / moving above tickover then there is output from the alternator rect reg assembly ""which" is higher than the battery voltage"
Search gammotronix on E bay its a small voltage sensitive LED and it will speak words of truth (well its a good visual indicator)
Remember these old beasts there's a sort of a rule that if the light is on when ignition switched on and it goes out when revving / moving above tickover then there is output from the alternator rect reg assembly ""which" is higher than the battery voltage"
Search gammotronix on E bay its a small voltage sensitive LED and it will speak words of truth (well its a good visual indicator)
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