Author Topic: Goodbye sohc4, for now... (Read 1450 times)

Dr. Noisewater · « **on:** August 12, 2014, 11:44:59 pm »

Just wanted to thank this forum and everyone who's chimed in on many of my newbie questions. Thanks to you guys I managed to bring an abandoned 550 back from the dead and sell it for 2k more than I bought it for... although I put about 4k+ into it (don't tell my wife).

I realized (to nobody's surprise) that a cafe'd 550 was anything but a practical daily rider + adventurer and decided I needed something the wife and I could hop on and hit the open road on, in style. This is truly an amazing forum, and the sohc4's are some truly amazing bikes. I'm sure I'll be back someday, but until then I'll be cluttering up the BMW forums with a bunch of newb questions.

Here's what I started with, what it became, and what I bought after I sold it. Thanks again everybody.

70CB750 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2014, 03:21:45 am »

Farewell!

Nice beamer!

You will be back, you know that, right?

calj737 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 13, 2014, 05:01:11 am »

There's a section called "Other Bikes" too. My '74 R90 will be haunting that section before too long-

dbbrian350F · « **Reply #3 on:** August 13, 2014, 05:09:05 am »

Very classy of you to post this with your lessons learned

Nice new bike

Happy trails

EricHa · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2014, 05:09:56 am »

Nice BMW. Another classic!

wowbagger · « **Reply #5 on:** August 13, 2014, 05:51:18 am »

Quote from: Dr. Noisewater on August 12, 2014, 11:44:59 pm

(don't tell my wife)

This should be a general forum rule.

ekpent · « **Reply #6 on:** August 13, 2014, 07:25:39 am »

Nobody says you have to leave, its kind of like watching a 'soap opera' around here. Sure another SOHC candidate will cross your path and until then enjoy that nice Beemer you have there. Way better and safer ride for you and a partner.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #7 on:** August 13, 2014, 07:50:24 am »

Enjoy. I am a big fan of BMW's.

I will say though that a nice 77-78 750F would have met the needs that the Beemer does.

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #8 on:** August 13, 2014, 08:30:26 am »

Quote from: Dr. Noisewater on August 12, 2014, 11:44:59 pm

Just wanted to thank this forum and everyone who's chimed in on many of my newbie questions. Thanks to you guys I managed to bring an abandoned 550 back from the dead and sell it for 2k more than I bought it for... although I put about 4k+ into it (don't tell my wife).

I realized (to nobody's surprise) that a cafe'd 550 was anything but a practical daily rider + adventurer and decided I needed something the wife and I could hop on and hit the open road on, in style. This is truly an amazing forum, and the sohc4's are some truly amazing bikes. I'm sure I'll be back someday, but until then I'll be cluttering up the BMW forums with a bunch of newb questions.
Here's what I started with, what it became, and what I bought after I sold it. Thanks again everybody.

Good luck bud. I honestly wish my wife would ride with me (on my 550). With the stock seat it should be more than comfortable. Anyway the BMW is nice, enjoy!

AbbyRider · « **Reply #9 on:** August 13, 2014, 08:33:27 am »

When I was working on a different bike a couple of years ago, I still popped into this forum regularly. Not everything is specific to just sohc's, and sometimes it's fun just to read through a good pod or oil post.
Good luck with the bimmer.

nicks2319 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 13, 2014, 09:26:18 am »

That BMW is awesome. What model is it?

fmctm1sw · « **Reply #11 on:** August 13, 2014, 09:30:44 am »

I say it all the time here: "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave."

Like others said, no need to be a stranger...

Dr. Noisewater · « **Reply #12 on:** August 13, 2014, 11:25:43 am »

Thanks for the nice comments guys. The BMW is an 81 R100RS. I was debating between this and a 750F for awhile and here's why I chose that particular BMW... The 81 has electronic ignition, front/rear vented disc brakes, dual discs up front , and each caliper has two pistons. That's 4 pistons stopping the front wheel! I also like the 6.5 gallon fuel tank so I don't have to fill up as often.

But I love the sound and performance of the sohc4. The bimmer is fun and a real pleasure to ride, but it's not as much of a thrill as the high revving sohc4's. I also couldn't find a single decent, unmolested 750 in my state or any surrounding state. I will always keep my eye out for one and most likely spring on it when I find it.

And you guys are probably right. I'm sure I'll still stop by from time to time.

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #13 on:** August 13, 2014, 11:45:08 am »

One last question... why not a GL?

Roach Carver · « **Reply #14 on:** August 13, 2014, 11:51:57 am »

good choice. There are many guys here who have a bmw among other things. There is no need to leave. I find the members here to be my most reliable source for any questions regarding pretty much any make of motorcycle. I have a couple old beemers and while I love them for what they are, there is a lot they aren't. You will be looking for another inline 4 I am quite sure.

calj737 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 13, 2014, 11:57:09 am »

I like both. But, I'll bet after several 2-up rides, or some multi-day rides on that airhead and you'll be very chuffed you bought it. Not knocking an SOHC at all, but it's night and day when you compare the effortless torque and reliability of that bike.

Perhaps, a 550 will be a great 2nd bike for some 1-up fun riding when Spring rolls back around! Add the RS fairing to that bike, and you'll fall deeper in love

flatlander · « **Reply #16 on:** August 13, 2014, 12:03:58 pm »

airheads and sohc4s somehow go pretty well together.
certainly, a cafe bike is not the best for touring and the 550 not the best for 2-up riding but who says you need to choose...

Schnell · « **Reply #17 on:** August 13, 2014, 12:50:44 pm »

I have both bikes as well.

Interesting story about the two: BMW's big bike was the R75/5 when the cb750 came out. In order to try to compete performance wise, BMW needed to create the R90/6.

Those 2 bikes are linked together.

PeWe · « **Reply #18 on:** August 13, 2014, 02:08:57 pm »

You must not own a Honda SOHC bike when answering other CB peoples need of information or experiences

Or just be a part of the discussion as a forum is.

I hope you can have 2 bikes.
The BMW look really nice and complete. You might need side bags when you and your wife will have a nice vacation.

My CB750 was a very comfortable touring bike and maybe still is. See photo. 2 persons and plenty of luggage.

KRONUS0100 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 13, 2014, 02:40:23 pm »

awesome. you will be back. might be next month, might be couple of years, but you will be back.

nice Beamer.

lucky · « **Reply #20 on:** August 13, 2014, 03:22:02 pm »

Why don't you visit and help others as payback for all the help you received?

Dr. Noisewater · « **Reply #21 on:** August 13, 2014, 05:54:31 pm »

Man, you guys are lucky if you can own both. I'm still a full time student so my bike fund is pretty non-existent. I had to part ways with the 550 in order to get something else.

Lostboy, I considered a GL for a long time. I was even set on one for awhile, but after reading more about both bikes the BMW seemed a little more appealing. The BMW isn't as heavy, has better brakes, more modern electronics, and to my eye it looks better. But I really dig the early GL1000's with the spoked wheels. That's another "some day" bike for me, among many others.

Lucky you make a very good point. It's not polite to eat and run. I will certainly chime in and help whenever I can. Plus, like others said, many members of this forum have a broad motorcycle background with extensive knowledge and experience that applies to motorcycles in general.

Roach Carver · « **Reply #22 on:** August 13, 2014, 06:47:42 pm »

Wasn't that long ago that I was a student. I get it. Good choice on the bmw. It's a great all around bike and will run for as long as you care to maintain it.

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Author Topic: Goodbye sohc4, for now... (Read 1450 times)