It all started with a search for parts for a BMW R69S. When I had the engine running, it sounded like a deep timing chain grumble (like on Ted's R65 which had a very loose timing chain which was slapping around) at the lower timing chest area.
As the BMW R69S does not have a timing chain, I thought best to have a peek inside and for peace of minds sake, while I was in there, check and clean the crankshaft slingers.
Good move that, as I soon discovered that some goose has had it apart and deformed the crankshaft front bearing shield cover.
https://youtu.be/pN38yj25CEg
This cover has an oil pipe on it (the deformed part) that sprays oil onto the timing gears. Due to said deformation, no oil was being pumped into the oil pipe which in turn wasn't spraying oil onto the timing gears. Therefore the gears were neither adequately lubricated nor quietened by oil.
Hence the search for parts... The need for a new set of timing gears (30 degree teeth and -3 designation) and accompanying oil pump drive gear. And a new oval-post breather plate assembly...
I'd researched a couple of locations in and around Frankfurt as I had a week up there with Felix (previously a club member).
A bit of local knowledge from a two-wheel and bier aficionado (Felix), throw in a quest for the rare Aschaffenburg Schlappeseppel, and the scene was set for another crazy ride on the Other Side. Well, the first leg, anyway
Bier: Schlappeseppel in it’s home environment – Aschaffenburg.
https://www.schlappeseppel.de/start/
It was summer in Germany. Another stinker this year. 36-38 degrees C. At least it wasn't 40 degrees C like the summer of 2019. Frankfurt was in a pretty festive mood, hot and festive… Lucky bier wasn’t in short supply.
There was a long bicycle ride along the Main River, a resolution to the Schlappeseppel quest and a flat front bicycle tyre in blistering heat, but that’s another story…
Oh, BMW R69S parts… As mentioned, I visited a couple of outlets where parts are available.
If you’ve been around old BMWs for a while, I’m sure you’ve seen this badge… ‘Ulrich Seiwert’ on many a mudguard.
This is actually Ulis Motorrad Laden in Frankfurt. Or Uli’s Motorcycle Shop…
https://www.ulismotorradladen.de/
Klaus (Spares) and Heinz (Technical Genius) were totally astonishing with their friendly service and helpful technical advice, a tour around Uli’s through the workshop, spares parts areas, online IT webshop facility, and even the porn room where there were delicious items for sale… Don’t be afraid to call them, English is good. If you can’t find a part, if Uli’s can’t find a part, they have a strong network of staffers who will reach out and find it! Needless to say, Staff here were all a good-humoured lot. All passionate about what they do. Now that's a job one could love for life.
Front of store with spare parts
Funny, when I say ‘Front of Store’, it’s a little deceiving. Uli’s is in a narrow alley off Gutleutstrasse, marked only with a small motorcycle sign, like on the ‘Ulrich Siewert’ badge above. Looking down the narrow alley is like stumbling upon Wonderland…
The Workshop
The Porn Room where the available delights are refreshed accordingly… Goes without saying that R26 was the fetish this month. You can make an offer on that khaki French Military model if you like
Not complaining like...
