Maybe some remember BMW r7 bike from 1934 that was forgotten in storage for 70 years? there was a post about it 8 years ago. well apparently someone is finally bringing this beauty of Art Deco period back to life and it seems to be exactly the same. I wonder if they will put it in mass production. I would definitely buy! Would you?
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The treasure of ArtDeco - BMW R7 is coming back to life
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2jakes
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Yes!! Thats it! But that s in Portland museum I think? just for display. I think these guys will actually produce and sell!
2jakes
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Personally I don't think there is a big enough market for true reproductions of any of these older styles. The Triumph Bonneville is probably the nearest looking and more expensive than the Royal Enfield, also the Euro type 4? emissions would be the killer as they no longer make carburettor vehicles for the European market. Maybe if 10,000 buyers in India could be found or you moved there(India), they are not so hot on emissions.
Even Enfield's are all fuel injection, but would it matter under all that bodywork? Look at what they did to Brough Superior, a lot of money for something horrible and not as fast as you would think for the price.
Even Enfield's are all fuel injection, but would it matter under all that bodywork? Look at what they did to Brough Superior, a lot of money for something horrible and not as fast as you would think for the price.
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You may be right about the emissions. But when I bought a new, retro styled Harley 30 years ago, I had to wait three months for delivery, such was the demand. The bike was called a Heritage Springer and it was inspired by the Pan Handle.
scottyrocks
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Any new bike made today, regardless of how retro in looks, would have to have fuel injection.
Harley hides it well, and BMW would, too.
Harley hides it well, and BMW would, too.
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Considering all of the sheet metal covering the engine, that shouldn't be too hard.
I'm undecided about that R7. On one hand, I like the overall art deco design. But on the other, it's far too covered up for my tastes. I like to see the working parts of any bike--it's a machine, and it should look like one. All things considered, I think I'd rather have a '38 Knucklehead.
I always wanted a Knucklehead but the prices are astronomical for orginals, next down would be a Hydra or Duo Glide. You don't see many modern Springers, a good look but would look better if someone repro's the soft horsehide bags without the modern stiff innards.My personal bikes are a modern Bonnie and an older Hayabusa. Bit of a mix there
I am pretty sure its in their interests to adjust to today's standards and no need to only target India lol they will probably just use the look and everything else will be up to date.
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My fear with any bike with all that pretty bodywork is that the inevitable meeting with the pavement will really ruin your day. It’s bound to happen, sooner or later, even if you don’t dump it at speed. It might tilt off its side stand or center stand. It happens. It’s happened to me, and I’m guessing it has happened to others here with long histories of motorcycle riding.
Modern sport bikes with all their plastic bodywork might “total” without really messing up the mechanical functioning of the machine. This is especially so with relatively high-mileage bikes. I see riders with “naked” crotch rockets and I think, yup, he bought that one cheap and just tossed the busted-up fairings rather than even attempt a “proper” repair.
Modern sport bikes with all their plastic bodywork might “total” without really messing up the mechanical functioning of the machine. This is especially so with relatively high-mileage bikes. I see riders with “naked” crotch rockets and I think, yup, he bought that one cheap and just tossed the busted-up fairings rather than even attempt a “proper” repair.
scottyrocks
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Considering all of the sheet metal covering the engine, that shouldn't be too hard.
I'm undecided about that R7. On one hand, I like the overall art deco design. But on the other, it's far too covered up for my tastes. I like to see the working parts of any bike--it's a machine, and it should look like one. All things considered, I think I'd rather have a '38 Knucklehead.
I like exposed engines, as well, but this BMW, being so accurately retro, pushes my buttons.
And that flat opposed twin is a great engine.
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A very valid reason to not have all of those "tins" covering up the bike--less to repair when the metal meets the pavement.
If I had unlimited funds and a warehouse to store my collection of cars and bikes (hey, if you're gonna' dream, dream big), sure. It would be a great addition, especially if it were produced in limited numbers. But back here in the real world, if I were in the market for a bike I'd much prefer something that is, or looks like, a Harley from the 1940s era. That classic, low-slung design is the one that really trips my trigger.I like exposed engines, as well, but this BMW, being so accurately retro, pushes my buttons.
I've heard that from the few BMW bike owners I've spoken with over the years. They also said it's lower center of gravity improves handling by giving their bikes a bit more bottom weight. To be honest, I know very little about bikes myself; never owned one, haven't even ridden one in the last 30 years or so.
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There’s a reason many an owner of those opposed-twin BMWs put real sturdy crash bars in front of those cylinders.
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scottyrocks
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The last BMW I rode was an old R65. Absolutely effortless and confidence inspiring. That thing could do dirt trails better than anything I have ever ridden with a more common upright engine. On the road it was magic.
I had a 1200 Gold Wing, a flat opposed four. Similarly stable ride and handling characteristics as the BMW opposed flat twins but the BMWs are so much lighter and easier to handle.
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Flat-twin BMWs took a bit of getting used to for me. I liked them, but they were different from anything else I rode.
2jakes
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Castle AFB. Calif. late sixties.
Someone took a photo when I was checking out this BMW.
I recall riding it around for a test drive. Later in the year,
I went with a bigger Royal Enfield.
Someone took a photo when I was checking out this BMW.
I recall riding it around for a test drive. Later in the year,
I went with a bigger Royal Enfield.
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wow!!! where did you find this pic?
2jakes
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At my mother's house.
When she passed away in 2016, I went to
take care of the house and her belongings.
I found out that she kept all my photos,
letters which I sent her when I was stationed in Calif. and overseas during my
tour of duty during the Vietnam conflict.
It's like a time capsule of my past as a kid.
She even kept a jar of that greasy pomade for the hair when "flat-tops" were in style
when I was teenager.
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