Do I recommend restoring a BMW?

A BMW boxer is a superb choice, even as a first project. Relative to other models like British bikes, they are not expensive to buy, though they are going up. They were well-built, with mostly great finish. Many, if not most, parts are available from the excellent parts suppliers, they were built with metric sizes, and if you get both the Haynes and Clymer manuals, you have most of the information you need.

BMW bikes like the 1970s and 1980s models are mostly straightforward and rely on common sense. They are heavy and not exactly low (look for an R45 or R65 if height is an issue), so have a go to see if you like one first. But they are also one of the most useable classic bikes in existence.

I have basic ‘farm’ skills in mechanics and am fortunate to have a small workshop room and a good set of tools. Mostly, I have many good friends to call upon and a large mouth that isn’t afraid to ask questions and beg their brains. Once parts are painted or powdercoated, stripped and cleaned, rebuilding is hugely rewarding and – if enough photos and notes were taken – straightforward.

There is a lot of information on the internet, but beware. Beautifully finished examples in professional photoshoots can lead to feeling inadequate with your own bike. Overly complicated technical features can lead to just becoming baffled with something that is relatively simple. And while readily available and good quality parts are not cheap and demand for restored examples not high, so this is a job for the want, not for profit. Overall, restoring a BMW is a great, rewarding first project that leads to a very useable bike at the end that’ll last years.