Time to dig up this old thread from 2008! Time sure does move fast.
My R just got a refresh and while it's not quite as dramatic as earlier in this thread, I've done quite a bit of work on her in the last few weeks and thought I'd share.
With over 70,000 miles on her now, Roadie the Roadster needs some love.
The first thing in order was to get the Ohlins shocks rebuilt, having about 45,000 miles on them. While they didn't seem that bad, and weren't leaking or anything, I know that they were far overdue to get rebuilt so I sent them in toDan at Kyle Racing who does all my suspension work.
I also have on order a fancy new Ohlins Gold steering dampener to replace the OEM one that is far gone, it should be here Monday.
So up on a jack she went.
I replaced all of the shock bolts while I was at it, two of them are one time use bolts with micro-incaspulation. I was very glad to not find any bent shock bolts while I was there, like I get on my GS.
MMMMMMMMmmmmmmm Gold.........
While the shock were getting done, I had already started to compile replacement parts to replace all the stuff I, um, "used". I found many used parts on Beemerboneyard.com or ebay, and bought the rest from my local dealer.
I did score some new used headers for cheap at first, but found out after the fact that they were bent and unusable, but then found some like new, used chrome one's with just a little dent on them from a dealer. Unfortunately I had already installed the first new headers, then took the shocks off so they were trapped until the shocks came back. It's surprising how cheap headers can be found used, I paid $140 for the chrome ones.
OEM headers
Second set of headers that went on but didn't work for me.
Here's where they were bent, hard to spot initially, but the muffler wouldn't line up correctly....
The new and final set of headers, my they are shiny! There hasn't been anything shiny on my bike since it was brand new, and that didn't last long.
The dent on the new one's, thanks for making these are bargain!
The best wrenching partner a guy could have!
I also replaced the headlight, as mine has been all cracked up for way too long. This will be the 3rd headlight that's been on this bike. I also replaced the right side valve cover with an HP2 one I bought used on ebay. I still need to send it out to get powder coated, but for now it'll do.
While I was waiting for the shocks, I gave her a good washing and armor all treatment to all the plastics. The engine and wheels needed serious degreasing as I didn't really wash the R much, and hadn't given her a thorough detail since the rebuild earlier in this thread years ago. She needed and deserved it!
Simple Green, and Goo Gone did wonders to all the nooks and crannys
This valve cover had served its purpose for an additional year after my Death Valley adventure with JB weld and a beer can holding the oil in, but it was time retire.
This corrosion is disheartening..... I really should open this up and see what's going on, which reminds me I'm still on the original alternator belt. I'm doing a test to see how long it will last, and carry a new one always, but so far so good!
Saddle bags:
Mine were not doing so good, the right side was trashed, the left didn't unlock from the bike and I needed to remove the passenger footrest to get it on or off.
I found a used right-ide inner, but needed to change out the locks..... how to do that?....
Start by grabbing a beer, and start taking out all the many many screws.
Holy Moly that's a lot of stuff in there!
Unfortunately this was not the first time I had been in here, while in Newfoundland I has a bag break and managed to get in here and fix it.
This key mechanism basically just falls out once you have everything apart, so doing a lock swap really isn't that hard, you don't need to remove the cylinder, and nothing comes flying apart.
BUT, since I had a "donor" bag with the unusable lock from the "new" bag I decided to just take it apart and see how you could remove just the cylinder.
I like taking things apart.
From what I saw you had to take the whole mechanism apart to get at the cylinder, if you even want to use it again, DONT DO THAT!
As soon as you take the screws out, the big spring unwinds and I don't think it can be put back together by hand.
I did get the cylinder out by destroying it, but this whole process isn't necessary since you can just swap the whole key thingy.
I also did test the whole "leave the key IN the cylinder" thing, it's true, don't removed a key while you have this apart.... not that any of us should.
Here's all you have to swap if you're swapping bags and already have your keys lock in one
As for the left bag that didn't release from the bike that I thought I'd need to replace..... having a donor bag and seeing how it works I felt confident I could fix it instead. Turns out I was right and the left bag was just missing this connection, and once I took the old one out the right and installed it into the left it was good to go.
Done and done. Now I'm just waiting for a new "used" left side case to come along.
Paint:
I was considering having her painted, but couldn't take myself to get rid of these pinstripes.....
A whole lot of buffing with rubbing compound instead, and a couple coats of wax and I'm proud to say, she's looking pretty darn good IMO, considering where this bike has been.
Either way, I'm glad she's back and plan on spending more saddle time on her this winter, and with the fresh Ohlins' shocks she's back to feeling young again too!
I'm really looking forward to the new dampener, and will update when I get it.
Here's to many more enjoyable miles on the best bike on earth!
I'm eager to watch your report and pictures on it (and other italian friends too 
): please, tell you'll report! 
Contrary to what Eisen thinks, I doubt I'll be dragging these white valve covers any time soon. 
