My eventual goal for this /2 conversion bike, rebuilding a bare 1965 R50/2 frame with a later 1974 R90/6 engine and drivetrain, is to create a stylish yet practical sidecar outfit.

Restoration

This motorcycle is essentially just lying in boxes in my garage. Here are the major components I have been able to source to date, including copious spares already on hand from my other projects:

• Frame
• 4.5-gallon gas tank with built-in keyed toolbox and alloy gas cap
• Upgraded 898cc R90/6 engine
• /5 four-speed transmission with kickstart and complete clutch/flywheel assembly
• Dyna III electronic ignition system
• Magura low sidecar handlebars and mounts
• /2 Earles leading link fork with complete shocks, headlight mounting ears, fender and stays
• /2 18" front wheel with hubcap
• /2 Earles fork front drum brakes with backing plate
• /2 centerstand
• /5 rear wheel with drum brakes, chrome hubcap, and axle
• Custom conversion swingarm
• 37/11 Airhead final drive
• Complete /2 wiring harness
• /5 chassis electrics
• Thunderchild diode board
• /5 switchgear and levers
• Reproduction bar-end turn signals
• Coffee can tail light
• /2 headlight bucket and new repro speedometer
• Steiger solo seat
• Hinged rear fender with stays
• Hella bar-end turn signals
• BSM 2-into-1 exhaust system (left-side exit model for sidecar use)
• OEM sport mufflers
• Enduro-style hard saddlebags (in desperate need of restoration)

Reconstruction Chronology

December 2003

• Performed touch-up sanding of beadblasted frame
• Powdercoated frame
• Had gas tank lined and painted with hand pinstriping
• Stripped/bead-blasted fork components
• Chased threads on frame and sanded powdercoat for electrical ground
• Installed steering head bearings

Acknowledgments

Thanks to the following individuals for assisting in this restoration project: Duane Ausherman, Barbara Bynum, Brock Downey, Virgil Elliott, Vern Fueston, David Makin, Charlie Moore, DL Powers, Jeff Roddick, Chuck Sherman, Bo Stewart, and Robert Valdez.