Airhead 247 Podcast

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

In researching the 90S a few years ago, I came across some postings online by Mark Spitler. This led to a few email exchanges regarding painters and general repair protocol on the 90s. Little did I know I’d stumbled across a very well versed and experienced mechanic and enthusiast. Mark grew up in southern California right in the heart of the hot rod scene, living next to a famous drag racer of all things. His interest and knowledge with the 247 runs deep, as you’ll hear in our conversation. It’s Mark Spitler on the Airhead 247 Podcast.

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

Our first episode with Leo was a bit light on the airhead content, however, as we heard from many of you, Leo is a wonderful storyteller. Last week's episode sets the stage for our program this week, where we dig into Leo's work with the 247. Back out to an undisclosed location in Memphis to re-join the conversation already in progress….

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE.Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

I met Leo Goff about 30 years ago, not long after I moved to Memphis, TN. He kept my /5, 77 RS and other bikes running when I was too young, inexperienced and without tools or a garage to do it myself. As I got to know him a bit more, I discovered that Leo was an excellent bass player as well and we ended up playing a number of gigs together over the years. In addition to working as an independent mechanic and motorcycle dealer, Leo is also known for his Norton Drag Bike and his expertise as a master head re-builder and mechanic at Memphis Motor Werks. Today, Leo is semi-retired but still twisting wrenches on select jobs and can be seen playing bass on Beale St. in Downtown Memphis.

Leo Goff parts 1 & 2 do contain airhead and motorcycle content which we’ll dig into more in part 2. For part 1, we’ll hear the story of Leo Goff and his life in mechanics, motorcycles and music this week on the Airhead 247 podcast.

Contact Leo:

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

Robert Sabel grew up in London and developed an affinity for German air cooled motors while working on vintage Porsches with his father. After a move to the U.S, his passion turned to air cooled motors on motorcycles when he fell into an R75/5 as part of a deal to buy a 911. That fateful purchase in turn launched Roughchild Motorcycles in 2014. Roughchild’s custom builds might be best described as an Airhead 247 re-imagined with modern technology and built to exacting standards without compromise. Think of a Singer Porsche 911 as an automotive analogy. Robert has a real love for the 247 and not just in a custom built form. You’ll hear that in our visit this week. It’s Robert Sabel of Roughchild Motorcycles on the Airhead 247 Podcast.

Roughchild Motorcycles:

https://roughchild.com/

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

Of the many Airhead service and repair videos available today, Brook Reams' “Airhead Garage” YouTube channel and his corresponding website are among the most informative and detailed available to the home mechanic. Brook’s thoroughness and attention to detail are second to none. Brook’s channel and website remain a go-to reference for many airhead services and repairs and cover variety of models in the airhead run.

Web/Blog

https://brook.reams.me/

You Tube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/MotorcyclesandOtherMusings/videos

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

The R90S remains one of the most important and iconic motorcycles during BMWs airhead run. In fact, this is the second program we’ve dedicated---at least in part---to this model and this week we have a chat with author, rider, and motorcycle enthusiast Ian Falloon.

Ian wrote the definitive book on the R90S, which was out of print for some time. However, it’s now available again in a 2nd edition. The second pressing has new photographs as well as insight and commentary from designer Hans Muth. All in all, a total of 112 pages of R90S glory to sift thru in the new edition.

To get a copy, follow either of the links below:

PayPal.me/ianfalloon

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/ianfalloon

The price is $100 USD or equivalent currency and includes worldwide shipping. Ian asks that you include a contact phone number and address with the order.

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

When we think of legacy BMW motorcycle dealers in the US, one name always comes up. That’s Bob’s BMW in Jessup, Maryland. Bob Henig started out as a used parts dealer and later expanded that mail order parts business to become one of the best known and longest tenured dealers in the US. It should come as no surprise, with that history and legacy, that Bob has plenty to share and some amazing stories to tell. So much so, we’ve split his interview into two programs. It's Bob Henig on the Airhead 247 Podcast.

When we think of legacy BMW motorcycle dealers in the US, one name always comes up. That’s Bob’s BMW in Jessup, Maryland. Bob Henig started out as a used parts dealer and later expanded that mail order parts business to become one of the best known and longest tenured dealers in the US. It should come as no surprise, with that history and legacy, that Bob has plenty to share and some amazing stories to tell. So much so, we’ve split his interview into two programs. It's Bob Henig on the Airhead 247 Podcast.

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Follow this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

Nestled away in a quiet, somewhat rural area outside of Stockton, CA you’ll find Scottie’s Workshop. It's a full service, and we do mean full service shop specializing in vintage and classic BMW motorcycle repair, restoration, and machine work. As we do with all our guests, we’ll dig into Scottie’s history with BMW airheads as well as his mechanical and build philosophies. It’s Scottie Sharp on the airhead 247 podcast.

Link to Scotty's Workshop

https://blog.scottiesharpe.com/

Support the Airhead 247 Podcast by becoming a member of the BMW MOA—it’s FREE. Copy this link 247.bmwmoa.org and use the code airheads247 to register for a FREE one year digital membership. It’s a quick and easy process and a simple way to support this program.

A fateful day in Germany back in 1980 set William Plam on his path in the world of BMW airhead motorcycles. Many of you are familiar with his history as a BMW motorcycle dealer in California in the mid 80’s and going on to establish his own shop and parts supply business with Boxer 2 Valve. 

 Others like me, were introduced to William via You Tube and his airhead video repair series. Either way, William’s history, passion and love of the classic airhead continues, as strong as ever today and as airhead fans and owners, we’re all better off for it. It’s William Plam on the airhead 247 podcast.