Chuck Schmidt <chuckschmidt@earthlink.net> wrote:
>Years ago BMW actually sent out a questionnaire about what parts were
>needed to keep 2002s operational and proceeded to get the parts
>remanufactured. They also created an award winning museum 30 years ago
>and raced "art cars" painted by Stella, Warhol and Calder among others
>at the 24 hrs of Le Mans. A very "enlightened" corporation!
>
>I think eventually BMW will be used as a model by companies such as
>Campagnolo and Shimano to emphasize their heritage and at that point
>brake shoes and gum hoods will be available from OEM.
>
>Chuck Schmidt
>SoPas, SoCal
Enlightened indeed. They manufacture parts (they actually contract and license to a Swiss firm) for their 1950-1969 BMW motorcycles. Any part I want for my 1956 BMW can be ordered from a BMW dealer/parts catalog. And although there were over 150,000 motorcycles made by BMW during this period, the current "collector market" of dedicated restorers looking for genuine and authentic parts is only a bit over 5000 individuals.
Now measure 5000 people against the size of BMW. How many classic bicycle restorers/owners would it take to make Campagnolo see the light?
Herb Langston
Evanston, IL