Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: neverquit on February 24, 2015, 09:51:10 AM
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Apparently I have developed a thing for motorcycles that have cylinders sticking out the sides. My small block MG has me wanting more. I prefer lighter weight bikes and have been looking at older BMWs. I like the R75 models, especially the toaster tanks. But I am also interested in the R65s produced in the 1980s. I have read that the R65 is light and handles well and I like disk brakes, electronic ignition etc. But the toaster is, in my opinion, a better looking bike. I am an older rider and would mostly just ride it around town and on short country road jaunts. Mostly I want one just to have it. The R80 is another bike I am interested in. Many of you own airheads and I would like to hear your comments regarding R75 vs R65, R80. Thanks
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Apparently I have developed a thing for motorcycles that have cylinders sticking out the sides. My small block MG has me wanting more. I prefer lighter weight bikes and have been looking at older BMWs. I like the R75 models, especially the toaster tanks. But I am also interested in the R65s produced in the 1980s. I have read that the R65 is light and handles well and I like disk brakes, electronic ignition etc. But the toaster is, in my opinion, a better looking bike. I am an older rider and would mostly just ride it around town and on short country road jaunts. Mostly I want one just to have it. The R80 is another bike I am interested in. Many of you own airheads and I would like to hear your comments regarding R75 vs R65, R80. Thanks
I can only speak to the R65, having ridden one for several years and 40,000 miles or so.
Sold my "Wasserbufel" GT-750 and bought the Beemer, new in 1981, at Gio's Cycle Center in Roanoke, VA.
I can tell you this about it:
1) It is built on the same frame as the Europe-only R45 450cc bike, so it is definitely smaller and lighter than the R60, R75, R80 series.
2) I had no sort of trouble with it of any kind. I put gas in it, changed the engine oil every 5000 miles (Castrol 20/50), and kept tires on it, and that was all. No adjustments or other work of any kind. (The ungrammatical repetitions in those sentences are for emphasis!)
3) You had to rev it a bit to make a hard pass on a back road, but it LIKED to rev. Smooth as silk throughout its rev range.
4) Suspension and engine-wise, it would pull a 400 pound two-up load just fine, but the seat!! It like to have killed Fay and I on a 400-mile trip once, like sitting on a cloth-covered 2 x 6 plank.
If I found another one in nice condition, I'd buy it, if only to make up for the fact that I sold my R65 and bought a rat '68 Triumph Bonneville with a Joe Hunt magneto. Why I did that, I'll never know .... !
Lannis
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Nothing wrong with any of those bikes . For your intended use , any would be fun . The /5 toaster models are wonderful , and for most purposes the 500 CC or 600 CC /5s are fine . In fact , many old beemerphiles ,
(pointing the finger at myself) , the smaller displacement models are better , and usually cheaper to purchase .
The later R 65 and R 80 models have better brakes , and electronic ignition . One thing , the R 65 is a unique model , built on a different platform . One thing about beemers , good parts backup , and simple to maintain . Happy hunting.
Dusty
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I bought my R80 in 1985; no problems so far
I can take it anywhere at any time; freeway or secondary roads; all are fine
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Airhead Beemers are great...I love them. My favorite balance of modernity, simple maintenance, performance, and classic vibe can be found in the /6 models from '74-'76. It sported disc brakes (with a goofy under-tank master cylinder), a more secure ignition switch (with an actual key), all metal parts (even the turn signals are aluminum), and a huge aftermarket. They are available in 750 and 900cc varieties (600 too, but only drum brake equipped). I believe this machine was the pinnacle of the Airhead era...
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This is my 1982 R65LS fitted out with a windshield for a nine week ride to Sitka, AK. The ignition has been converted to points.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0002_zps2c3ba82b.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0002_zps2c3ba82b.jpg.html)
The R65 was the lightest of my motorcycles and that is why I chose it over my R100GS.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0001_zpsb68c2e82.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0001_zpsb68c2e82.jpg.html)
And my SP.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0059_zps9a834b7a.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0059_zps9a834b7a.jpg.html)
It performed well in all conditions.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0157_zps6a9549f8.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0157_zps6a9549f8.jpg.html)
And sometimes it didn't do so well. Easy to repair and no problems with part. This is some along the Yellow Head Highway.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0251_zpsfa1792e2.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0251_zpsfa1792e2.jpg.html)
No problems on the Alaskan Ferries.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0282_zps5311a120.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0282_zps5311a120.jpg.html)
Caught some fish. This is RK.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0353_zps010ed564.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0353_zps010ed564.jpg.html)
This is me.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0386_zpsd6c6e073.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0386_zpsd6c6e073.jpg.html)
Stopped raining and getting warm. Somewhere in Canada.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0590_zpsbdf8f5e5.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0590_zpsbdf8f5e5.jpg.html)
Still in Canada and still going.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0079_zps771bb1f2.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0079_zps771bb1f2.jpg.html)
Back in the US and still going.
(http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q692/2jabam3/DSC_0148_zps6258e784.jpg) (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/2jabam3/media/DSC_0148_zps6258e784.jpg.html)
Good motorcycle. :BEER:
Matt
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After some further thought , for your intended usage , a toaster R6O sounds like a good fit . All kinds of upgrades available , larger alternators , solid state ignition , and they will potter or run at 80 MPH all day . Light and nimble , simple carbs , rode mine probably 75K miles . Greatest conversation starter ever , always drew a crowd , young and old seemed to appreciate the old thing .
Dusty
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I always had a thing for the R90/6.
Dunno why - a bud had one back in the 80's and it just looked..'right'.
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We have three airheads. 71 R75/5 (short wheel base), 78 R90 with a hack and a 78 R45/N.
Probably going to sell the hack, it was a fun idea, but neither of us have the time to get our three wheel endorsement.
We are the second owners of the R75. The guy we bought it from used to own the BMW dealer in Merced, CA. He had health issues and can no longer ride, so we bought 'Max' from him, as well as 'Luigi': my 98 Cali EV.
My R45 is wonderful bike. Very few of them here in the states, so its extra special. It handles the highways just fine. The longest trip I've taken it on was to the BMW National in Redmond, OR back in 2010. Its been burning oil lately, and the compression and leak down test didn't look very good, so I pulled the heads off and had a valve job done. Now I'm just waiting on rings and such. No one here in the states stocks R45 specific parts, so....... can't wait to get it put back together again.
Hard to compare the 75 to the 45. The SWB makes the 75 handle a bit different than the 45, but that thing will get up and move if you ask it. It feels heavier as well. I prefer the 45. Mainly because I use it as you want to use the 65. Local rides and puttering around. However, I have no doubt that if I wanted, it would take me any distance I wanted to go.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/flymymbz/R45/r45front.jpg)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e340/flymymbz/R45/r45a.jpg)
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I have owned a lot of airheads over the past 45 years and IMHO, any of the three that you are thinking about purchasing would bring a lot of enjoyment and good, drama-free riding. My personal choice would be the R80 due to it's very smooth power delivery, electronic ignition and improved brakes. Good luck on finding the "right bike".
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On a whim I bought a R75/6. It turns out that this bike was mostly obtained by the PO as a few boxes of parts and then put together. No real issue there but some parts...well, wrong starter, shocks from some kind of oriental bike, dodgy forks, wooden brakes, and a seat pan that was mostly rust. Fixing all that stuff has brought the bike up to be an OK runner for Gentleman's Rides but I doubt I ever take it far from home. I have a Stelvio for that. All in all the R75 parts supply was pretty good, there is an active network of airhead fanatics, and the machines are fairly easy to work on. Would I do it again? Probably not. In fact, I'd sell the bike for just what the repairs cost me since I hardly ever ride it. Maybe I'll feel differently when spring finally shows its pointy little head.
Peter Y.
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I owned a 1962 R60/2 and a R90/6 and wound up disliking both of them.
So get something besides those two. ;)
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Newer than you're considering, but I had a '91 R100RT that was a wonderful bike. Rode it all over Michigan and to upstate New York. By that time they had the single shock rear end, K-bike front end. This isn't my pic, but mine was exactly like it. (Except for the oil leaks in the picture.)
(http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/photos/photophotos/R100RT%20Mono%20Newman.jpg)
One I truly lusted after was very rare in the states apparently. The R100mono.
http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/photos/specphotos/r100mono%20(2).jpg
One that is still on my bucket list, and that I was shopping for when I found the R100RT is the '88 R100RS. Will have.
http://www.motorcyclesgo.com/uploads/posts/bmw/a/motorcycles7277191252541.jpg
Tobit
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I'm still searching for a perfect R65LS. Should have bought the new one I demo'd back in 1983, but couldn't come up with the $3,995. Henna Red, white snowflakes...
Lannis, I believe late R65's were built on the R80 frame, but you're right, the early ones (pre-1984?) were based on the R45.
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I'm still searching for a perfect R65LS. Should have bought the new one I demo'd back in 1983, but couldn't come up with the $3,995. Henna Red, white snowflakes...
Lannis, I believe late R65's were built on the R80 frame, but you're right, the early ones (pre-1984?) were based on the R45.
My '81 was $4100, I don't think I got much of a break on it, they were pretty popular ... !
Lannis
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The later R65s got both the big-bike frame and different (smaller for more torque) carburetors.
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I owned a 1962 R60/2 and a R90/6 and wound up disliking both of them.
So get something besides those two. ;)
Those are pretty popular and well-thought-of bikes in general. Were they just "wrong" for you and what you wanted to use them for, or did they break a lot .... ?
Lannis
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Since I'm so rich that money is a detail, I'd have to hold out for this:
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/misc/024-20120819_rgs_71101_zpsfc63232a.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/misc/024-20120819_rgs_71101_zpsfc63232a.jpg.html)
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I say buy a poster of a toaster tank BMW for the garage wall and buy a vintage Big block Tonti for riding ;-T
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Those are pretty popular and well-thought-of bikes in general. Were they just "wrong" for you and what you wanted to use them for, or did they break a lot .... ?
Lannis
They gradually subsided in my estimation compared to the T3 they shared a garage with, until finally they were beneath contempt.
My attitude toward them hasn't improved since I sold them.
I suppose it was a number of things. The bland engine note, the awkward geometry of the R90, the R90's breakdown at Crater Lake that led to a 600 mile trip up the coast of Oregon to Bremerton WA in 2nd gear, the slipping clutch on the R60, and the total lack of any functional superiority, or any other superiority, to my T3. And, finally, a weariness with the fawning admiration generated by the BMW rondel itself, often as not from people who knew nothing at all about motorcycles.
The one good thing I can think of was that the R60/2 made a dandy sidecar outfit with my Spirit Eagle. I miss that.
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I owned a 1962 R60/2 and a R90/6 and wound up disliking both of them.
So get something besides those two. ;)
The more I work on BMWs, the more I dislike them. ;)
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My '60 R60 was dead-reliable...but very underpowered, maintenance-intensive, and a little agricultural. I loved it anyway...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/6c7a715fe52d2d349e347c6a4b1663d6.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/6c7a715fe52d2d349e347c6a4b1663d6.jpg.html)
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They gradually subsided in my estimation compared to the T3 they shared a garage with, until finally they were beneath contempt.
My attitude toward them hasn't improved since I sold them.
I suppose it was a number of things. The bland engine note, the awkward geometry of the R90, the R90's breakdown at Crater Lake that led to a 600 mile trip up the coast of Oregon to Bremerton WA in 2nd gear, the slipping clutch on the R60, and the total lack of any functional superiority, or any other superiority, to my T3. And, finally, a weariness with the fawning admiration generated by the BMW rondel itself, often as not from people who knew nothing at all about motorcycles.
The one good thing I can think of was that the R60/2 made a dandy sidecar outfit with my Spirit Eagle. I miss that.
Interesting that both you and Charlie consider that the BMWs suffer mainly by comparisons with Moto Guzzis!
Fair enough .... ;-T
Lannis
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I've had a /5 for about 20 years, and it is a great bike. Three years ago, I built up a T3 basket case, and while I still love the BMW, I love the Guzzi more. My Guzzi does pretty much everything at least a little better than the BMW. Also, as much as Guzzi parts aren't cheap, BMW parts are even less cheap. I'm happy to have one of each.
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I say buy a poster of a toaster tank BMW for the garage wall and buy a vintage Big block Tonti for riding ;-T
:+1
Sorry. I don't think *any* of the airheads can hold a candle to an equivalent Guzzi. Boring as batshit. (TO ME) Your MMV, of course. ;D
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:+1
Sorry. I don't think *any* of the airheads can hold a candle to an equivalent Guzzi. Boring as batshit. (TO ME) Your MMV, of course. ;D
(http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad123/osteoglossum/IMG_2745.JPG_zpsckzhekzb.jpg) (http://s928.photobucket.com/user/osteoglossum/media/IMG_2745.JPG_zpsckzhekzb.jpg.html)
I've owned three LWB R75/5's (still this one) and I do agree with Chuck. However, these are very well made machines, simple to work on and to find parts & service for. They are heavy, relatively underpowered and don't actually "handle" compared to a Tonti-framed Moto Guzzi. I would recommend the oldest example you can afford. Look for one with luggage. The drum brakes are fine for putting around. Keep it simple (that's their best feature). I think you'll enjoy its characteristics.
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My '60 R60 was dead-reliable...but very underpowered, maintenance-intensive, and a little agricultural. I loved it anyway...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/6c7a715fe52d2d349e347c6a4b1663d6.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/6c7a715fe52d2d349e347c6a4b1663d6.jpg.html)
Maintenance intensive and underpowered compared to what , a 1960 HD or Triumph , or maybe a BSA from that
era ??? :D As for the superior handling of a Tonti to a /5 , sure , but a loop frame bike , stock , will not handle as well as a 1969 /5 . Heavy , I think my R60/5 weighed about 460 lbs , so once again , heavy compared to what ?
I understand most of you guys prefer Guzzies , and that is fine , but most airhead beemrs were also fine machines, capable of high mileage at a fair rate of speed . Geez ;D
Dusty
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Having experience with both, I think the 850T is a pretty good match to the R80/7 -- at least in full trim. I don't think it's fair to compare them to all-disk or higher displacement models. Mechanically they are identical. What's not to like?
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Since I'm so rich that money is a detail, I'd have to hold out for this:
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/misc/024-20120819_rgs_71101_zpsfc63232a.jpg) (http://s226.photobucket.com/user/rodekyll1/media/misc/024-20120819_rgs_71101_zpsfc63232a.jpg.html)
Talk about a cool bike to retro!
Dean
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The classic BMW airheads are great bikes with more character than their modern descendants.
I like them and they are easy to service/repair. Loving a Guzzi doesn't mean that one must disparage and condemn other bikes! I find merit in many different bikes which is why my garage remains too crowded.
To the original poster-
The R75/5 Toaster Tank bike is the '57 Chevy of old BMW's. The early bikes are "short wheelbase" which is what I prefer because of their quick handling. The later "long wheelbase" bikes are fine too. The 4-speed transmissions are a bit clunky but that's normal - even for more modern BMW's. A pristine Toaster will hold its value well.
If you want a little more power and better shifting, the R90/6, 5-speed series that came later will help. Except for the R90S, however, the /6 comes stock with a single front disc brake that is barely adequate. Adapting a spare R90S added disc is common but can get expensive.
If you want to go back in time more, the R69S is another heralded model favored by many collectors. I generally prefer the /5 or /6 models because they can run at sustained higher speeds more easily.
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc462/leafman60/Bike%20Pics/IMG_0698.jpg) (http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/leafman60/media/Bike%20Pics/IMG_0698.jpg.html)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc462/leafman60/Bike%20Pics/IMG_0699.jpg) (http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/leafman60/media/Bike%20Pics/IMG_0699.jpg.html)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc462/leafman60/Miscellaneous/IMG_1895.jpg) (http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/leafman60/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_1895.jpg.html)
(http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc462/leafman60/Miscellaneous/IMG_1897.jpg) (http://s1213.photobucket.com/user/leafman60/media/Miscellaneous/IMG_1897.jpg.html)
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I would buy a BMW new enough to have Brembo brakes and hardened valve seats. Post 1983? I would love to have a '95 "last of the airheads."
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:+=copcar '78 r80 is about the smoothest airhead you will find---just a notch below a k75 :BEER:
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Hey, Dusty...don't get excited. My 6 volt , generator equipped R60 only put out 28 hp and required frequent oil changes, tuneups, and valve adjustments. It was slow by any measure and compared to a modern bike the maintenance demands were great. Please note that I said I loved that bike. I really did, but it's superior qualities were about comfort and mile-munching; a sharp contrast to the sporting legacy of Moto Guzzi. It's no surprise that I've taken such a shine to my Vintage; it features the best vibe from both the stalwart Airhead Beemers and the Tonti Framed Sports of old!
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:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Sorry , Sheepdog , guess I did sound a bit strident :-[ Still , most of my rant is true :D
Dusty
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I owned two R65s, worst seats ever, spongey front end that nose-dived, shaft drive that jacked the seat up and down. But I still thought I had the world by the tail in college riding them with no protection but a $5 pair of Wayfarer knockoffs. Owned several Beemers later 'cuz I always thought they were best, then I figured out how BORING they are. Leave it to the Germans to design a telelever front end that removes feedback from the front tire, combined with a flat twin and an anemic exhaust note, bleh. Then there is the premium price and reliability issues on multiple models, so glad I have moved on.
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Almost forgot, my last Beemer, an '05 R1200RT used a considerable amount of oil, even after 30,000 miles! They all do, that is part of the deal.
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You can still get R80s for quite cheap.
I've never owned a beemer, although I did quite a bit of proper research as I was shopping around for bikes before I decided I had to have a guzzi. What I did find out though is that the 80 was pretty much the best airhead engine that BMW ever made. So if you want a bike that has decent power, is still cheap and will eventually become a classic, it's hard to be the R80. Give it 10 years and you'll own a proper classic.
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Talk about a cool bike to retro!
Dean
Man, that would be a nice one to cafe.. ~; :BEER:
(http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd10/rodekyll1/misc/024-20120819_rgs_71101_zpsfc63232a.jpg)
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Thanks to everyone who took the time to write all the great responses. I really appreciate all this and I've learned a great deal reading these posts. The toaster tank I was interested in sold before I even got a response from the owner. Apparently if you want a nice one you need to move quickly.
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Sorry about my cantankerous rant, an old airhead could be an endearing ride IF properly sorted.
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Maintenance intensive and underpowered compared to what , a 1960 HD or Triumph , or maybe a BSA from that
era ???
Dusty
Uh oh, look out, now you've "stopped preachin' and gone to meddlin'" ... ! :D
There's no way an early /2 or /5 could even come close in performance to a BSA of the same era, in handling or power ... Of maintenance, I'll say nowt but the BSAs and Bonnevilles were the "sport bikes" of the era and the Beemers were the old man's touring bikes ...
I must say, though, that when folks talk about the "character" of different bikes, and the slowness and the flat-blatt sound of old Beemers, they haven't touched on what gives a bike "character" to me. For me, it's How many times did the bike bring you home, through any kind of weather, humming or zinging along without causing a lot of trouble ... ? If a bike wants me to love it, that's all it has to do!
Lannis
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Yes. I would love to have one but........ I just gave up and purchased the LS. The GS just sort of fell into my hands.
Uh oh, look out, now you've "stopped preachin' and gone to meddlin'" ... ! :D
There's no way an early /2 or /5 could even come close in performance to a BSA of the same era, in handling or power ... Of maintenance, I'll say nowt but the BSAs and Bonnevilles were the "sport bikes" of the era and the Beemers were the old man's touring bikes ...
I must say, though, that when folks talk about the "character" of different bikes, and the slowness and the flat-blatt sound of old Beemers, they haven't touched on what gives a bike "character" to me. For me, it's How many times did the bike bring you home, through any kind of weather, humming or zinging along without causing a lot of trouble ... ? If a bike wants me to love it, that's all it has to do!
Lannis
What Lannis said. We put many-many miles on our R60/2 :+1 I also put many-many, not so trouble free, miles on a 1959 Triumph Bonneville. :BEER:
Matt
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For me, it's How many times did the bike bring you home, through any kind of weather, humming or zinging along without causing a lot of trouble ... ? If a bike wants me to love it, that's all it has to do!
Well, our R100RT always got us there and got us home.. well, there was that one time with the charging issue.. but.. I *never* loved it. I just couldn't get into the feel of the engine, and the handling was mediocre at best.
That's why there are all kinds of motorcycles for all kinds of people. YMMV
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Well, our R100RT always got us there and got us home.. well, there was that one time with the charging issue.. but.. I *never* loved it. I just couldn't get into the feel of the engine, and the handling was mediocre at best.
That's why there are all kinds of motorcycles for all kinds of people. YMMV
Now you've got me thinking back over all my different bikes to remember if there's one I DIDN'T like for reasons of "feel" or "character" or "bonding" ....
I guess it was just time to change when I would sell a bike. I really enjoyed my Centauro, but I didn't like the handling characteristic that made it feel like it was already halfway down to the road if the front end lost traction for just a second, and that's why I sold that one. My GT-750 was closing in on 100,000 miles and I knew it would need an engine rebuild before long, which I didn't want to do. The only explanation for selling the R65 for the rat Bonneville was the $3000 vs. $400 difference in value, plus a temporary madness.
But there haven't been any bikes I've had that I didn't like because of "what they were", I guess.
Lannis
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Why all the clamor about BMW exhaust note? ::)
Part of the Airhead appeal is/was their quietness.
(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j360/wrbix/EB1E72DB-07C3-47A2-B212-694E4BE4A40A.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wrbix/media/EB1E72DB-07C3-47A2-B212-694E4BE4A40A.jpg.html)
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(http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j360/wrbix/2DD7DD91-0F25-4E47-AB58-FBE4E32C3A6C.jpg) (http://s1081.photobucket.com/user/wrbix/media/2DD7DD91-0F25-4E47-AB58-FBE4E32C3A6C.jpg.html)
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My R60 sounded like a lawnmower...or so my HD riding friends would say (I think they were all jealous of the attention that bike garnered).
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Roy Orbison loved Classic-Era Beemers...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/Roy_BMW.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/Roy_BMW.png.html)
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Roy Orbison loved Classic-Era Beemers...
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/Roy_BMW.png) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/Roy_BMW.png.html)
That's cool enough for me! Roy Orbison was a class act his whole career ....
Now I want a /2 with a windshield, big tank, crash bars, and that funky seat .... !
Lannis
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...and Enduro saddlebags!
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,......and a sidecar!
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Almost forgot, my last Beemer, an '05 R1200RT used a considerable amount of oil, even after 30,000 miles! They all do, that is part of the deal.
Actually, they all don't.
Sorry to hear about your bad experience, but glad you found something more to your liking.
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With the exception of the Ducati, all my motorcycles use oil. :BEER:
Matt
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You won't go wrong with whatever /5,/6,/7 model you buy. It just depends on what paint scheme you like, condition of the bike, and the price. I've owned an R75/6 and an R90/6. 750 was very smooth but limited power, 900 more power, bit more shaking. Neither were as rock solid as a Guzzi in the corners. I'd push that R90 to the "rubber cow" point in the turns pretty easily. I ran a Hannigan, Vetter and Luftmeister fairings which the light build front ends of BMW's don't like.
About the only thing I didn't like about either was both were too quiet, too smooth, sewing machine-like. Prefer the growl/rumble and shake of the Guzzi better. Still have an F650 GS single, but it's a very different animal, no shared genetics.
Enjoy whatever you buy,
Bill N.
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Actually, they all don't.
Sorry to hear about your bad experience, but glad you found something more to your liking.
When BMW first went to Nikasil or whatever they call it, there was a rash of oil burning because the old farts just putt putted along like usual ~; the cylinders glazed up and never did break in. That's about the time the ride em like you stole em came to be.. <shrug>
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When BMW first went to Nikasil or whatever they call it, there was a rash of oil burning because the old farts just putt putted along like usual ~; the cylinders glazed up and never did break in. That's about the time the ride em like you stole em came to be.. <shrug>
I lived in San Diego for 30 years and when BMW started using Nikasil cylinder liners (I believe it was in the 1981 models), one of the 65+ owners that I knew from the BMW club told me that you shouldn't ever rev the BMW twin over 4k rpm's because you would hurt the engine. I told him that I rarely rode below 4500 rpm on my R100RS and he told me that I was just asking for trouble. There were a lot of older riders back then that had this same belief. They didn't want to discuss it; they were convinced that they knew what they were talking about.
I also ran into a BMW rider from Orange County on the Ortega Hwy at the Lookout hamburger joint above Lake Elsinore who told me that he never changed his oil in his BMW twin because it was a BMW and it never needed changing. My wife was riding along with me on her BMW/EML sidecar rig that day and when she heard him say this, she immediately started laughing; but the guy didn't "get-it" that she was laughing at his insane statement. There are a large number of misinformed people out there riding around on motorcycles.
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Here is my 3rd R65, a 1982. The other 2 were both 1984s.
I fixed two of the R65s weak spots, by
1) changing the stock shocks (junk) with a new pair of Hagons. And more dramatically,
2) Changed the final gearing by installing a taller rear end, which greatly lessened the R65's vibration right at highway speeds, 65-70mph, and dropped the revs to give the bike much longer legs to run with. This transformed the bike, and I kept the original rear end if I ever wanted to change it back.
I've also done a lot of other good things with the bike, and parts are very easy and cheap to find.
This is by far the nicest one of the three R65 I've owned, in both appearance and function (and might be for sale sometime before long ;) )
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r261/steve2371/scooter%20pics/IMG_3412-1.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/steve2371/media/scooter%20pics/IMG_3412-1.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r261/steve2371/scooter%20pics/IMG_3407.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/steve2371/media/scooter%20pics/IMG_3407.jpg.html)
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Here is my 3rd R65, a 1982. The other 2 were both 1984s.
I fixed two of the R65s weak spots, by
1) changing the stock shocks (junk) with a new pair of Hagons. And more dramatically,
2) Changed the final gearing by installing a taller rear end, which greatly lessened the R65's vibration right at highway speeds, 65-70mph, and dropped the revs to give the bike much longer legs to run with. This transformed the bike, and I kept the original rear end if I ever wanted to change it back.
I've also done a lot of other good things with the bike, and parts are very easy and cheap to find.
This is by far the nicest one of the three R65 I've owned, in both appearance and function (and might be for sale sometime before long ;) )
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r261/steve2371/scooter%20pics/IMG_3412-1.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/steve2371/media/scooter%20pics/IMG_3412-1.jpg.html)
(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r261/steve2371/scooter%20pics/IMG_3407.jpg) (http://s146.photobucket.com/user/steve2371/media/scooter%20pics/IMG_3407.jpg.html)
Me to. Except replaced the rear shocks with Ikons and the front springs with Progressive. The former owner replace the final drive. Speedometer isn't even close, reads about 80 at 60 actual. Great handling little bike and make more than enough power for me. :BEER:
Matt
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Strangely enough, my speedo is dead on, much more so than with the stock gearing.
I've checked it against several radar speed readers, and it's always within 1 mph high or low.
Surprised me, but I love it; it's the most accurate speedo I've ever had.
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fwiw, several years ago at a Finger Lakes Rally tech session Tom Cutter and another well known airhead guru were asked which of the pre-oilhead bikes they would consider the best. Their choice was the 1977 R100/7.
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I would buy a BMW new enough to have Brembo brakes and hardened valve seats. Post 1983? I would love to have a '95 "last of the airheads."
I like mine (a '94 R100R Mystic). The seat to foot pegs distance is a little cramped, even for my 30" inseam. The regular R100R, R100R Classic, or R100GS would likely have better ergos.
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15438658405_2da749378b_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/pwgagB)IMG_5680 (https://flic.kr/p/pwgagB) by jay_snyder67 (https://www.flickr.com/people/97354518@N02/), on Flickr
The Givi rack will go away when I get proper side case mounts.
These are definitely the most refined of the airheads. K75 front end, including dual piston calipers, and paralever rear suspension, along with all the improvements that came along in 1981 (nikasil cylinders, electronic ignition, lighter flywheel, cush drive, etc).
I also have '73 R75/5 toaster:
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3723/10525089245_ec3b7a792f_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/h34QkX)IMG_3388 (https://flic.kr/p/h34QkX) by jay_snyder67 (https://www.flickr.com/people/97354518@N02/), on Flickr
It is definitely more primitive than the later bikes, but, still fun to ride, and pretty to look at.
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/10525068065_42f5f3b4a9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/h34J3M)IMG_3393 (https://flic.kr/p/h34J3M) by jay_snyder67 (https://www.flickr.com/people/97354518@N02/), on Flickr
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(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7368/10525068065_42f5f3b4a9_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/h34J3M)IMG_3393 (https://flic.kr/p/h34J3M) by jay_snyder67 (https://www.flickr.com/people/97354518@N02/), on Flickr
Nice picture. ;-T I needed a second look to catch the reflection.
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Those are all nice pictures of old BMW's!
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Almost forgot, my last Beemer, an '05 R1200RT used a considerable amount of oil, even after 30,000 miles! They all do, that is part of the deal.
My '97 RT did too (but neither counts as a classic.)
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The thing to realize about Airhead BMWs is that you shouldn't try to keep oil at FULL level - they will all dispose of some oil to get to their happy level and then pretty well stay there. True of all mine - '83 R100CS, '84 R100RS, and '60 R60/2.
Same is true of my Lycoming in the Grumman BTW. Something about air cooled horizontally opposed engines? Chuck?
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Actually, they all don't.
Sorry to hear about your bad experience, but glad you found something more to your liking.
My 1200RT used oil, the 1150RS I had before that used oil, and my bud's current 1150R also does. That is my sample. Having to carry a quart of oil all the time sucks.
Sorry I know this is off subject as these are newer, I just have a hard time hiding my annoyance with these machines.
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The thing to realize about Airhead BMWs is that you shouldn't try to keep oil at FULL level - they will all dispose of some oil to get to their happy level and then pretty well stay there. True of all mine - '83 R100CS, '84 R100RS, and '60 R60/2.
Same is true of my Lycoming in the Grumman BTW. Something about air cooled horizontally opposed engines? Chuck?
Yep. Put in the full 6, and it'll be down to 5 shortly and stay there. I save myself the $7 (Guzzi content) and put in 5. ;D
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The thing to realize about Airhead BMWs is that you shouldn't try to keep oil at FULL level - they will all dispose of some oil to get to their happy level and then pretty well stay there. True of all mine - '83 R100CS, '84 R100RS, and '60 R60/2.
Same is true of my Lycoming in the Grumman BTW. Something about air cooled horizontally opposed engines? Chuck?
My Breva 1100 is that way too.
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My '83 R65 was truly "the one that got away." It was the last bike I owned prior to weighing motorcycling against being a dad. Left the fold for 13 years. Turns out, in retrospect, selling the Beemer after five years - with 40,000 miles on it - could have been avoided. The kids turned out fine and here I am, 30-plus years later, wishing I still had the BMW. Too small for my 34" inseam, I drove it all over the western US and will never forget the good times and great adventures I had astride it. Thankfully, I am enjoying the Breva 1100 as much or more. Fits me slightly better and turns heads wherever I ride it.