BMW 1970 R60/5 0r 50/5 wanted

[Lee Davis]

I know this is dangerous, but here goes...  When I was with my girlfriend hitchhiking to Banff in 1970, standing at the cutoff to Chief Mountain, (we were Glacier Park Employees, on the road just past Babb, Montana), a motorcycle drove up and stopped. The guy was on a long road trip and needed a break. He got off the bike and started up a conversation. His bike was a brand new BMW R 50/5, and he had plenty of gear... a terribly nice fellow. That was the first time I ever saw someone on a long road trip on a bike, and waves of envy flooded over me. Ever since then I have wanted that bike, but have never owned one (24 and counting now). I have been doing a search for equivalent BMWs for quite a while now, but have never found one... or lost out in the bidding. Any leads? a 1970 or 71, 500 or 600 would do. Basket cases or running,  As long as it has the big tank (I don't like toasters). Now, as I said, this can be dangerous, for I have loads of projects right now... but what the hell?    Lee    Oh... the girlfriend didn't last, sadly, but the desire for a small BMW sure did.

[Huzo]

I know this is dangerous, but here goes...  When I was with my girlfriend hitchhiking to Banff in 1970, standing at the cutoff to Chief Mountain, (we were Glacier Park Employees, on the road just past Babb, Montana), a motorcycle drove up and stopped. The guy was on a long road trip and needed a break. He got off the bike and started up a conversation. His bike was a brand new BMW R 50/5, and he had plenty of gear... a terribly nice fellow. That was the first time I ever saw someone on a long road trip on a bike, and waves of envy flooded over me. Ever since then I have wanted that bike, but have never owned one (24 and counting now). I have been doing a search for equivalent BMWs for quite a while now, but have never found one... or lost out in the bidding. Any leads? a 1970 or 71, 500 or 600 would do. Basket cases or showroom condition, it doesn't matter. As long as it has the big tank (I don't like toasters). Now, as I said, this can be dangerous, for I have loads of projects right now... but what the hell?    Lee    Oh... the girlfriend didn't last, sadly, but the desire for a small BMW sure did.

So she didn't share your love for small things Lee ?
BTW, did anyone have the common sense to take you up on your extraordinary offer of a bike to use on a long trip. Stuffed if I know what some blokes are waiting for! An unbelievable offer, bet my ass no one's said yes please!

[Lannis]

I know this is dangerous, but here goes...  When I was with my girlfriend hitchhiking to Banff in 1970, standing at the cutoff to Chief Mountain, (we were Glacier Park Employees, on the road just past Babb, Montana), a motorcycle drove up and stopped. The guy was on a long road trip and needed a break. He got off the bike and started up a conversation. His bike was a brand new BMW R 50/5, and he had plenty of gear... a terribly nice fellow. That was the first time I ever saw someone on a long road trip on a bike, and waves of envy flooded over me. Ever since then I have wanted that bike, but have never owned one (24 and counting now). I have been doing a search for equivalent BMWs for quite a while now, but have never found one... or lost out in the bidding. Any leads? a 1970 or 71, 500 or 600 would do. Basket cases or showroom condition, it doesn't matter. As long as it has the big tank (I don't like toasters). Now, as I said, this can be dangerous, for I have loads of projects right now... but what the hell?    Lee    Oh... the girlfriend didn't last, sadly, but the desire for a small BMW sure did.

I look for those quite often too ... I've always been intrigued by them, their quality, their handy size.

People today will give you a million reasons why they are "too small" or "too primitive" (brakes etc) or whatever to ride today, but people put millions of transcontinental miles on them in the early 70s and thought they were riding a top-quality bike, fully functional bike ... which they were ....

If I see any I'll point to them ....

Lannis

[Huzo]

I look for those quite often too ... I've always been intrigued by them, their quality, their handy size.

People today will give you a million reasons why they are "too small" or "too primitive" (brakes etc) or whatever to ride today, but people put millions of transcontinental miles on them in the early 70s and thought they were riding a top-quality bike, fully functional bike ... which they were ....

If I see any I'll point to them ....

Lannis

Yeah damn right Lannis. These grissle gutsers who go on about how bad bikes were, should realise that their Griso or Panigale et al.. will be tomorrow's pile of underpowered underbraked pile of pus, so why don't we all piss our current bikes off and wait 20 years 'till all the bugs have been ironed out. No bike has lights or braking ability that are good enough.

[kingoffleece]

there's a guy by me who does, I'm told, world class work.
Airhead Restorations and his name is Jim Selvia or Silva (something like that).  I'll bet Google can find him.
I saw some of his bikes at last years BMWMOA rally and oh my were that pristine.

he comes to our monthly BMW club meeting on a lovely R69S that he rides all over the east.

[Tkelly]

afriend has one in Spring Green WI.If you are interested I will have him contact you when I GET HOME ON 88/25.

[jas67]

The BMW /5 is a pleasant bike.    I enjoy my '73 R75/5.

Why limit your search for an R50 or R60, include the R75 as well, which was the top of the range at the time.
They seem to be a little more common, and have more power and torque for today's roads -- about the same as V7 (small block).

[leolad]

Less
Ask for John. He is the owner.
http://www.bluemooncycle.com

[chuck peterson]

Here yago....

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.aspx?ID=10328

Max bmw is a four store group of bmw dealers. I counted 25 1960 beemers lined up ready for restoration the last time I walked thru tha Brookfield store. (Name Removed) is a master mechanic over there. He drives an Eldo............... ................... .....

But I'd say those guys are pretty smart stashing all the potential R60 and R50 rebuildables.....an d keeping the staff busy cranking them out for, oh, I don't know mostly $25,000 bazillion dollars.

I had an R60 for 120k miles. Fantastic. Loved it. Until I discovered disk brakes. But Madison Ave obscounded with the, shall we say, attitude? And the prices have followed to bizarre heights. It's a classic collector bike. Steve Jobs rode one and eventually put it in the front lobby.....

If you want one, MAX pumps them out. It'll cost. But lots of free viewing on their website! A man's got to dream, doesn't he?

Alternatively, there are the ones in the second row of beauty queens that can certainly haul the mail for you but don't have the collectors aura around it. I like this beast...but of course they'll show you all the little bits you "should" repair or replace....to   M a k e     I T    P R I S T I N E


Don't buy this one tho it's junk for the rust pile. Motor locked up. See above about the mechanic....

This is sold, but not an uncommon overhaul to prep for sale for you to see what they do:

http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/machine/details.aspx?ID=9114

[oldbike54]

 Two words , Matt Parkhouse . Think he has retired , but he probably knows more about /5's than anyone .

 Dusty

[Lee Davis]

Hold on guys. I suppose I should revise my search parameters. Latest year would be a 1973, for they still had kick starters. Private sellers only. The Max BMW R60 holds no interest for me. That same model and year can be had (running) within 20 miles of me for $2000... in pretty good shape. But I don't like the later /6 models (don't like the dual instruments, etc). Don't want to talk to a guru or restorer... I am a restorer of loopframes myself. Ideally, I would like to find a worn out (complete) 1970 R50, running preferable, but not necessary. And please, no R75s... I have had that before.

[Scud]

Maybe you should change the name of this topic to reflect the exact make, model, and year-range that you want to find.

[NC Steve]

Do you ever spend any time poking around in here?
http://marketplace.ibmwr.org


I'm seeing a nice '70 R60/5 in GA, https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/mcy/6255269992.html , as well as another R60, 1973 LWB in MA, not cheap, and a restored, expensive, '69 R50 in OR.

The stock there rotates regularly, and some good deals can usually be had if you're watchful.

[jas67]

Hold on guys. I suppose I should revise my search parameters. Latest year would be a 1973, for they still had kick starters. Private sellers only. The Max BMW R60 holds no interest for me. That same model and year can be had (running) within 20 miles of me for $2000... in pretty good shape. But I don't like the later /6 models (don't like the dual instruments, etc). Don't want to talk to a guru or restorer... I am a restorer of loopframes myself. Ideally, I would like to find a worn out (complete) 1970 R50, running preferable, but not necessary. And please, no R75s... I have had that before.

Yes, the headlight nacelle speedo/tach combo is artwork compared to the /6 and later dual instruments, that is for sure.
I understand, no R75's.   One cool thing about getting an R50 would be you'll likely be the only one at bike night or breakfast.     I've only ever even seen one for sale once, and have never seen one in person.

Are you preferring the 6 gallon tank with the rubber knee pads, or do you like Toasters too ('72-'73)?

[Lee Davis]

Thanks for the understanding. You read my mind. No, I don't like the toasters at all, and, like you, have never seen an R50, except for that one in Montana in 1970. I am the same with Loopframes... I don't care for the dual instrument versions. For me, the single speedometer in the aluminum housing is artwork. I like classic old designs... I am the same with vintage cars. My Grandfather bought a used 1930 Hupmobile A Model (notice, I didn't say 'Model A') in 1932, and my Father drove that when he was a teenager growing up during the depression. I have owned 7 different Hupmobiles in the past... one was a beautiful 1925 E Model touring car with a straight 8 cylinder Lycoming engine and leather seats. I bought it in Upstate New York and drove it back to New Mexico, at 40 MPH. Now, that was an adventure that I relished. All the better because it was a rare and somewhat unique car that made people gravitate to me to ask questions. That is what it is about, for me. Sold that to a Rolls Royce collector (5 Rolls, 1915-1928). I was brought home from the hospital in a 1937 Ford 2 door Humpback, and the first bike I ever sat on  (at age 3) was my Father's 1951 Ariel Red Hunter 350...  Lee

[jas67]

Yes, I agree, single speedometer in the aluminum housing is definitely artwork -- wish my Eldo had that.
I guess I could give up my tach, and replace the whole assembly with one, but, of course, then the bike wouldn't be correct.

[Jurgen]

Lee,
I've had a number of older airheads and my favorite was my 1973 R75, plenty of power (something around 46HP) and wish that I had never sold it.  The R50 is a dog (they only sold it for a couple of years here), even the R60 still doesn't have the grunt that one really needs, especially on longer trips.  To me, the R75 was the ideal bike and yes, I had the big tank that I several times used to get my Norton riding buddy out of trouble.  All three bikes were within a couple of pounds of each other in weight, the difference was basically just power difference.  I'd have one now if I were not old and light and weak.  So now I am happy with my Breva 750.  One can tell that it is a more modern bike than the old R bikes, more responsive, adequate grunt for passing and light weight.  More fuel capacity would make it my favorite.

Jurgen

[Lannis]

..... even the R60 still doesn't have the grunt that one really needs, especially on longer trips. 
Jurgen

I've never figured out what that means.  I've seen R50s and R60s with half-a-million miles on them.

What is "needs" and what does the length of the trip have to do with it?   Those old Beemers are sort of like VWs (at least VWs with the oil topped up).   They're not really fast, but they'll run at full throttle all day with no strain ... ?

Lannis

[Jurgen]

I've never figured out what that means.  I've seen R50s and R60s with half-a-million miles on them.

What is "needs" and what does the length of the trip have to do with it?   Those old Beemers are sort of like VWs (at least VWs with the oil topped up).   They're not really fast, but they'll run at full throttle all day with no strain ... ?

Lannis

And I guess I don't understand what half a million miles has to do with "grunt".  If you like to shift a lot in the mountains, by all means get an R50.  Like the old VW's (and I've had those also) you get to enjoy the scenery. 

Jurgen

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I've ridden with my friend Paul a bit - me on my Ambo and Paul on his low mileage, nice R60/5. On a few of the steeper grades around here, the BMW was really having to work hard, downshifted a gear or two, just to make it up. Fine on the flat roads and gentle rolling hills, but lacks the power for anything longer and steeper.

Meanwhile, the Ambo just thundered up the same hills like a steam locomotive with a string of empties behind...

[Lannis]

And I guess I don't understand what half a million miles has to do with "grunt".  If you like to shift a lot in the mountains, by all means get an R50.  Like the old VW's (and I've had those also) you get to enjoy the scenery. 

Jurgen

So "needs" means "I don't like to shift".   That's OK I suppose, but falls more in the category of "First World Wish List" than "Motorcycling Needs".   I just got back from a 1000 mile trip on a 56 year old 35 HP bike and sort of have my mind right ... 

You can go ANYWHERE on these things, I promise you can.   For what Lee wants to do with it, an R50 would be perfect.   The old A10 certainly does the job for me ....

(Gotta click on these to see the full-sized pic ...)








get url photo upload


Lannis

[lrutt]

I have a 77 R75/7. The last of the 750's. It is a wonderful bike. There were a lot of little improvements made between the /5 to /6 and /6 to /7. The earlier ones will have a kicker and drum brakes but basically the same motor save for the move to a 5 speed from the 4 speed.

Agreed that you might open up your selection to any airhead from the 70's. No matter which one you get you feel like your riding and airplane with the cylinders sticking out like they do.

[Gian4]

Here you go.  Sounds like just what you've been looking for.
https://buffalo.craigslist.org/mcy/d/1971-bmw-r50-5/6204146082.html
Gian4

[Gian4]

Lannis
Good on ya mate..........now that's a byike......(archaic play on words Crocodile Dundee knife reference lol).
Gian4

[Lee Davis]

Lannis... Now, that is great! I especially like the panniers... are those Cravens? Take a look at this 1970 Ambassador that I have (I have changed the seat):

[Lannis]

Lannis... Now, that is great! I especially like the panniers... are those Cravens? Take a look at this 1970 Ambassador that I have (I have changed the seat):

I do like the old-style Cravens.   They're not the toughest things in the world (I've changed the latches on mine for more modern ones) but they get the job done and look right.

Had an Eldorado once, will probably have an Ambassador like yours, or maybe a V700, again someday.   Partly just to get that old art-deco speedometer!

Lannis

[steven c]

 I restored one back in the nineties,fun bike, not fast but would cruise the highway at 70 all day. Sold it to a guy who took it back to Germany.

[chuck peterson]

Lannis... Now, that is great! I especially like the panniers... are those Cravens? Take a look at this 1970 Ambassador that I have (I have changed the seat):

That right there would melt the R bikes of equivalent years into molten dropped valves seats with corresponding tattoos on the cylinder head...but, I'm only one example....

I'll take that hulk if you don't want it Lee!....

[chuck peterson]

No I wont. I'm at my 3.25 avg limit.

[wirespokes]

I had an R60 17 years ago. Got it in a deal for a 90S. My girlfriend wanted it, and since I didn't, she got it. It was a little bike after all, and I was into the bigger stuff.

It wasn't running when I got it, so got it going for her. On the test ride I was amazed how much pep it had. It was a sweet little bike. That experience converted me.

I've got a 1970 R50 project. Bill of sale but no title. The owner had died and they couldn't find the title. It's got the large tank. When I got it, I was thinking no one would want it and would probably part it out - never did. It's complete, and the engine turns free.

I've since gotten into the R65 and have an 82 R65LS. Sure is a fun bike! I'm curious now about the V65 and how it compares.