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New to the forums and new to motorcycles
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- Posts: 9
- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 5:45 pm
New to the forums and new to motorcycles
The whole reason I'm interested in riding a motorcycle is how awesome some of these old bikes look and of course the freedom of it all. I really like the old military bikes, but those are very expensive. The R35 that they made just after WWII is really great as well. I also like some of the 1960's R series bikes, which seem to range in price from affordable to a bit more expensive. I did also see that there is some kind of Chinese version of BMW military bikes called the CJ750 and from what I've seen they don't seem to be super expensive. I'd like to know what you guys think of those.
Overall though, I guess I'd just like to get some beginner info on the kinds of bikes I mentioned above and what would be reasonable for someone new to look for. I understand that a new guy shouldn't be getting something that is really expensive for his first bike, but I would definitely like something along the lines of the types I mentioned. Any help/info would greatly be appreciated. Thanks in advance !
- schrader7032
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Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
Where to jump in on a motorcycle has a lot of decisions to make. The older it is, the harder it will be to get parts. Pre War II is nostalgic but requires a lot of knowledge and contacts to keep them running. You might have to be good friends with a machinist because you might end up having to make your own parts.
1960s bikes are better as parts are available from suppliers, more aftermarket stuff, but BMW still can help out where needed. If you were to consider something during that period, probably late in the 1960s and probably an R60/2 or even an R50/2 would be the better choices. 1970-on bikes (called Airheads) have more modern electrical systems, better brakes, higher speeds for touring use. With all of these choices you have to figure if you want to buy cheap and do all the work yourself or buy a running machine that has been well cared for. In this latter situation, you might spend just as much money but you're riding from the get go. We don't know your mechanical skills so you have to be ready to take stuff on. Any motorcycle will require you to give it care and feeding...the older it is, the more of that will be needed.
As for other non BMW rides, I don't have much experience. I wonder about the CJ750 and parts supplies. Something else to consider is the Ural. There are US dealers and sources for stuff. They aren't particularly high speed road worthy, but for general putting around, they can be quite decent. I only see Urals as a sidecar set up...I suppose they sell them without the chair. If you decide to try a sidecar unit, they steer completely different than a motorcycle or bicycle, so you had better be ready and practice to get that learned.
Good luck on your search!
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
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Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
The Ural bikes actually do look pretty cool. I'm not interested in having a sidecar, but they do make the Ural Solo, which doesn't have the side car. Something to look into, but they do seem expensive. However, I did only really seem to see newer ones so I guess they would be more expensive.
I will say that I wouldn't call myself the most mechanically inclined. I can do basic stuff like change a tire or change my oil. So I guess I should take that into account. I may be wrong to think this, but maybe it would be a little easier to work on a bike versus a car, being that it is a smaller engine and less parts. I could be totally wrong about that though.
Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
First bike I would get a cheap (er) bike with a push button starter. Get used to ridding before you get a bike that needs "lots of love." That's not to say you cant get a old bike while learning to ride.
just my .02
92 R100RT/69 R69S
2004 Aprilia Atlantic 500cc single cylinder Scooter
83 Honda V65 Magna, fastest production bike in1983
2015 Can Am Spider SE6 1,688 miles
2018 Moto Guzzi V711 Special
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- Joined: Wed Jul 08, 2020 5:45 pm
Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
What year did they start using electric start on bikes?
- skyler.robbins
- Posts: 227
- Joined: Sat Sep 22, 2018 4:14 pm
Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
I would get a cheaper electric start bike for your first bike.
Get used to riding.. solo and in groups.
Honestly, you can buy a Honda rebel for about $1500 and it's a great first bike.
Keep it maintained and learn on it.. sell it for the same price and get a vintage BMW.
Good luck!
- pmtremblay
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Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
'66 R27
'22 G310R
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Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
- schrader7032
- Posts: 9017
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Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
As illustrated above, having something that is not computer controlled makes it easier for the average person to work on. The Airheads Beemer Club logo has the words "Simple by Choice" in it. While some will think that is a luddite view, the name of the bike and the community that surrounds it gives an owner a feeling of being able to take care of things themselves.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
Re: New to the forums and new to motorcycles
92 R100RT/69 R69S
2004 Aprilia Atlantic 500cc single cylinder Scooter
83 Honda V65 Magna, fastest production bike in1983
2015 Can Am Spider SE6 1,688 miles
2018 Moto Guzzi V711 Special