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Vintage purchase advice please
Vintage purchase advice please
Re: Vintage purchase advice please
Avoid "basket cases", anything not running, anything abused or modified.
Don't pay for accessories: saddlebags, big tanks, fairings, big seats.
Do pay for original owners manual, toolkit.
An R50/2 or R60/2 is a fine motorcycle, don't think you need to have an R69S.
Try to find a bike that's original paint. Avoid poorly refinished repaints, and the unusual colors that typically are repaints.
Try to find a bike with lower mileage, but if rebuilt, verify who did the work. I no case should you buy a bike that's been rebuilt with at least a few hundred miles on the working odometer.
Avoid a bike with blue headers: running lean, or run hard.
Lots of disagreements here, but I'd avoid a bike with a USA front end.
Others will soon chime in with more and sensible advice?
Re: Vintage purchase advice please
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Re: Vintage purchase advice please
R69S - R60/2 - R67/2 - R51/3 - R69
Re: Vintage purchase advice please
- jwonder
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Re: Vintage purchase advice please
Other than my vintage motorcycles I have a 2018
R 1200 GS and I need to tell your that I love riding my vintage bikes far more. If I am going long distance, or need heated gear (without charging a battery) I use the 1200, but for anything else I am on a vintage bike. Each one has its own personality and soul.
My suggestion is a post 1960 /2 due to the upgrades they received. Also it’s much smoother and nicer to ride than a plunger on bumpy roads. 500 or 600 cc does not matter in my opinion for an enjoyable rider.
My feeling of bring a trailer is mixed because they are being priced quite high right now and limiting the amount of people who can afford them. Post here in the forum and see if anyone wants to part with something.
Please ask if you need any more help in making a decision.
Vice President, Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners
2022 BMW Friend Of the Marque
Long Island, New York
Re: Vintage purchase advice please
I would never pay premium bucks for a motorcycle without a test ride
As to major problems, you can never know if and when. I have ridden mine since 1978 with no major work, without a problem I couldn't fix with a screw driver and adjustable wrench.
If you are not set on and old bmw I would highly recommend a Guzzi V7II or III. Safer less expensive bet with a ton of personality. I say that as my v7 may have overtaken my R69 as my all time favorite ride:)
Don
All on the road, going no where in particular in the Finger Lakes of New York
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Re: Vintage purchase advice please
R69S - R60/2 - R67/2 - R51/3 - R69
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Re: Vintage purchase advice please
Good Luck
Paul
2013 R1200GS