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What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
- schrader7032
- Posts: 9057
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:00 am
- Location: San Antonio, TX
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What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
Sounds like you're thinking early to mid '70s. Right off the bat, I'd say avoid a '70 model as it was the first year of the /5...growing pains. Also, I think the '74 models had some particular issues, most likely transmissions. I'd say a 1973 R75/5 (long wheel base) or a '75/'76 R90/6 would be bikes I would look into. If 900 cc is too big, consider the R75/6 of the same years.
As for reliability, a lot will depend on the previous owners and you as the new owner. The bikes will need some routine maintenance in terms of bearings, valve adjustments, spline lubes, forks, etc. If the bike has high miles, it might need a top end refurb to bring the performance back or to keep it running stable. I think one needs to accept the fact that you'll be tinkering once in a while.
As for points vs electronic ignition...that's another flip a coin answer. Points are dirt simple once you understand what's going on. Could be fixed somewhat easily by the side of the road. Electronic ignitions can help with performance and can improve the smoothness of the bike. But they can fail...DAMHIK. If you convert to an electronic ignition, carry all of the original ignition parts with you so you can convert back in an emergency. And do your homework when looking into these ignitions. There are 4-6 types available, each with different levels of installation, features, and price.
Happy shopping...
Kurt in S.A.
'78 R100/7 '69 R69S '52 R25/2
Fast. Neat. Average. Friendly. Good. Good.
What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
I guess the homework start now!
-Cheers!
2002 BMW R1150GS - Gladiator
We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.
TS Eliot
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- Posts: 59
- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:00 am
What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
"I like new stuff... especially after it gets old"
What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
The stock points ignition has never been a problem -- in fact, the opposite, it's very easy to adjust and maintain, it's extremely reliable and works like a Swiss (German?) clock . . .
The R75/6 is essentially the same bike with smaller cylinders. R60/6 is a bit different (carburetors, brakes, engine)
What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
I gave the bike to my son...and bought a 76 R90/6 and love it....perfect size for short guys like me... lots of power and speed... and is darn reliable.... and easily fixable if needed....with lots of used parts around...the perfect answer... GREAT bike...best of all there are tons of nice ones still out there resonably...
Joel MZ-B Guy
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- Joined: Tue Nov 13, 2007 8:49 pm
What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
greg
1947 Flathead 45
R1200GS
several newer bikes
What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
Friend of the Marque, Co-Founder VBMWMO (1972)
http://bmwdean.com --- http://bmwdean.com/slash2.htm[/h3]
[img]http://bmwdean.com/r75-200.jpg[/img]
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- Joined: Fri Oct 27, 2006 3:00 am
size
best to ride ?
Any Single-Sided swing arm model, or
go back to any /2 (pre-1966) models with Earles
forkfront suspension
The last of the /7 R65/R80 are the best for road with
the single rear shock, and 'larger' front forks
A "LOW" seat is available for the the short inseam rider
Any of the twin shock models just feel too tall,
have wooden like handling, you feel like your sitting ontop -
rather than IN the bike.
Any Earles Fork model just eats up the miles in pure comfort
The rougher the road/trail - the better it works
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What's the best vintage BMW to actually ride??
1996 K1100LT
1974 R90S
1960 R69
1947 Harley EL
Plus a bunch of other bikes:-)