HOW DO YOU RIDE YOUR BMW TWIN?
I thought this was a good topic to cover and see what others are doing.
My first BMW I purchased over 15 years ago was a 64’ R60/2 purchased from the widow of the original owner, a true 10k mile machine. After riding it to the mileage of 17k I fully rebuilt engine and transmission.
It was disconcerting to see that the rear main surface of the crank had spun and needed rechroming. It got me thinking that the previous owner as well as myself, were “lugging”the engine too much and not “keepin it in the revs”. These engines can be mechanically noisy especially when compared to modern machines and it makes one at times scared to keep the revs up…. And many have discussed to never lug a ball bearing engine . So for the last 10+ years I have modified my riding style and do my best to never lug these motors … here is an example;
1st gear — up to 15-20
2nd gear —I cruise in 2nd gear around 30-35 and rev up to 40 at WOT.
3rd gear— I only go into 3rd above 35 mph and will cruise in 3rd at 40-up to 55-57
4th gear—this is only for anything over 55 on flat surface low throttle or anything above of course.
This seems to work for me and my bikes run beautifully and engines are quiet … but I had to get used to having them in the mid-upper rpm’s and not short shifting to keep the revs low.
My message in all of this is don’t be scared to keep the revs up , don’t lug these motors!!
What’s your opinion?