Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

My 59 restoration was completed about a year ago now. I live in Wisconsin so we have a limited riding season. My other bike is a 2017 Ultra. I've got a new Indian Pursuit that's on order but the world is crazy right now so it's about a 6 month lead time to get it.

Since the completion of the restoration I've put on roughly 1100 miles.

There were a few minor hiccups that needed correction.

A few times now I've had to dis-assemble the carbs and clean out sludge/varnish that has broken free and caused poor running. I've been giving it heavy doses of cleaner to help this. Expected from something that sat for 4+ decades and NOT properly stored.

Developed a leak at the rear main. Not enough to make me park it but not a job I'm comfortable tackling myself. Been shopping for a lift table, haven't decided on one yet. One in the group offered to help me with the repair when I get ready to do it.

Other than that she's a strong runner and I feel like once these things get corrected I could probably run it across the country reliably.

So what kind of trips do you do with your vintage?

Great question, I'm looking forward to the responses. Lots of folks have multiple bikes, so mileage will be split between them.

I have an R27 and an R75/5. This year is my first full year back riding after a long break, and I've done about 1,500 miles on the single and only about 300 on the /5. The R27 is so well suited to me and the way I ride. Quiet back roads, mostly 50 mile rides, with a half-dozen 100-200 mile days this year.

I ride one of my classics almost every day. On long trips I take my R 1200 GS, but my R 50 S is my go-to motorcycle right now, then the R 51/3 then my R 68 in that order for daily rides!

Long before I had Bench Mark Works, (when I was a LOT younger) I rode my restored 1951 R51/3 (the bike and I are the same age, down to the month!) to many many BMW rallies, and I rode one to work every day, at Mississippi State University, weather permitting. The bottom photo is of me and the R51/3 at MSU in the early 1980's. I have a hall way full of "oldest bike ridden to the rally" awards.

The award from the RA national, I rode my freshly restored 1936 R17 all the way to Birmingham AL, and all the way back to Mississippi!

The furthest distance I ever rode a vintage BMW (a 1966 R50/2) to a rally, was the BMWMOA national rally in Moodus, CT, all the way from Mississippi and back. I only rode during the day, having a 6 volt headlight, but I made it there and back, with a tent, sleeping bag and weeks worth of clothes in the Harro tank bag. Not a problem, running down the interstate @ 65 - 70 MPH all the way. So, if your bike is mechanically restored, and broken in, there is not reason you can't take a long distance trip on it.. If your butt can stand it that long...

I live on a island,but still put some miles on my 4 ladies. I fortunately live near a "tech park" so it is like a small, private test track, there are no lights or traffic there after 5 pm and on weekends, so I get to excercise them regularly on short 6=8 mile rides around the neighborhood. I go on some rides that can be 120 miles, around the island,but most are 30-50 mile rides and since it is nice weather year round,I get them out there often enough to keep them all in good, reliable running condition. I would say I put a average of 3-500 miles a year per bike,spread out amongst 4. BTW love the story and pics Vech!!!

I split my time between three bikes but locally I'll ride the old bike for a 150-200 mile ride at least twice a month. I think we all appreciate that it's truly us and the bike, no advanced electronics or hydraulics - very pure.

I have 1953 R51/3 and ride it about 1500 miles a year but have entered the Cross Country Chase in Sept to ride/race it on Route 66 from Springfield IL to Santa Monica Pier. Route is revealed daily but probably be about 2700+ miles in 10 days. I have little doubt it will perform beautifully. No question they run better when you ride them regularly. At least 3 pre-1960 BMWs are in the hunt.

Have a great ride !!
Please post your trip with pictures
Tommy

bgrelinger wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 05, 2022 10:10 pm

I have 1953 R51/3 and ride it about 1500 miles a year but have entered the Cross Country Chase in Sept to ride/race it on Route 66 from Springfield IL to Santa Monica Pier. Route is revealed daily but probably be about 2700+ miles in 10 days. I have little doubt it will perform beautifully. No question they run better when you ride them regularly. At least 3 pre-1960 BMWs are in the hunt.

that sounds awesome. Would love to try a trip like that on the R69 at some point.

We ride our classic's at least once a week, weather permitting. I have ridden both the R60/2 and the R90S on 200-300 miles day trips. I restored both of them and plan to ride as often as I can.