2024 on an R27

[pmtremblay]

This October my R27 will turn 60. To celebrate, I’ve resolved to ride more, and decided to document it here in case there's any archive or entertainment value.

A quick recap, I found my bike in 2020. It had sat for about 40 years and looked rough, but by late 2021 it was sorted and running well. I rode it about 2,000 miles a year in 2022-23. There are links below with some back story.

It should be a fun year. I have 600 miles on the bike so far, I’m registered for the Motogiro in May, am thinking about riding to the AMA Vintage Days in July, and will fill the rest with long day trips. The bike is running exceptionally well, and most everything is new or refreshed minus the cosmetics. I’m diligent on the regular maintenance, so as long as there are no big issues we should be set.

The odometer was inop but showing about 10,000 when I got the bike. I had it rebuilt and set so my miles started right at 10,000. We started 2024 at 14,380 miles, and now we’re at 14,982.

Yesterday, March 3, was beautiful, so I made a long loop east of Richmond, Virginia. New Kent County and the surrounding areas are ideal for this bike. I live about 20 miles south of Richmond, just off I-95.

Here’s a glamor shot from last year.

Intro to my R27: viewtopic.php?t=16074
A little from 2023: viewtopic.php?t=18329

[Bob Allan]

Please keep the reports coming.
Hildy my R26 & I take an interest in the exploits of fellow 250 owners.

[pmtremblay]

I rode to work yesterday. It’s only about 20 miles round trip, and not a scenic ride, but a good way to inject some fun into the mundane. It’s about half in-town, half slowish four lane.

The R27 has essentially no storage, minus the small parcel rack, so last year I splurged on an Aerostich dispatch bag with all the extras. It works surprisingly well and lets me carry two laptops plus lunch comfortably.

I took a detour on the way home and stopped by the Keystone Tractor Museum. There are a few old vehicles outside for photo ops. The museum is very impressive inside, if you’re an old machine person and ever get in this area I highly recommend.

It might be two weeks or more before I can do a longer ride. It’s still fairly cold here, there is lots of rain in the forecast, and some fun stuff with family.

[cwf]

My first ride on the 50/2 today, 50 F dry and some sun is just about tolerable over 80 miles.

Interestingly, your centre stand is much more upright than mine, maybe why I find it such a strain getting the bike on the stand.

Charlie.

[jgreen]

I can tell you that an R26 is not a motorcycle for traffic in 2024! But, it's one of those things like when you see a little old lady in a track suit with her running shoes, getting her exercise in. You know she's not fast, but she's definitely cool!

[808Airhead]

Have fun!! Good luck on the ride!!

[pmtremblay]

I commuted to work twice this week, and had a nice 145 mile ride in today’s perfect weather. The route brought me by a state forest with a rough but ride-able dirt loop.

The bike continues to run great, I even jumped on I-95 for a few miles and topped out around 72 mph on a flat stretch. One day I’ll find a long descent and see if I can hit 81 like BMW claimed as the top speed.

My only annoyance is the rear tire. I’m running Heidenau K34s, which are great, but the last rear only gave me 3,000 miles, and I’m not sure the current one will last even that long. The front is at over 5,000 and still looks new. I have two new K34s on standby, but once they’re gone I want to try to find something that’ll give me 5,000 in the rear.

Currently at 835 miles for the year.

[pmtremblay]

I entered the annual BMW MOA mileage contest which started today, just to get my little single listed alongside all the 1200+cc bikes in next year’s magazine. Last year there were six or eight Airheads, but only a few from the ‘70s and nothing earlier.

On the way to work this morning (and only six miles into the competition!) I lost all acceleration, not a great start. I pulled over as it stalled, I restarted and nursed it back on the road, where it slowly picked back up. My guess is crud was blocking a jet. That was the first hiccup in the past 2,000 miles.

No issues at all on the way home, so I took a long route and now I’m at 50 contest miles. Last year’s winner rode 130,000 miles (!), so he has nothing to worry about, but I’d like to rack up 5,000 or more for a respectable showing. Official start mileage for me is 15,215.

[Worleybird89]

I just ordered three new inline filters yesterday to replace the ones currently on my bikes. I believe the ones I have were installed by Vech at Bench Mark Works when the bikes were restored. As tiny as the ports are on the jets in these Bing carbs, I'll never run without a filter. I don't know what brand Vech used, but these look the same and appear to be a good quality filter:

https://www.partzilla.com/product/after ... N-07070017

Your quest to ride more in 2024 is inspiring me to ride more as well!

[vechorik1373]

The filter in your link is the same one I used and sold. Made by Visu filter. sintered bronze element.