Vintage owners on the Forum

[woodnsteel]

How many Forum members own and use pre-1970 bikes?

[20774]

I have a 1969 R69S. Owned it for a year. I've just had the bottom and top ends redone. Now the ball's in my court...all the pieces are staring at me and I need to get it back together and on the road.

Kurt in S.A.

[DarrylRi]

1961 R60/2
1953 R51/3
1941 R12
1928 R52

I've put about 26k miles on these bikes.

Need I say more?

[Rotten]

A 1965 Dover white R69S restored. It was original but stored in a shed without a roof (I guess that would be outside). A 10 ton press was needed to free the pistons. Once I got started on this rust bucket I couldn't quit but many dollars and a year's time had it looking and running like new. I've owned it about 15 years but don't ride it much - the R1150RT is just too comfortable!

[ooweel]

1966 R60/2 Black w/22K and very original Cal Black Plate. Soon to be for sale!
1965 R1600/2 Butterfield conversion. 1600cc aircooled kickstart only BOXER!

00weel

[Bensonhurst]

I have three vintage BMW's that are insured and registered and get out (in the summer) at least once a week.


1966 R69S
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j290/b14ny/mcy/DSC_5070.jpg

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1966 R60
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j290/b14ny/mcy/DSC_4981.jpg

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1967 sidecar rig. /2 frame with a 75/5 motor, Hollandia side-car
http://allegretti.us/mcy/right2.jpg
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this is my "other" vintage bike.
A 1977 Triumph, Silver Jubilee Bonneville, that I bought new.
http://allegretti.us/sj.jpg
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[woodnsteel]

If my eyes don't decieve me, that is a left foot shift Truimph, While it is not pre-1970 it is an interesting specimen just the same. The side-car rig is yummy.

Very Nice!

[KBasa]

Nice Jubilee, man. Beautiful.

[Bokrijder]

My 68 R50 was pickled and put in storage 33 years ago. I'm going to break down the engine, clean the slingers, and check things out before firing it up. I don't want to risk causing any damage to the engine. Hopefully, this coming winter, I'll get to it.

Motard

[DarrylRi]

If you want to see some really old bikes, I invite you to see the two new pages on my web site. (No, this isn't spam! ;-) ) They are from two vintage rallies I participated in, in May, while I was in Germany.

The first is the Keilriemenfahrt, or Belt Drive Rally (http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2006/keilriemenfahrt). This is for any bike from 1924 or earlier, or up to 1928 if they're actually belt driven. I was able to borrow a 1913 Douglas 2 3/4 HP (that's the model name) for this 2 day rally held over the May Day weekend.

The second rally, the Richard Kuechen Gedaechtnisfahrt (Richard Kuechen Memorial Rally) (http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2006/RKGedaechtnisfahrt), was held the next weekend. This rally was for any bike up until 1939, and they had over 120 entrants.

Check them out, there are a lot of photos of bikes you just don't see over here! And while not every bike is a BMW, I think you'll have to agree that there are some interesting BMW-related bikes:

http://darryl.crafty-fox.com/mcpics/2006/keilriemenfahrt/slides/P4302498.JPG

[Junkle]

I have a 1965 50. I need to go over it (I bought it in the fall) and get it on the road. It shouldn't *crosses fingers* take much to make it a rider. We shall see (and hope until then).

j.

[Visian]

My 1967 R69S....

http://www.visian.nu/images/r69s.jpg

[jonmill]

Here is my unrestored '67, bought new by my brother and entrusted to me about ten years ago. It has 65K miles on the odometer and still runs like new. The picture is from Angeles Crest Highway about two years ago.

http://static.flickr.com/72/206274268_f3b9d3da17.jpg

[wuli959]

Here is my unrestored '67, bought new by my brother and entrusted to me about ten years ago. It has 65K miles on the odometer and still runs like new. The picture is from Angeles Crest Highway about two years ago.

beautiful . . .

:bikes

[Bokrijder]

Recently completed R69S http://mjstone.smugmug.com/

Hella bar ends, mirror mounts, and exhaust are not original otherwise she is pretty close. I've original Hellas and exhaust, but they will saved for show times. The mirror mounts satisfy a mirror requirement while staying with the general theme.The bike will be shipped back to the motherland in August, an eager new owner is waiting.

Next on the lift, a R50/2. This bike will be brought back to nice original condition rather than a total rebuild. (will also be staying in my stable)

Motard

[KBasa]

That's beautiful, Motard.

:thumb

R60/2 here.

http://kbasa.smugmug.com/photos/166316465-L.jpg

[wezul]

Wow, that's a nice bike.

[KBasa]

Wow, that's a nice bike.

Thanks. I've only had it not even a week and I'm in love with it.

I'll take some more pictures (you know me) and post them up later.

[wezul]

I love the one-up seat (Sorry, Tina) and the minimalist beauty.
That's a gorgeous piece, Mr. President, cherish it.

[bmwdean]

http://jeffdean2.home.att.net/oldbikephotos.htm

http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/r60-red.jpg

[wuli959]

I like riding mine with the "big" boys . . .:thumb

http://wulimaster.smugmug.com/photos/2917918-M.jpg

[OldAndBusted]

1941 R12
oh what i'd give to have an R12. i think those may be the most beautiful bikes ever.

i have a '55 R50 myself.

[bmwdean]

oh what i'd give to have an R12. i think those may be the most beautiful bikes ever.

Very pretty bike, yes:

<img width=800 src=http://www.bmbikes.co.uk/photos/photophotos/1935%20R12.jpg>

But I would have to vote the R68 the most beautiful BMW ever:

http://motos.home.att.net/r68-800.jpg

[PT9766]

How many Forum members own and use pre-1970 bikes?

1927 Levis Model M 247 cc 2 stroke
1933 Brough Superior 11-50 Canadian Police Special
1938 Brough Superior SS80 DeLuxe with Steib S350 sidecar
1967 Triumph T100C Trophy "Jack Pine Enduro"

The 5th bike kept on the road each year is a 1978 BMW R100/7.

PT9766

[mullerjd1]

My and my father's R60USs'
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a324/mullerjd/R60US-1.jpg

[rbfrey]

How many Forum members own and use pre-1970 bikes?

1935 R12 and 1937 R6 combination. For me, these are the most aesthetically pleasing of all BMW. The plunger frames are almost as good, but I think the hardtail models are better looking.

1935 R12http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1414/753007958_03b81f33a1_b.jpg

1937 R6 + Royalhttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1027/752156865_b3ac7d7b60_o.jpg

I also have a 1936 R5 and 1938 R71 in the project stage.

Someday I may get a modern bike.

Cheers,

Bruce

[Rapid_Roy]

I have a 1955 R50, fairly priginal.
Recently running again after 20+ years.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k113/mrbeemerman/r50rest.jpg

[SmokeEater]

The family minivan. What could be better in Maine on the 4th of July?

[Bokrijder]

The R50/2 in preparation for the work table. http://mjstone.smugmug.com/
I've added captions to the photos which may of some assistance to others selecting a vintage BMW for restoration or renovation. Though this bike looks rough, it is in fact a bike which will return to a very nice original unrestored appearance.
I would note that due to an engine failure while touring in Spain in 1970 and a hasty engine replacement, the engine and frame serial numbers do not match. This will forever condemn it to second class citizenship. Keep this in mind if purchasing.
In any case a good rider.

As buying and restoring thoughts come to mind, I'll update photos, captions, and bump the post.

There are additional galleries some may find interesting. I do enjoy projects.

http://mjstone.smugmug.com/

Motard

[bmwdean]

This bike is nearly 100% unrestored original:

http://jeff.dean.home.att.net/weiss.jpg

However, the engine and frame numbers do not match. Why? Because the original owner had the engine replaced under warranty one month from the date he purchased it (I have tons of documentation). Does that make this a second-class citizen? Not in my book! It just adds to the history of this bike.

[iRene]

Here's the 1960 R60, I did finally ride it today, what a hoot.
The "springy" seat... the reluctant brakes... and having to
remember to use my HAND signals!!

http://blackfly.smugmug.com/photos/166833071-M.jpg

Sheesh, this bike is as old as MEEEEE! :gerg

[Bokrijder]

Jeff,

Excuse me, I was intending no reflection on your bike. My intention is only pointing out many considerations which can play out involving a restoration with a specific goal in mind. I have heard the term matching serial numbers tossed about too often to believe that if one where to make the considerable investment in doing a show level restoration only to have the discrepancy noted at the first showing there would be potential for disappointment. Right or wrong, sometimes the very critical eye of the gallery is most unforgiving.
A case in point, the R50 originally belonged to the new owner of the R69S. He approached me about doing a show quality restoration on the R50. The bike was surveyed and a report given. I suggested that he do a bit of soul searching, local research, and defining of his goals. He discovered that the R69S, particularly in Germany, was much more desirable than the R50 and the serial number issue in his intended usage did matter. The investment required in completing either bike was very close.

The R50/2 will be allowed to retain its patina and I like patina. That's why she's staying home.

Best

Motard

[bmwdean]

Here's the 1960 R60, I did finally ride it today, what a hoot.
The "springy" seat... the reluctant brakes... and having to
remember to use my HAND signals!!

Yes, riding the old bikes from the 1960s is a lot of fun. A definite "hoot."

Consider adding Hella bar-end turn signals and amaze your friends and drivers with the funkiest turn signals around:

<img border=1 src=http://en.citizendium.org:8080/images/c/ce/Bar-end-signal.jpg>

They are readily available from Craig Vechorik:

http://members.aol.com/vechbmw2/signal.html

[Baile82604]

I bought a 1958 R60 (Act R69, thanks Vech) at an auction on behalf of my late Beemer junkie, Rally Rat Dad...for $ 450.00. Its kinda crusty, pics when I learn how to post them....Has 2000 miles on it...and still has 2000 miles on it (speedo).
It sat in dads garage for years. After he died, it made it to my garage. After hovering over it like a vultur near rotten meat, I finally attacked it. It was a no starter....pulled the carbs, sent 'em off for a rebuild. When I installed them...I wish I could been one of those first kick and start stories...but it was more like many kicks and a smokers hack. First a putt, then a putt putt (along with several
mule kicking kickbacks)...then she is a running. I take her out from time to time, but need to rewire her.
Many blessings to those who restore. All nice bikes. I do like mine looking kinda rough, though. But each time I work on something, my confidence builds. My 80RT helps here too, as she was another rescue mission story.
Wyoming is waiting for you all. This ought to be quite fun! Maybe I'll bring her up.
Michael A. Bailey
aka Scharppslicer (Scharppslicer@cs.com)
aka Swordofwords

[Bokrijder]

I bought a 1958 R60 (Act R69, thanks Vech) at an auction on behalf of my late Beemer junkie, Rally Rat Dad...for $ 450.00. Its kinda crusty, pics when I learn how to post them....Has 2000 miles on it...and still has 2000 miles on it (speedo).
It sat in dads garage for years. After he died, it made it to my garage. After hovering over it like a vultur near rotten meat, I finally attacked it. It was a no starter....pulled the carbs, sent 'em off for a rebuild. When I installed them...I wish I could been one of those first kick and start stories...but it was more like many kicks and a smokers hack. First a putt, then a putt putt (along with several
mule kicking kickbacks)...then she is a running. I take her out from time to time, but need to rewire her.
Many blessings to those who restore. All nice bikes. I do like mine looking kinda rough, though. But each time I work on something, my confidence builds. My 80RT helps here too, as she was another rescue mission story.
Wyoming is waiting for you all. This ought to be quite fun! Maybe I'll bring her up.
Michael A. Bailey
aka Scharppslicer (Scharppslicer@cs.com)
aka Swordofwords



Nice story, and experience, see you in Wyoming.

Motard

[Baile82604]

It was bought at an auction as a R60, but Vech after explaining to me that it was "not a choke" but a spark advance and made me look the number on the engine, and it is a R69.

Now as a woosie little scardie cat, I've pulled the fron cover to replace the spark plug wires, not having aclue, but the mchines will make you do it right themselves, and make youfeel like a mechanic....LOL

I also just bough a 77 75/7 wityh a volorex sidecare. Adventure(s) continue.

Back to work. Thanks

Scharppslicer
Casper Wyoming
K100LT (87)
80RT (83)
R69 (58)
R75/7 w/velorex (77)

[Bullett]

Yep, '59 R26. I don't ride it much, but she still starts on the first kick. :thumb

For general riding, I am more comfortable and feel safer on my newer bikes.

[zsnider]

I own a 1966 r50

[AnnapolisAirhead]

I have a 1969 R69S. Owned it for a year. I've just had the bottom and top ends redone. Now the ball's in my court...all the pieces are staring at me and I need to get it back together and on the road.

Kurt in S.A.

Hah! I know the feeling, but don't let 'em stare ya down. You can do this!
(alternatively, you could cave-in and just ship the R69S and all the parts to me...heh!) :stick

[DEDGCOMB141129]

'65 R60/2
My First Bike....My Only Bike....My Last Bike.......

[20774]

Hah! I know the feeling, but don't em stare ya down. You can do this!
(alternatively, you could cave-in and just ship the R69S and all the parts to me...heh!) :stick

Six months after that first post, she came to life. She's been running fine since, little tweaks here and there.

Thanks for the offer, but for now, I think the parts are going to stay a bit closer to home!! :laugh

[rayma60927]

I Bought A R27 In October And Put On 300 Miles Before The Cold Weather Closed In. This Bike Is A Lot Of Fun To Ride And It Sure Does Get A Lot Of Attention. My Rt1200 Collected A Little Dust This Fall.

[AnnapolisAirhead]

I Bought A R27 In October And Put On 300 Miles Before The Cold Weather Closed In. This Bike Is A Lot Of Fun To Ride And It Sure Does Get A Lot Of Attention. My Rt1200 Collected A Little Dust This Fall.

Got pics?

[lbrackr756]

I have a '66 R50/2. Bought a year ago, 17k actual miles (PO was 2nd owner and had it since '73). Restored to daily rider condition and now enjoy it immensely. It's no trailer queen but looks good and performs as it should. Most challenging aspect was getting it all back together and THEN discovering a sheared flywheel key that caused me to take it back apart enough to repair the key and install a new clutch disc. Thanks to Vech for the clue that led to the discovery...

Little Egypt Airheads
'66 R50/2
'76 R75/6
'80 R100RT

[9462]

Old BMW's are like underwear, you can't own too many!
And by the way, if you ever come through Mississippi, come see Bench Mark Works and the collection!
I currently have, and run the following:
1925 R32
1928 R52
1936 R17
1936 R12 with a 1937 Juwel side car
1939 R23
1942 R75M with machine gun!
1950 R51/2
1951 R51/3
1952 R67/2 with LS 200 Steib
1958 R69
1956 R26
1952 R52/2
1961 R69S
1966 R69S
1968 R69S
1967 R60/2 with spezial sidecar
1975 R90S
1976R90S

Vech
MOA Ambassador 9462

[JeffMunn]

Currently in the stable:

1966 R50/2 that I've owned since 1986. Licensed and ridden.

http://www.dirtroadtours.com/misc/1966R50.jpg

1958 R50 with Steib S500 sidecar, that is currently being worked on, but will be running by spring.

http://www.dirtroadtours.com/misc/R50steib.jpg

Oh, and a 1955 Matchless G80CS competition model.

http://www.dirtroadtours.com/misc/1955matchless.jpg

jeff

[BuckeyeClark]

I have a 1959 R60 with a Steib (sp) sidecar that I am going to try to "fix up" a bit. I dare not use the word "restore" due to my limited mechanical knowledge. My mother-in-law had it painted to match her helmet years ago and one of the things I am going to do is have it painted back to black. Any ideas on the "fix up" will always be appreciated!!!!!

[DEDGCOMB141129]

Your Mother In Law sounds like quite a Gal!.....
...don't park the bike under the hoop....
...paint the minivan black!.....:thumb

[rayma60927]

61 R27 Fun Bike To Ride

[RipperFarms]

I just sold my R27 and maybe I shouldn't have, missing it pretty bad. Still have a R75/6 and am looking for a R60 or R69 ..............live in Morton IL if you know any for sale around there.

[jimstravlin]

i have a few vintage machines.

1952 R68 restored
1955 R67/3 under restoration... need rear fender now...
1967 R60/2 with Steib S350 dover white restored
1967 R69S black restored
1968 R69S black restored
1971 R75/5 cafe modified
1972 R60/5 beautiful
1984 R100RT Last Edition
2000.5 Aprillia RVS Mille for that time i need to go really, really fast

jim