Looking for a more classic motorcycle

[Rot 911]

As many of you have come to realize, one motorcycle is not enough. I already have a modern sport bike (2009 Ducati Monster). Now looking for something more classic, but also reliable enough to take on longer trips (300-400 miles a day). I really like the '73-'75 BMW R90/6. Anyone have one or another suggestion for a late '60's/early '70's Beemer?

[Gogar]

I think you're onto something with the BMW. I guess you could try a guzzi eldorado or something; I love my triumph but I only love it about 75 miles worth.

[cbush]

I have a 1965 R69S. Kind of like the attached picture but with straght handlebars that give it more of a cafe racer look.



I love the bike and have no problems with it, but really don't put that many miles on it--more like 300 a year! I love the rawness of it, but that is it's disadvantage also. It isn't smooth and easy to ride like the modern bikes. Lots of folks do ride them a lot, and have great success with them. If I was to get one for 300-400 miles per day, I would go a little more modern and get a /5. More powerful, easier to maintain, but still has that classic look.

[Noah930]

Oooh. Vintage and 300+ mile days are often at odds.

I spent more time wrenching on my "clean" 1976 Kawasaki than I did riding. And I never rode further away from home than I could call for a friend to come pick me up.

[s_wilwerding]

My father has three garages full of vintage bikes, mostly Japanese from the 60s and 70s. All told, he has about 30 motorcycles. I'm sure if you found one you liked, he could make a deal with you, even though they aren't really for sale (we're trying to get him to reduce his stock a little).

[jwasbury]

I'll also second the BMW thoughts, although I might expand my year range into the 80's. I'm a big fan of the R100RS...R90S wouldn't piss me off either (more $ though). BMW developed these bikes a lot like Porsche developed the 911. Over the years the basic design stayed the same, and they made continual refinements.

A nicely set up boxer twin is a pretty sweet ride. Reasonably sporting, and very comfortable, plus they are built like tanks. I also think they are stupid easy to work on should you decide to DIY. Its fun to cross reference parts using the Bosch #s. I had a faulty starter solenoid...BMW wanted over $100. Found it was the same bosch# as an old aircooled VW...$30 at the local foreign auto parts store.

I've tried two classic Guzzis (1979 and 1983) and they were ok, but I'd rank BMW higher. If you want something rare, old and Italian, check out a Laverda 750SF from the early seventies.

[Rot 911]

Guys, thanks for all the great advice. I am pretty sold on the BMW's for the reasons pointed out: comfortable and relatively reliable. I don't want to set it up for sport riding as I envision using it for longer trips down in the Ozarks carrying some light gear.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by s_wilwerding

My father has three garages full of vintage bikes, mostly Japanese from the 60s and 70s. All told, he has about 30 motorcycles. I'm sure if you found one you liked, he could make a deal with you, even though they aren't really for sale (we're trying to get him to reduce his stock a little).

Steve, I would be interested to chat more about this. My good friend has been looking for quite some time for a mid-60's Honda 305. Does your dad have anything like that? Trip up to your place (assuming he lives by you) would certainly be feasible.

[id10t]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I think you're onto something with the BMW. I guess you could try a guzzi eldorado or something; I love my triumph but I only love it about 75 miles worth.

Buddy just finished restoring a '73 Eldo former Police Bike.

*nice*


He also has an older BMW, not sure on year/model though...

[Paco Anton]

I own a '78 BMW R100RS I drive semi-daily to work. Built like a tank. Decent power (70 bhp). Easy to work on. I'm sure I could drive it on a road trip without significant issues. Only downside is the brakes aré mediocre at best, doble disk and all.

There are several BMWs from 1970 or so that can fit your bill: /5, /6 and /7 (think of them as 2.7, SC and 3.2). You could go /2 as pictured above, but that is like pre-73 911.

[Danny_Ocean]

Classic, powerful, smooth as silk, semi-rare, appreciating...Honda CBX



Or an old Benelli six...

[EarlyPorsche]

Harley flathead.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Paco Anton

I own a '78 BMW R100RS I drive semi-daily to work. Built like a tank. Decent power (70 bhp). Easy to work on. I'm sure I could drive it on a road trip without significant issues. Only downside is the brakes aré mediocre at best, doble disk and all.

There are several BMWs from 1970 or so that can fit your bill: /5, /6 and /7 (think of them as 2.7, SC and 3.2). You could go /2 as pictured above, but that is like pre-73 911.

I happen to know of a Nice one of these in Hinton, OK... PM if you are interested