1977 BMW R60. bad first bike?

83 chif · 09-29-09, 09:00 AM

I'm shopping around for my first bike, I'm looking for something vintage and expecting to put a bit of work into it. I found a 77 BMW R60 that runs but "needs work." I haven't seen it yet, so don't know what type of work exactly, but I was planning on doing chain, carb work, brakes, tires on whatever it was I bought anyway, but is the BMW going to be tough to find parts for, or real expensive. Or are bmw motorbikes different from their cars? just looking for some advice. thanks.

Gumby · 09-29-09, 10:14 AM

It won't have a chain.

BMWs are well engineered bikes. Keep up the maintenance and they will run a long time. I would suggest a points-less ignition module for the 77, otherwise it is a great first bike. Easy to ride, slow, comfortable and pretty reliable.

FJ40_owner · 09-29-09, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83 chif

I'm shopping around for my first bike, I'm looking for something vintage and expecting to put a bit of work into it. I found a 77 BMW R60 that runs but "needs work." I haven't seen it yet, so don't know what type of work exactly, but I was planning on doing chain, carb work, brakes, tires on whatever it was I bought anyway, but is the BMW going to be tough to find parts for, or real expensive. Or are bmw motorbikes different from their cars? just looking for some advice. thanks.

Never seen a BMW with a chain. You might have something rare there.

legion · 09-29-09, 10:48 AM

The R60's a work horse. Great first bike and in my experience, very reliable. You won't be hoisting the front end and screaming down the road on it but it'll definitely get you there and back in comfort. If you're a tall guy it might be a little short on room between the seat and the pegs.

83 chif · 09-29-09, 10:49 AM

well i didn't see it yet, and only saw a tiny pic from the front on craigslist, so didn't realize it was shaft driven.

i guess what i'd like to know is if the bmw's wheel bearings and brake pads and the like will be twice as expensive as a honda's, or if they'll be about the same in cost to maintain.

thanks again

Doug_S · 09-30-09, 07:20 AM

Parts are not that expensive unless you buy them from your local BMW dealer. PM me and I can point you in the direction of some inexpensive part sources.

Gumby · 09-30-09, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FJ40_owner

Never seen a BMW with a chain. You might have something rare there.

All the new F-series bikes are chain drive. Not so rare anymore.

I think the new inline four sport bike might be too.

All the boxers and flying bricks from the beginning of time (1923) were shaft.

TheJackRabbit · 10-19-09, 09:51 PM

I had a 1971 R60/5 with Eurobars that was so smooth I could ride with no hands and make the curves on the highway at 55 MPH. The only draw back is that I am big and that made the bike slow. It was truly reliable and fun. You cannot go wrong with one as long as you are not looking for screaming performance. It was good on dirt roads even with the narrow handle bars.

All it needs is a sidecar with an MG 42 and you are ready to invade your neighboring state.