The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: sptuttle on June 18, 2011, 11:26:48 AM
-
Happy to find this forum!
Getting ready to fulfill my 40 + year old dream of purchasing my classic BMW this week. I am in an enviable quandry in deciding which bike to buy! So many good bikes out there at the moment. I would like to ask the panel(!) what is better- substenance or form? I have the choice of an 1977 R 75 / 7 beater beemer bike, or a 1972 beauty queen that I would have to be more careful with. I will hang up now and listen for my answer. Thanks again
-
Buy the R65. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Monte
-
First thing to consider, is that you're getting a 34-39 year old motor vehicle, sometimes referred to as a 'money pit ' .
If you've never owned a vehicle that old, not even bringing into the equation, the care and maintenance the previous owners gave the bike, they can be quite costly, especially if you are not mechanically inclined or experienced and have to rely on 'professional' help to maintain the bike .
Most older BMW bikes are for the most part quite reliable, the parts for the most part are still available, but can get costly .
-
I see from your location that you are in bayou country. I've been to Houma a number of times so I'm a little familiar with the area. The first thing I have to ask is if either of the bikes you are considering has ever been in a flood? If the answer is yes, then you need to have a very careful examination done. Bob is correct in that almost any BMW can be brought back to life with enough time, money, and knowledge. Ask around and see if you can find a good and reliable mechanic that is airhead savvy. There is bound to be one somewhere in your general area. I believe the dealer in Baton Rouge has a good reputation. I forget their name just now, but I owned a bike that originally came out of that shop. It was set up well, and aside from being haunted, was a good bike. If you can arrange to have him examine the bike, good. If the seller hesitates about allowing that, then run, don't walk away from it or it will become a money pit. That's my two cents. -Mike
-
BMW made about 8,000 R75/6's. They made about 44,000 R65's. Parts for the R65 are going to be easier to find. I have what might be considered a beauty queen. I worried over a rock chip in the sidecar... a scratch my grand daughter made and another the dog made. Then I decided what the hell. Motorcycles were made to be enjoyed. Ya get dings, dents. wrinkles, scratches in life. A perfect cycle is a unused cycle. If you don use it.. your not enjoying it.
-
Hebert's Cycle in Baton Rouge! I knew I would eventually remember. Wonder if Burt from Texas still has his bright yellow R65 on the market? He still haunts the forum from time to time.