Brink of purchasing: 76 R60/5, 84 R65/6 or 83 R80S

[rdenley]

I appreciate that this is pretty general, but then I am only looking for general comments. Middle-aged guy returning to motorcycling, looking for bike mostly for good day pleasure and maybe a bit of touring --  and fond of airheads. I am not aggressive and am not a power freak -- good everyday handling and reliability very important and would give more points to a bike that will better hold its value. I am looking at 3 bikes more or less in my price range and size preference (I am generally a < 750 guy) -- a 76 R60/6, an 84 R65/6, and, for somewhat more an 83 R80ST. For argument's sake, let's say that they are in comparable shape. Other than my concern about the lack of a disc brake and electronic ignition on the R60, does anyone have any comments on things I might also consider? Feel free just to make an all out recommendation.
Great forum -- I'll join more formally if I buy one of these instead of something more "sensible"...
Many thanks to all.

[NC Steve]

The '84 R65 is a wonderful bike, the last (some say best?) of the twin-shock R65 models. The R60 is also a fine ride, just more of the "old school" of BMWs, and you may find it less sporting or powerful compared. Old style heavier flywheel, slower to rev, but a smooth, solid runner overall, although you've mentioned the brakes and ignition already. Still a great bike.

As far as the R80ST goes, where are you located?
If you don't go for it, could you please steer me in that direction??  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Couldn't agree with NC Steve more.  The R80ST is considered a very desirable BMW and they don't come to market often.  It will do anything you want it to do.  My first beemer was an R60/6 and it was reliable and not too exciting.  Got the job done although way underpowered for the huge Luftmeister fairing that was on it.  An R60 with a thumbnail type windscreen or very small fairing would be OK.  R65's are solid little runners but not my first choice for long distance touring, but then I'm over 6ft tall.  Any one of them would hold the resale fairly well.  

Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

[drewboid]

Roger,
The bike has ot fit you - how tall and how much do you weigh?
I'm 6'3" and 190 lbs - the R65 is a little small for me.
I LOVE my R75/6.
the R80ST would be great if the riding position suits you and it has more HP than any of the others.
The R60/6 has the least HP - you can upgrade to an Omega electronic ignition if you want to get rid of the points. The brakes are a concern but if well maintained are OK - if not well maintained?

So where does that leave you? They are all great - buy what you want!

[rdenley]

Thanks to those who have weighed in on the topic so far. And speaking of weight, as the LP requested -- I am 5'10" and 180.
Maybe I should also add (confess) that I am about a 3.5 out of 10 mechanically. Oh the frustration and the shame!!

[nhmaf]

I fully agree with drewboid.

The R65 or R80 will be comparable as far as maintenance and complexity goes.  The R80St is rather more of a collectable bike, if future value/appreciation is of concern.  With its low weight and decent torque output, many consider it the sweetest handling airhead. Period.

The R60/6 will be a notch or two higher up on the maintenance category, but not a whole lot more involved, and yet quite similar in general design.  The /6 frame on the R60 is basically the same as the other /6 bikes, just a lower output engine and less weight.
The /6 bikes I think are the prettier ones to look at of the list that you have, but if it were me, I'd be seriously looking at the r80ST.

[Dave 2]

Many years ago I bought a new R60/5 and now I  have an 83 R65LS. The one thing I would add to this discussion is that the twin disks on my LS are  far superior to the front drum on the R60/5. When I want the LS to STOP it stops quickly. This was not the case with the R/60. At times I would grab onto that front brake lever and just pray that I would stop in time. I also experienced some significant fading on long descending twisties. [smiley=lipsrsealed.gif] The brakes and "gentile" power output of the R/60 would be something to consider. I also agree that if an R80st were available I'd go for that. Good luck

[rdenley]

I see that I had earlier forgotten that this one now has electronic ignition:

 1976 BMW R60/6. 125,417 miles. Transmission, heads and rear drive rebuilt. Replaced timing chain, BMW pistons and rings, rear main oil seal, front and rear brakes, steering head bearings, Dyna electronic ignition, neutral switch in the last 15,000 miles. Avon fairing. Krauser bags and top box.

 

  $3500  

And here's the other ad:

1983 BMW R80ST. 90,814 miles, engine guards, Corbin seat, Reynold's bag mounts and rear rack, stainless steel brake line, BMW Touring side bags, front and rear Run-N-Lites, very rare model.

 

$4,900 CDN



The extra $1400 will really push me but I am hearing what is being said about this bike.
Does this extra info help?

[Bob_Roller]

With 91,000 miles on the R80ST, with no other maintenance history, you can be looking at a fairly expensive 'maintenance cycle' .

I would ask a lot of questions on what has been done to the R80ST, before I would make an offer for it .

You could easily be looking at $2000US for just the routine items at this mileage .

This is doing the work yourself .

[R65_Mark]

I have no experience of the R60/6, but my British bikes from the 70s need a lot more attention and have a lot less usable power than my newer bikes.

I was looking for a late dual-shock R65 or a R80ST for an all-season daily rider.  I looked at a few of both, but tended towards the R65, which is where I ended up, just because I liked the idea of the R65’s alloy wheels rather than messing with spoke wheels on the R80ST.

The R65 has tuned out to be the sweet ride I thought it would be and fits me well (I’m 5’11” and 150lbs).  It is perfect around town and short trips, but it is not that great on long runs or two-up.  That said, if a nice R80ST popped up locally at the right price I’d want to add it to my fleet - but purely to enjoy on balmy days and not as a daily rider.

One thing to consider is that there are many low mileage, say less than 30,000 miles, R65s around (R80STs seem to pick up a few more miles), and there does not seem to be a lot of price differential between a top condition example and something that is going to needs more work or be more tired.

Mark