Anyone have experience with an R60/6?

[nhmaf]

There is a guy in the next town over from me with a not cosmetically pretty, but apparently mechanically solid, R60/6 for sale - he wants $1900 for
it and is has approx 33K miles.     I've also found someone a little further away with an nice, black R90/6 with 70K miles on it for sale @$2500.
Damn, I wish that our home economic situation wasn't so tight these days - there are some people selling desirable bikes for much lower prices these days, if one has the cash on hand.   From what I know about the /6 models - all the frame dimensions are the same between the R60/6 and the R90/6 ?   Of course, significant
differences in the engine and carbs, and front brakes, etc.      I am thinking that a /6 - especially an 90/6 would make a very good base for a sidecar rig if I can find a way to swing it...
 :-/

[suecanada]

A member of our Vintage Club is running a sidecar with a 90/6. So far he loves it Mike. Do you have any questions you want to ask? He's coming over here on Sunday. By van not bike. Too late in the season here as I am sure it is there! My now deceased mechanic's Dad, Nels Petersen, who I think had a dealership a long time ago in Denmark, always said the /6 (slash 6) models are very desirable. Also, a coincidence, a lady from our Vintage club owns a 60/6 I think from a brand new state in 1976!!  Not sure of the date.

[nhmaf]

IF you don't mind asking him - see if he is using a subframe with the sidecar, and if it is either a "home-made" subframe, or one of the kits that are
available from Dauntless Motors, or other supplier.   It is my understanding that all airheads beginning with /5 really should use a subframe to
balance the load stress of the sidecar, but of all the airhead frames from the /5 -> 1995, the best/strongest ones for this sort of use
were the /6 models and /7 models.   I haven't found anyone yet who is using one of these "purchased" kits things, and I don't have the
welding tools or experience to make something that I'd want anyone to be looking at , much less ride on @ 65 MPH !

[NC Steve]

This site's very own Lowen runs an R90/6 side car rig, you should ask him.

FWIW, the 90/6 has always been my own personal favorite "old school" airhead.  
Beautiful, fast,and reliable as a lead pipe.
If you get a good one, I don't hardly see how you could go wrong. [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Justin B.]

I wish I would have kept my R90...    My first Beemer was a 60/5 and I would not even think about (even in a joking way) putting a side car on an R60.  The 60/5 was smooth, rock reliable, economical, but had absolutely no beans.  I rode another one a few years ago and it just reinforced my remembrance.

[drewboid]

To the best of my recollection the frames on all /6s are identical. The R60/6 may have had a drum front breke - I prefer the disk on my R75/6.
for sidecar use the R60 would be underpowered - I know - I drive a R60/2 but the sidecar is a light weight LS200 - meant for a 250cc machine.
Many sidecar rigs on the /6 - /7 also fit a leading link fork with a steering damper. That's why you see a lot of conversions putting the larger engines in a /2 earls fork frame.  
Both bikes sound good - but if you want a sidecar or want to do a lot of 2-up high speed riding the R90 would be better.  YMMV  -  Good luck.

[suecanada]

Nhmaf, my friend running a 90/6 with sidecar does have a subframe. For mounting and installation of a sidecar he suggests R& T Motorrad in Belleville, Ontario. I guess that company knows or knew a fellow called Doug Bigham? from Ca. who is called Mr. Sidecar??? I was thinking that Belleville isn't that far from you Mike..there in NH. It's on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

[suecanada]

The real Names of that sidecar installation company: Rita and Tom O'Leary at 613-477-1130  in Belleville ON

[nhmaf]

Thanks, Sue !


I guess that I'll have to see about getting the bike part of the equation first !    When the time comes, though, I shall certainly have them in mind.
BTW, I picked up "our" package from Justin at the post office today.

 

[Lowen]

I run a very light side car so no sub frame or fork modification are needed on my R90/6. I keep a funiture dolly hanging in the garage which I have shimmed up to the hight of the car. Slide dolly under car,remove four bolts, disconect damper and wiring harness and my R90 is ready ride on two wheels in about 30 min.. I did change out my final drive for one with a lower gear ratio to give the rig more power on take off. A friend of mine just picked up an R25 with a factory side car on it, if that bike can pull a hack at 50 mph.  an R60 should pull a light car just fine I would think.