R69....anyone know anything about them?

[DeeG]

When the spouse was at the Guzzi National this past June, he picked up a 1967 Stornello Scrambler from a guy. Said guy happens to have other vintage bikes and so spouse heads up to guys place to check them out.  He sees a 1960 R69 (NOT the S model), that the guy is willing to part with.  Bike has been sitting in barn for about 25 years.  

He hasn't given us a price, so I have no idea what to offer.  Tried posting on the BMWMOA boards, but no one has given me a clue as to what the thing is worth.  It will need a full restoration.  Any clues?

Thanks!

Dee

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

If it is complete & original, it could go for $5000 or more!

[montmil]

Or perhaps less...  

The owner of the R69 likely has a dollar amount floating around in his head. The trick is to get him to show his cards first. Not always an easy chore but that's part of the art of the deal.

Sitting for twenty-five years in a barn? Has it been stored "properly" or just slowly returning to nature for a quarter century? Why hasn't the owner done anything with it in all these years? Gotta be a reason there, somewhere.

Unless you really know what to look for during a condition inspection, I'd suggest hiring an expert to look it over. What about parts availability for the resto work; how much time you or others will be involved in said resto; what's the ultimate goal for the bike...

Could be a treasure or an expensive boat anchor. Good luck [smiley=thumbup.gif]

Monte

 

[Bengt_Phorqs]

Probably Perry Bushong at Perry's Motorcycles & Sidecars in Fort Worth would be a good place to ask the question.  Tel: 817.429.9922.

[DeeG]

Thanks!

I didn't get to see the bike, only some slightly blurry photos.  It looks to be all there, no dents, unknown rust.  Covered in dust.   Spouse didn't look too closely at it, as he wasn't really in the market for one.  We are probably going to head down in October to pick up the Guzzi, so I may take a closer look then.  Still doing all the research I can, so I can make a half arsed guesstimate!

BP, thanks for the name and number, I'll give him a call.

[Semper Gumby]

The early R-bikes had "slingers" that are screens that trap particles floating in the oil.  They are inside the motor (where?) and the only way to get at them is to take the motor apart.  Google Duane Asherman...he is a R69 guru I think.  I think it is an every 30,000 mile job.  So on a vintage ride once its done then you are pretty much set for life.  But on a bike that old.....

That is all I know about early R bikes other than they look cool when restored in black with white pinstripes.  

[nhmaf]

In good clean, running road-worthy but not concours condition, that bike will easily bring $6K.  But the tough part is that parts for them are both harder to find and rather expensive, and there are generally fewer people around who can competently work on them.   IF you've got plenty of cash on hand for a project, I'd say "go for it"!   If you are, or have a good friend who is either experienced in these bikes, or the /2 model, or perhaps is an expert airhead mechanic, then you could probably figure it all out given time and patience.

They are beautiful when tuned up and shiny, though.

[Semper Gumby]

Here is a cool pic from Matt Richards (Boxerworks Parts Department I think)

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-photo/matt.richards/oldbikecampout/1194913800/nice-r69s.jpg/tpod.html

I really shouldn't be looking at another old bike!    I love the turn signals on the ends of the handle bars -- something I may do on one of the old BSA's one day.

[DeeG]

That IS purdy.  I want one.  so what if it sits in the garage under a sheet until I can slowly scrape together $$ for parts....

And Semper, a good friend of mine that lives up the highway used to own the BMW dealership in Merced, CA many, many years ago.  In fact, he is the guy I bought the R75 from, and he just happens to be very good friends with the Aushermans.  I have been thinking about sending Mr Ausherman an email for about two months now.  I should just do it.  hehehehe

[drewboid]

I had an R69S and have an R60/2 - Current wisdom is $5000 for the bike, $5000 for paint and cosmetic restoration and $5000 for mechanical repairs gets you a $15000 classic in A-1 condition. Costs will vary depending upon how much you can do and what the initial condition of the bike is.

Mine is not A-1 but runs great and is easy to work on. Parts are readily available - check with Vech and many other dealers. Yes - the slingers do have to be cleaned and the motor has to come apart to do that - use it as a bargaining tool to reduce the price and figure on shipping the block to Vech or someone to have it done. It can be done in a garage with the right tools and application of heat to get things apart but better to use an expert.

First thing to check is if the engine is frozen - can it be turned over with the kick starter? If not the pistons may be frozen in the bores - figure on a cylinder boring and new oversized pistons and rings.

Pull in the clutch and see if it disengages or is frozen to the flywheel. If frozen the kick starter will still try to turn the engine over - if free the kick will easily spin just the transmission.

The magneto coil is often a trouble spot - replace or carry a spare.

Assume the Battery is shot but you don't need one for the bike to operate. cheap compared to what else needs to be done.

Tires will be shot and the brake linings hardened from age - replace both but it is easy to do.

Be aware - you will be asked many questions about the bike if you do restore it - they are beautiful and deserve to be run.

Good luck with it - take lots of photos and share them with us.

[Semper Gumby]

That IS purdy.  I want one.  so what if it sits in the garage under a sheet until I can slowly scrape together $$ for parts....

And Semper, a good friend of mine that lives up the highway used to own the BMW dealership in Merced, CA many, many years ago.  In fact, he is the guy I bought the R75 from, and he just happens to be very good friends with the Aushermans.  I have been thinking about sending Mr Ausherman an email for about two months now.  I should just do it.  hehehehe

It's a small world after all.....

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And if it has the "Sport" tank on it (as in the photo, above), DO NOT HESITATE!

That fuel tank is worth $1000 on eBay in unrestored condition, providing it is not dented.