Redcoats again?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Mine got a couple of curious questions by other BMW riders when I was at the dealership the other day.
Whenever I show up at a club meeting it is pretty well ignored, though.  And I feel the same social discomfort that you related, Constellation.

[Barry]

I don't know how it goes in the US but it is a permanent mystery to me why the R65 (and similar vintage airheads) are not regarded as classics here in Britain.

It is a puzzle. 70's Airheads do not have much classic status in terms of escalating prices in the UK except perhaps the /5's and certainly the R90S and yet they all have far more engineering integrity than most other so called classics of the same period.

Now what really bugs me is when I see that a Lambretta scooter is worth more more than an Airhead. I know they are cult machines but the quality was rubbish by comparison. Vespa's were better.

Airheads are quality machines so maybe their time will come when the numbers thin out.

[Dizerens5]

It's even more strange that the /5 series are better regarded than the R65. Years ago I owned an R60/5 from new and it was rubbish even compared to Brit bikes of the day. I finally sold it when I cleaned out the sump (oil pan) and found a damaged 13mm nut and washer in it. That was the last of many straws.

[MrRiden]

I have a fondness for the Britt members. After all, it was British vehicles that made a mechanic out of me!

[Barry]

I have a fondness for the Britt members. After all, it was British vehicles that made a mechanic out of me!

Touche'

British bikes were fine... there was nothing wrong with them that a major rebuild every 20,00 miles wouldn't cure  

Jupiters travels, one of my favourite reads has Ted Simon choose a Triumph 500 twin to ride around the world when he might have had a BMW.  I know he became very attached to the Triumph but you wonder if an R60 wouldn't have got him around without quite so many engine rebuilds.

[Dizerens5]

He repeated most of his 1970s trip recently (at over 70 years old) but this time used a BMW. Not sure what type but I think it was an airhead? It was certainly loaded down with electronic equipment, computer, internet, tra la la. Also not sure if he had any trouble but with all that kit he could have called on backup. On the Triumph he was on his own with only local help, I believe.

[Barry]

On the Triumph he was on his own with only local help,

He certainly was on his own unlike some of the more recent characters on oilhead GS's who couldn't even pick the bike up without a backup crew. Great bikes maybe but in my book far far too heavy.

[Lucky_Lou]

Quote  6 0r 7 showed up, all with ultra modern, ultra expensive oilheads, Ks, GSs etc., all kitted out with head-to-toe beautiful leather gear plus boots and gloves.....and there I was with my good R65 and crappy cheapo Spada jacket. Way out of my scene....

You would fit right in on the Gabfesters forum totally irreverent BMW owners who have no time for the "Charlie and Ewan" wannabees in there Quote "matching"T**T" suits". (Pregnant goldfish springs to mind)
http://www.gabfesters.org.uk/
lou