1975 BMW R-Series

2933537

Clear

I was so happy with all the interest and offers on the last auction (thanks to all of you who bid) but disappointed in where the offers ended? ($3600.00) Unless I'm mistaken, there's not another example of this bike in this condition for sale anywhere for less than $5,500?I see where someone has a unrestored example with the pannier cases for sale for $6,500 on another auction... By now, this is an old story for some of you, but for the others who might be seeing this for the first time, it's interesting and I hope you enjoy it... so here it is again from the beginning. We recently completed an 'engine on frame' restoration of this remarkable motorcycle. It was purchased new by an old friend; a "larger than life" personality who loved the BMW brand and owned several of their bikes. This R60/6 was his first and favorite motorcycle. When Henry passed away, I was in a position to buy the bike and with the help of a good friend (who had grown up with the bike) we began the long, arduous process of returning it to its original 'glory'. As you can see in the photos, I think we succeeded. I believe it is now one of the best examples of this classic model available for sale...anywhere. I will not take up the great deal of space needed; repeating what has already been written and reviewed over the past 40 years of the well-deserved reputation of BMW's R-series. As the owner of an original 1976 R75/6, let me just say that this bike has taken on a unique character of its own and in the process of restoring it, I came to appreciate even more, the genius of BMW in their simple execution and spectacular German engineering. I would love to go on and on (and on...) about the history of BMW but instead, I would encourage anyone who is just getting introduced to BMW to spend time with the remarkable accomplishments and the history behind this great motorcycle company. Even if you are already familiar with the brand, the time spent in reminding yourself why you own and ride a BMW bike (especially a vintage bike) is worthwhile. Start with Wikipedia and work your way through... I promise you will learn something you never knew or forgot you knew! Ok, so back to this R60/6... Although several things about this bike point to the 1975 model with the exception of the front disc brake (available on the other models for the first time in 1975) it is actually on a 1971 frame. I know, I thought the same thing...why? Apparently, Henry was so enamored with the changes BMW made in 1974 (most importantly, it was the 1st year for disc brakes on the R75, R90 and R90S models and the 5-speed transmission) that he began to replace most every item, including the engine and transmission! It appears he did this over many years, given the date stamps on the various improvements. It's hard for me to imagine someone going to that time and expense to do this, but I suppose he was so attached to the 'original' bike, he just kept upgrading it, which is pretty cool. It appears now in every way to be an 'honest' R60/6. Without the date code on the frame, it would have been virtually impossible to distinguish this bike from a 'pure' '75 (with the exception of the front disc brake) By the way, it is the LWB (long wheel base) so it has that really smooth ride. The original title from 1971 was with the bike when I purchased it (proving Henry was the original owner) and it is currently registered as a '71. As far as the restoration of this bike, the photos should speak for themselves and I am always available for questions. We sparred no time (and little expense) in the restoration with the exception of removing the motor and sand-blasting the frame. The overall condition was just too good to justify that. The wonderful spoked wheels are correct. The brake pads are new; and the caliper was completely re-built. The points and rotor are new; the front stainless steel brake line, lamps, indicators, turn signals, headlight, etc. all work well. The neutral switch was just replaced, along with some new bulbs in the instrumentation pod and a new oil sensor switch was recently installed; even the original hand air pump is where it belongs! I doubt the odometer reading is correct, but there's really no way to verify the actual mileage? The gas cap and rear shock springs have been re-chromed and a new seat cover was recently installed. The front and rear fenders as well as the gas tank were re-painted. ALL the fluids were changed and there is less than 50 miles on the bike since we completed the restoration. A new Interstate battery was installed; the Continental Conti Go! tires and tubes are new. The aluminum body turn signals with the integrated side reflectors (front and back) are increasingly rare and sought after... We recently installed a new oil sensor and neutral switch.The two-in-one exhaust pipe makes a really "sweet sound" and as always, the ride is amazingly balanced! I ordered a vintage BMW key chain, which I thought would be a nice finishing touch for the bike. All in all, this a very unique example of the remarkable /6. I have some very rare accessories for this bike, which are likely worth almost 2,000.00 but I thought I would sell them separately...A beautiful set of the BMW logo'd Pannier cases with the mounting hardware; a MATCHED set of original Lester Mags (!) in black and lots of misc. items, including a cover, manual, parts, etc. I would entertain a special deal for these items to the winning bidder if they're interested. I think that about covers it... if you stayed around for the whole story, thanks. I hope you get an idea of how special this bike is to us. We never thought we would part with it once we had it finished and it will be hard to say goodbye, but I don't want to put any miles on it now and like all BMW bikes, they love to be ridden and enjoyed. Henry would have liked that... If you have been looking for something in this category and not wanting to "take on a project" due to the time and the unknown and obvious expense, this might be your opportunity to own a truly special example of the R60/6. It's rare to ever end up compensated for your time in these restorations and it doesn't take long before you have thousands and thousands (and thousands!) tied up in a project. For us, it was a "labor of love" and now it's time for a good home... Please don't hesitate to give me a ring with any questions or concerns. I hope this finds you well and working through these 'interesting times'... For me, a bike ride is one of my favorite things to do these days. It takes my mind off what is going on and there's nothing quite like a ride on a restored, vintage BMW. Stay well. Thanks again for your interest;Safe riding! Best regards, Jim Gray Jim Gray Designs jimgraydesigns.com 850.509.9473