I have an R60/2 bike, It used to be my dad’s bike and now it’s mine…he passed 11 years ago and many people took many parts of it, now I have to restore the entire bike… Thanks for teaching and sharing info. I’m learning how to use it correctly. Regards from Argentina!
In 1967 I bought a 1960 R 50, I could start it by hand leaning over thr seat. Fast forward to 1980 I bought a 1973 R75/ 5 I kept it for 32 years.I sold as It became too heavy for me. Both wonderfull bikes.
thanks for the great words. The red bike in the background is a 1966 R69S which is on its way So Africa. The bike I started was a 1966 R50/2 and now lives in California...You have a very nice bike, the R69 has always been a favorite of mine. I have restored 6 over the years ... Great bike, treat it with kindness.. Jim
Jim- GREAT You Tube. Searching for an R-60,R-50 1963 -`65 that's in Good Shape and looking for continued T.L.C. Any Advice or a steer? Thanks fortitudine75@yahoo.com
I bought this exact bike from Jim a few years ago. She’s having a few major carb and throttle issues but I’m trying to work through them. I will say that Jim is totally supportive and has given advice and frankly a few parts supporting his rebuilds. I wouldn’t hesitate buying a bike from him if you’re in the market for one of these.
Thanks for the video. It’s worth the watch just to hear the sound of the engine. My mechanic ran an airhead without pipes when I was there once and it sounds amazing. Like a spitfire.
Hello J MK, I found that at room temperature there is no need to use the choke and you would still need to tickle the carbs if the choke is on. I do just as Jim does when starting the bike, let it idle to warm up and reduce engine wear while I inspect the tire pressure, make sure my brake light is working (so important) and headlight's high and low beam and no oil leaks...by then the bike is warmed up and safe for heading on the open road.
I would start by checking the plugs and see how they are burning. If you are smelling gas you may be a bit rich. Try re-adjusting the air fuel screw. With the bike warm to temp start on one side and turn the air/fuel mix screw in till it bottoms and out to within 1/4th of the Bing spec. Turn the rest of the way out slow until you hear the engine accelerate then turn back about 1/4 turn. Do the other side and try that. You may have to turn the idle back a bit on each. Check to see if the slide on the choke is all the way open, with the ticklers on the carbs we sometime forget the air cleaner has a choke.
If it's dying as you open the throttle try balancing the carbs relative to the throttle cable tightness. Give it some more tightness and screw the bypass screws out slightly. The throttle slide is not moving fast enough for the amount of fuel being delivered, thus the stumble.
Those are beautiful bikes. Perfect to be exact. Just curious. What year are those bikes and models? Just bought a 1959/69. I have a long ways to go to be like yours. Love the info. Thank you so much
Gary... you have a bad coil, common problem. The old coils are covered in shellac and over time it cracks and moisture gets in. Order a new coil from Mike Benoit and install it, easy fix and problem solved... Jim
Beautiful bike! One question I always have had is why doesn’t anyone use the choke on the air filter housing for cold starts? I see it is room temperature in the video, but that would solve the warming issue and eliminate the need to tickle the carbs. Just curious.
I have a few for sale. 67 R60/2 in Dover white, 55 R50/2 in Black, 68 R69S, 68 R60/2 with complete front end to go back to original US model in Dover white.
Jim, thanks so much. I have a R69S bike from my father that I am having a challenge with, do you know of any mechanics that you can recommend in the Florida area, by chance?
I'm having a curious issue with my R60. Starts easily, and runs well to a point. Often when it's warmed up, I'll get it into third or fourth gear and it'll bog, lose power and stall out. I pull over, and it starts again 2nd kick. Very puzzling. I assume that it's not getting a proper fuel mixture (maybe too rich, as it can smell a bit gassy on starting?). Could a stuck choke cause this? Improper spark?
Hello Jim, really very nice and beautifull bikes!! Can you give me some info about the 2 side-mirrors on your R50/2? Is it a standard item or did you make it yourself? thx for your time, grtz from Belgium
They are Albert headlight mirrors, I love them and use on most of the restorations I do. There is a company called Bumm that make them also but they are not as good...
I would throw it away and buy a 12 volt charging system from Benchmarkworks in MS They produce a great 12 volt system which is bolt on. Takes longer to replace all the bulbs with 12 volt in the bike than to mount the new charging system..
Super erklärt dieser Mann versteht von was er redet nur die orginale Zündverstellung ist nicht gut einmal geht nur der rechte Zylinder dann wieder umgekehrt besser elektronische Zündung und auf 12volt umbauen !
Get lots of plastic bags for parts and take lots of photos. Let a professional do the engine, transmission and final drive. Pick up a copy of the Barrington book, it is absolutely essential. I use mine every day for reference or to find a better way to do something...
I have an R60/2 bike, It used to be my dad’s bike and now it’s mine…he passed 11 years ago and many people took many parts of it, now I have to restore the entire bike…
Thanks for teaching and sharing info. I’m learning how to use it correctly.
Regards from Argentina!
Order this book and you can do the work your self www.barringtonmotorworks.com/products the R50 to R69S manual...
In 1967 I bought a 1960 R 50, I could start it by hand leaning over thr seat. Fast forward to 1980 I bought a 1973 R75/ 5 I kept it for 32 years.I sold as It became too heavy for me. Both wonderfull bikes.
thanks for the great words. The red bike in the background is a 1966 R69S which is on its way So Africa. The bike I started was a 1966 R50/2 and now lives in California...You have a very nice bike, the R69 has always been a favorite of mine. I have restored 6 over the years ... Great bike, treat it with kindness.. Jim
Jim- GREAT You Tube.
Searching for an R-60,R-50 1963 -`65 that's in Good Shape and looking for continued T.L.C. Any Advice or a steer? Thanks fortitudine75@yahoo.com
@@patrickmahoney4090 Patrick ... I do not have anything that new. will keep my eyes open for you.
Thanks for keeping these machines alive!! They are the best in the world!!
I bought this exact bike from Jim a few years ago. She’s having a few major carb and throttle issues but I’m trying to work through them. I will say that Jim is totally supportive and has given advice and frankly a few parts supporting his rebuilds. I wouldn’t hesitate buying a bike from him if you’re in the market for one of these.
Delightful to meet you, see your shop and learn about properly starting these fine bikes.
Thanks for the video. It’s worth the watch just to hear the sound of the engine. My mechanic ran an airhead without pipes when I was there once and it sounds amazing. Like a spitfire.
Back in 1982 I owned a 69 R60 US it had 144,000 miles when I sold it. Ran forever!
I love hearing these bikes start! Great video 👍🏻
Great video !!! starting the restoration of my 1961 R50 , video serves as an exceptional paradigm of how i want mine, Again many thanks!
Good luck with the R50... I love seeing people get bit by the restoration bug
Absolutely perfect Sir.
Cheers from Holland.
Thank you for your comments
Thanks Keith....I think you are right...
Hello J MK, I found that at room temperature there is no need to use the choke and you would still need to tickle the carbs if the choke is on. I do just as Jim does when starting the bike, let it idle to warm up and reduce engine wear while I inspect the tire pressure, make sure my brake light is working (so important) and headlight's high and low beam and no oil leaks...by then the bike is warmed up and safe for heading on the open road.
Many thanks to you both for the tips!
John
I would start by checking the plugs and see how they are burning. If you are smelling gas you may be a bit rich. Try re-adjusting the air fuel screw. With the bike warm to temp start on one side and turn the air/fuel mix screw in till it bottoms and out to within 1/4th of the Bing spec. Turn the rest of the way out slow until you hear the engine accelerate then turn back about 1/4 turn. Do the other side and try that. You may have to turn the idle back a bit on each. Check to see if the slide on the choke is all the way open, with the ticklers on the carbs we sometime forget the air cleaner has a choke.
If it's dying as you open the throttle try balancing the carbs relative to the throttle cable tightness. Give it some more tightness and screw the bypass screws out slightly. The throttle slide is not moving fast enough for the amount of fuel being delivered, thus the stumble.
Thanks for the info....
Any reason why the choke was not used ??
Sounds great.
Those are beautiful bikes. Perfect to be exact. Just curious. What year are those bikes and models? Just bought a 1959/69. I have a long ways to go to be like yours. Love the info. Thank you so much
I have 2, 73 r75 toasters and a 66, r60/2.
How about hot start. After a normal ride, my R60/2 refuses start if left standing for 15-30 minutes or so. Vapour lock? Any idea? Thanks.
Gary... you have a bad coil, common problem. The old coils are covered in shellac and over time it cracks and moisture gets in. Order a new coil from Mike Benoit and install it, easy fix and problem solved... Jim
Beautiful bike! One question I always have had is why doesn’t anyone use the choke on the air filter housing for cold starts? I see it is room temperature in the video, but that would solve the warming issue and eliminate the need to tickle the carbs. Just curious.
The carbs have the "ticklers" which put more gas into the carb so you do not have to starve the air. same principle.
Jim, hello from the UK. Jim can you do a video on setting up the carburettors - balancing and mixture setting?
I have a few for sale. 67 R60/2 in Dover white, 55 R50/2 in Black, 68 R69S, 68 R60/2 with complete front end to go back to original US model in Dover white.
Is anyone able to tell me how to remove the headlight lense from the shell on an R60/5?
take out the clips that hold in the reflector and lens...... shop.maxbmw.com/fiche/DiagramsMain.aspx?vid=51882&rnd=09082020
Jim, thanks so much. I have a R69S bike from my father that I am having a challenge with, do you know of any mechanics that you can recommend in the Florida area, by chance?
Dan ... what part of FL are you in?...Jim
I'm having a curious issue with my R60. Starts easily, and runs well to a point. Often when it's warmed up, I'll get it into third or fourth gear and it'll bog, lose power and stall out. I pull over, and it starts again 2nd kick. Very puzzling. I assume that it's not getting a proper fuel mixture (maybe too rich, as it can smell a bit gassy on starting?). Could a stuck choke cause this? Improper spark?
Balance the carbs and check your timing.
My kick start feels so heavy what could possibly be .just got the bike didnt get to start it yet , just want to have an idea if possible .thank you
Could be high compression, rings too tight or the transmission is not shimmed correctly
Ok. Thanks
Hello Jim, really very nice and beautifull bikes!! Can you give me some info about the 2 side-mirrors on your R50/2?
Is it a standard item or did you make it yourself? thx for your time, grtz from Belgium
They are Albert headlight mirrors, I love them and use on most of the restorations I do. There is a company called Bumm that make them also but they are not as good...
Those are Albert headlight mirrors Bumm is a company that also make headlight mirrors. Try Salis in the Netherlands, they have them...
hi sir, i have a question.
we have here in our shop a bmw r50/2, our problem is,we cannot dis assemble the armmature of the alternator,
I would throw it away and buy a 12 volt charging system from Benchmarkworks in MS They produce a great 12 volt system which is bolt on. Takes longer to replace all the bulbs with 12 volt in the bike than to mount the new charging system..
What are the bikes in the background? Also BMWs?
The red bike in the background is a 1966 R69S, recently sold and on its way to So Africa
Where in Aus. Can I buy a BM..500/ 600 / 2
Anyone have one for sale .
Super erklärt dieser Mann versteht von was er redet nur die orginale Zündverstellung ist nicht gut einmal geht nur der rechte Zylinder dann wieder umgekehrt besser elektronische Zündung und auf 12volt umbauen !
Hello Jim , I’m wondering if you might have one restored R5 for sale … txs
Sorry... Wish I did.. Have R67/2, R51/3, 2-55 R50, R60
please sir, we want to restore , pls give me a tip how to dis assemble! thankz in advances
Get lots of plastic bags for parts and take lots of photos. Let a professional do the engine, transmission and final drive. Pick up a copy of the Barrington book, it is absolutely essential. I use mine every day for reference or to find a better way to do something...
are you gonna sell one of those?
I have sold both of those bikes but have others available on www.airheadrestorations.com
I want buy an old bmw. Can you help me?
Check out my web site at www.airheadrestorations.com and you can reach me at jimstravlin@hotmail.com