/2

[Bubb]

I have always loved the looks of the r50/2, r60/2 r69s bikes from the 1960s.
It’s about time I owned an older bike again, and was thinking of buying a r60/2…..is there anyone here who has one currently, or has owned one in the past?

Pros and cons please.

I know they are not fast, have poor brakes ( compared to more modern stuff) have 6 volt electrics, points and magneto, ( I can live with learning to set these, as it’s part of old machines)…. And I’ve heard about cleaning the slingers, but is there anything else I need to know before I make a daft purchase?

Thanks in advance

 

[mikeyboy]

I have had a fair amount of challenges with the early bikes,
Most of which would amount to sourcing parts since Bob packed it in.
My advice would be to buy very carefully,
These old bikes need specific maintenance as you suggest as regard to slingers etc,
Most of them have been subjected to a good few years of bodges and make do repairs.
If you’re not the type of chap that’s prepared to get hands on and learn how to run these older bikes it could get very expensive,very quickly.
Remember,the bike is 65 years old.
It may well be fucked.

 

[mikeyboy]

I’ve an r26 from 1960 coming in ,in a few weeks.
Been from one collection to another over the years,basically not been run properly for years.
I’m not looking forward to seeing it ,
But no one else will touch it..

 

[Stirlingmoz]

I did battle with an R27 just over a year ago.

Owner had bought a Sachse ignition for it and having fitted it, couldn’t get it to run.

I had a go and followed the German instructions to the letter and failed dismally.

Like all ignition faults I discovered problems with the carburettor and later set the ignition timing as per factory manual (not what Sachse said) and got it running.

Lovely bike to potter round on.




Thinking about it - I know of an R26 or R27 (can’t remember which) that’s a resto project in Fetcham. Engine already done by Bob Porecha before he retired.

Not too far from you

 

[scooter paul]

I’ve owned one ( a R60/2) and it was a lot of fun. The single cylinder bikes are quite low on power compared to the twins but still pleasant to ride. The 600s can cope with modern traffic, especially the R69s, the ‘sportiest’ model. When I had mine I ordered parts from Uli’s in Frankfurt. Their parts catalogue was extensive. That was pre Brexit so I’m not sure how easy it will be to order from them now. In the US, converting pre ‘69 bikes with later engines is popular and there are websites and fb groups dedicated to how to do the conversion.
I wouldn’t be put off owning another and you know your way around bikes so I’m sure you can tell a conscientious owner when you speak with them.

 

[Steptoe]

Bob ( or porridge as he was known) was a mate of mine, but not seen him for years.
I remember an R69 he tried to sell me in the late 80’s, it had two brand new carbs, I think he wanted £1600 (special trade price) I rode it around and enjoyed it, but it wasn’t my market if you know what I mean .

Warning. Oil slingers, I’ve seen an engine where someone had poured in paraffin to clean them out ..

 

[scooter paul]

There’s a R60/2 come up for sale on The Airhead Association Uk facebook group, seems to have a good provenance.

 

[Bubb]

Thanks all.
On contemplating the /2 a bit longer, think I will stay with the gs and later airheads….i know I like my gs bikes, and understand them too.
Rather than buy a /2 and then find I dont enjoy it, I will stay away from them.

Thanks to all who commented.