My 1976 BMW R60/6
This past month, I purchased a 1976 BMW R60/6 motorcycle. My reasons were two-fold: 1)fuel mileage and 2)enjoyment. Even though it’s over 30 years old, this bike is one smooth machine. This bike belonged to my father-in-law, and I’ve seen it tucked away in his garage for years. Finally this year, I have acquired it for myself. In my mind, this motorcycle is a classic.
Probably the most unique thing about these old BMW bikes is the appearance of the motor. They have several nicknames associated with them such as “boxer twins” and “airheads”. The 2-cylinder motor looks like a block with a cylinder head sticking out on both sides. The engine is an air-cooled engine, thus the term “airhead’. I’ve been riding it around for about a month, and it has become the subject of many conversations. I’ve had several already ask if I would be interested in selling it………not today.
In street-bike terms, the motor is of the smaller variety with a 600cc engine. Even though it’s not uncommon with the bikes of today to see engines at 1500cc’s and higher, this motorcycle has plenty of acceleration power to pass at highway speeds and run smoothly with the flow of traffic on the freeway.
I grew up riding small motorcycles, and loved them when I was a kid. I stopped riding when I got my driver’s license and started driving cars. I hadn’t been on one in years before getting this one, and had forgot just how much fun they are to ride. The only downside is, that the weather is starting to get pretty cold, so that limits how often I will ride for the next few months.
For pictures of some more cool BMW bikes, check out the BMW Motorrad group on Flickr.
Used BMW Motorcycles and Accessories
