73 R60/5 purchase pointers

[Phil66]

Looking to buy a /5. More of an old car guy but have an itch for a bike. These /5's have caught my eye and one R60 is for sale locally and wonder if there are any pointers you might have on what to watch for. I have asked about maintenance history, of which there is little as the current owner has only had it for 3 years. Are there specific tell-tale signs that I should be wary of? Parts of the bike I should specifically look at or model specific problems? Any thoughts on value ranges for these models? I do know it is a LWB bike and can see some non-original parts (thanks to all you airhead geeks out there!). Any guidance would greatly be appreciated.

[Kurt in S.A.]

Welcome! How many miles? Do the footpeg rubbers reflect that many miles...if they're shredded and there's only 20K miles on the odometer something's wrong. Of course, the pegs are replaceable. The one thing that I think about on the R60/5 is that is has a tendency to ping. High compression ratio engine (9.5:1) and mild cam profile tends to make them do that. They must be tuned within an inch of its life or possibly using an aftermarket ignition system like a Boyer which has a delayed advance curve which helps the pinging.

Kurt in S.A.

[Zombie Master]

On the center stand with each wheel off the ground: check steering head bearing for notching, rear wheel should have almost no slop when grabbed and rolled back and forth, or sideways. and at the swing arm, don't be shy. Look in the gas tank. Check for leaks that could be from rear main seal. Pull off the timing mark cover, should be dry in there. What does the oil look like.? Check level oil in rear drive, if it's high could be a drive shaft seal. Does the red charge light go off when you raise revs? Put a dc volt meter on the battery then start the bike and see if it's charging when you raise revs. Check the age of the tires, take for test should track strait with hands off the bars going downhill. Fork action smooth? Or take a guy who knows these bikes with you.

[gspd]

phil66 asked: Parts of the bike I should specifically look at or model specific problems?
It's a 50 year old bike, take nothing for granted. It has to stand on its own merits after a thorough inspection/evaluation by an airhead expert.

Any thoughts on value ranges for these models?
I'd expect to pay between $500 and $5000, depending on condition.

EDIT - Saw an ad for a "flawless concours" toaster model, asking price $12,000 US

[Rob Frankham]

I agree with gspd, if you're not a 'bike guy' find someone who is, preferably someone who is familiar with airheads... they ain't like other bikes in some respects... to look it over. Expect to have to do some remedial work... a runner is a good thing but don't be completely put off if the price is right as long as you're willing to do the work. /5 machines are becoming collectable but they need to be original spec. Something that has been chopped or bobbed or cafe'd (or whatever the current in term might be) doesn't hack it.

Rob

[Phil66]

Thanks for the tips everyone, certainly taking a wingman on this, but hard to find airhead wingmen. The bike is pretty original from what I can see. I have picked up on a few repop items from the photos. Did all toaster tank bikes come with the chrome battery covers as well?

All in all this looks like a pretty decent bike for someone to spend some wrenching time on to bring it up a notch or two.

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/bnc/mc ... 71025.html

[Rob Frankham]

Did all toaster tank bikes come with the chrome battery covers as well?

Yes... but the whole 'Toaster' thing was not popular with a lot of people and many of them were removed at the earliest possibility. A lot of tanks were also changed out over the years for the bigger and less 'flashy' 22/24 litre tank or the later paint finish 18 litre tank. Tastes change and now 'Toasters' are quite sought after... which is nice if you have one but makes chrome side covers hard to source. FWIW, all other /5 models had no side covers at all... the plastic colour matched covers were introduced with the /6 range.

Rob

[Airbear]

Looks good to me. If it was in Australia it would have a much bigger price tag.

Perhaps Zombie Master could volunteer to be a wingperson and help you check it out(?).

[Zombie Master]

I'd be glad to on south Vancouver Island.

[Phil66]

You mean you won’t spend a day travelling and a couple hundred on ferries for a complete stranger?

Cheers.