Scrap metal or valuable classic?

There she was, the 15-year-old BMW R 60/5, in the showroom—right at the back, in the darkest corner. It was a sorry sight, badly modified, with a pan underneath to catch the oil it leaked. Parts were missing or hadn't been replaced with original parts. It didn't gleam and sparkle like the other 50 or so motorcycles in the showroom. Nobody even looked at it; everyone just walked right past.
And then I spotted her there in her corner. At the time, I didn't really knew what kind of motorcycle I was buying. I just wanted it because a) I liked it and b) I wanted a BMW. Luckily, the dealer only asked for a few marks, and so our story began in the fall of 1985. Today, 40 years later, she's still with me, and with over 100,000 kilometers on the clock, she's a true veteran.

A little love letter!

I love the simple and clean lines of my 1970 R 60/5. The harmony of the engine, seat, gearbox, and tank. A truly solid motorcycle, powerful and honest. The technology of my BMW R 60/5 is also incredibly reliable. She has no serious weaknesses, apart from her lack of responsiveness. The 40 hp engine, the 4-speed gearbox, and the maintenance-free shaft drive are incredibly robust and have enabled my R 60/5 to clock up over 120,000 kilometers.

This everyday usability is largely due to her extreme ease of maintenance. Admittedly, the R 60/5 isn't a sprinter (it takes 15.9 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h) and she takes her time with acceleration. If I keep the revs in the mid-range, her 50-year-old engine pulls quite strongly, but anything above 5500 rpm isn't really her thing. When you try to shift gears in the four-speed gearbox, she likely is going to complain a bit. She prefers clean, careful shifting; otherwise, she expresses her displeasure with an unfriendly rattling sound. The front brake requires a firm grip. The duplex drum brake only decelerates reluctantly and with considerable hand force, and even then – I have to admit – ​​only moderately. The rear brake is more reliable, offering good modulation with a single press of the pedal. And yet, the narrower and more winding the road becomes, the better my classic motorcycle showcases her outstanding, playful handling. Cruising along mountain passes and winding country lanes on the R 60/5 is incredibly fun. Thanks to the relaxed riding position with the wide, higher US-style handlebars, the large fairing, and the 24-liter tank from the first series - with which I have modified my bike - even long tours are a real pleasure.

But one thing you should never forget: She's a classic motorcycle, built for a different era and different traffic conditions! It takes practice and experience to navigate such an old motorcycle—she's 55 years old now, after all—through modern traffic. You need a certain amount of time and composure, then riding the BMW R 60/5 becomes an unforgettable experience. And if you park her somewhere on the side of the road, she's sure to attract admiring glances from passersby, and many a pleasant conversation ensues.

Can I get a R60/5 today?

With a bit of luck, you can still find a good R 60/5. Average mileage is around 50,000 kilometers. In good condition, these machines command prices of between €6,000 and €10,000. The degree of originality is the primary factor in determining the price. Modifications significantly reduce the value, but I've also seen R60/5s that were completely messed up and offered for €6,000. The lower end of the price range is around €3,500.