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.
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.
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
Hello brother, I am writing from Colombia where I can get the front lamp, the rear grill and a carburetor for that motorcycle. I have the R69 1967. I need that to start it up. I would appreciate it.
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.
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 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.
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?
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 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..
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!
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.
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
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
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 !
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.
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...
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.
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.
