Will This 72 R60/5 Be My First Airhead?

[Ken in Oklahoma]

I could not be happier with the way the bike performed. I truly felt like I was on an adventure and the size, balance and handling of the bike matched the way I used it. It's true that this model might not be the best choice for everyone but I feel it's a great fit for me. Today I am a very content guy.

Welcome to the forum hundel. Your report made me feel good. From the sound of it I'm betting your enthusiasm will only increase. As satisfying as your new ride is likely to be, from the tone of your post I'd give even odds that you will discover that you need yet another airhead in a couple years.

A person really DOES need two of them, you know.

Ken

[Duane Ausherman]

Ken probably has two................ or more. Maybe many more. I think that he is trying to get everyone to have too many so that he can rationalize his hobby.

[hundel]

Thanks for the welcoming words! Quick follow up. After putting a thousand miles on the bike and riding it through 5 different states, I ordered a bunch of parts and rebuilt the top end from throttle handle to pistons. It was not cheap, but also felt really rewarding. My bike is now fitted with a totally fresh top end, sounds nice, rides safe, and runs strong. I am able to reuse a lot of tools (36mm impact socket, pullers, presses) and techniques (valve adjustments, carb tuning, overall ear and eye for what's right and wrong) from the VW world after a healthy dose of perspective on what's special about these bikes from snowbum's writing. At the national rally Mathew Parkhouse called me over and took a great deal of time going over my bike and explaining why the R60/5 was a special model and why this was a fine example. I feel very grateful to be part of such a fantastic tech community with these bikes. Happy riding all!