BMW Airhead Road Trip: Touring Pennsylvania and Upstate New York

At the end of July, I decided I needed to get out of town, so I packed the side cases of my 1980 R65 and went on a five-day tour around Pennsylvania and the western and central parts of New York.
Music by Jahzzar

[@joseph_432]

I’m an “old” guy who is interested in riding for the first time - I found your video inspiring. Thank you.

[@ihutch92]

Never too old to learn! The MSF course is a really good place to start. When you do get a bike, look for forums or clubs associated with the model, they can often be really good sources of both new pals and a lot of knowledge on repair and stuff. :) Happy learning and safe riding!

[@kennypool]

How old ? I'm 65 and ride everyday Honda's shadow 750 helix and reflex both 250. If you're interested in riding get a marketplace scooter, gas and go for under 2k

[@mirko.x6389]

Ciao Come mai non mi fa traduzione dei commenti ?

[@billfish5913]

I bought a new 1986 BMW R65 in 1986. I really wanted the R80RT for the fairing and hard luggage. But it was out of my price range. I rode that R65 all over Wyoming, Montana, Colorado and South Dakota, with the windshield and BMW hard luggage I bought for it, before I traded for a new 1993 Goldwing. A friend bought a 1986 BMW R80RT 23 years ago. The bike I always wanted. I bought it from him 3 years ago when he quit riding. But I have to say that I’m disappointed. At 6 ft 2in my knees hit the fairing and I can’t get comfortable. And in the summer the heat from the right cylinder gets trapped behind the fairing lowers and is uncomfortable. The R65 was all of the bike I needed after all. However I would install hand guards to block the freezing wind off of my hands. Keep the shiny side up!😎👍

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Your comment reads like a letter to Cycle magazine back in the day. Quite wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

[@wolfgangnapiletzki8480]

I had 3 of these R65 from 1978 till 1995. Not the fastest, but comfortable enough for long trips. One of my trips brought me from Germany over France, Spain to Portugal. No technical problems. Regards from Austria.

[@drink4711]

This video deserves a lot more views. Great narration and videography, and a great bike too!

[@AshleyPomeroy]

Yeah - it's mellow. I used to think the BMW airheads looked weird, but they've grown on me. Something about the plastic BMW rear luggage is powerfully appealing.

[@zm6658]

I'll be damned. I started this and got about 5 minutes in before pausing, walking out the door, and buying my first airhead ('88 R100RT) after 15 years of want. Now, hours later, back on the couch, hitting play again on this video, I see you drove directly past my house in the village of Lakewood, NY, then 10 miles down the road, to feature Chautauqua. This is an uncanny synchronicity. Well done on this, and happy to be a new member of ABC. See you down the road, fella.

[@ihutch92]

Oh my god, that’s awesome. It’s a sign from the universe, you were meant to get an airhead! Welcome to the club, safe riding and enjoy the community. :)

[@zm6658]

@@ihutch92 Thanks! I just culled through the paperwork and discovered this bike had a full overhaul done by Tom Cutter back in 15 to the tune of $6k including rectifying the missing circlip ailment. Can't believe this.

[@clayfarnet970]

I started riding again a little over a year ago. My first purchase was a 2010 Honda NT700. 6 months later I bought a 1997 bmw r850r oil head w/ 90k miles. I’m learning so much mechanically and enjoying every minute. I’ve ridden over 20k miles without really going very far from home. Last week I purchased a beautiful 2013 bmw r1200rt. I’m totally addicted. I’m planning a cross country trip on the back roads of America now. At 65, I couldn’t be happier and enjoying life.

[@EPeltzer]

In 1984 I rode my blue R65 through PA and detoured up through Niagara Falls, only time I've been there, on the way home to Calif. I had bought it in Germany and shipped it to Boston. I have no photos of that trip, but I still have the bike, and the memories. Now I see I missed some spots! Thanks for sharing.

[@ihutch92]

That sounds like such a cool trip

[@tractioncontroldelete]

Nice presentation style. Fun to watch. Safe riding 💪

[@alexsandovallapostol9998]

Nice relaxing visuals ! great editing and vibes. Never been to that part of the country, looks really beautiful and green ! compared to the arid southwest where I live. I am always fascinated by the very old paleozoic shale and geology and the amount of water ! wonderful !

[@ihutch92]

I’m hoping to get out to the southwest on this bike one day! Hopefully will be part of a big American road trip. :)

[@pmdt8090]

Love the bike, sound of it and your roadtrip-videos! Keep them going, please! I watch them again and again! My son has the R65 in blue.

[@ihutch92]

Glad to provide entertainment! I love the blue on the R65, he’s got a good one!

[@y4nnickschmitt]

What an enjoyable documentation of your road trip. Thanks for taking us along.

[@kanuklastman3436]

I ride my 1987 R80 airhead (which I bought new in 1987) on motorcycle camping trips. I use a teepee tent that goes up with a single center pole, so it goes up in a few minutes and comes down and is packed in just a bit more time. That makes it easy to break/setup camp every day.

[@Twentyfourvalves]

Excellent video and adventure, Ian. I lived in north-central PA for twenty-two years before moving to north-central FL in 2013, and continue to tour by motorcycle all over the place. Watching your video was such a nice throw-back for me, as I have ridden a lot of those roads. I cannot emphasize how heart-broken I was that the Glenn Curtis museum was closed, and you could not visit it. I feel that it is definitely worth the trip back there. Curtis was one of the most amazing American Industrialist to have ever lived. That man had four hundred employees on payroll by the time he was twenty-three years old! As a seasoned motorcyclist, I remember the Glenn Curtis museum as one of my favorite destinations ever. To quote some of his history, "On January 24, 1907, Curtiss set an unofficial world record of 136.36 miles per hour (219.45 km/h), on a 40 horsepower (30 kW) 269 cu in (4,410 cc) V-8-powered motorcycle of his own design and construction in Ormond Beach, FL. The air-cooled F-head engine was intended for use in aircraft. He remained "the fastest man in the world", the title the newspapers gave him, until 1911, and his motorcycle record was not broken until 1930. This motorcycle is now in the Smithsonian Institution. Curtiss's success at racing strengthened his reputation as a leading maker of high-performance motorcycles and engines." Your tasteful footage elements combined with your soothing narration made for a very enjoyable viewing experience. Makes me want to buy a camera. Thank you for sharing it.

[@ihutch92]

Glad you liked it! :) I live just outside DC, so I may have to go see Curtiss's motorcycle at the Smithsonian soon, just to make up for not getting to tour the museum.

[@patryk65]

Excellent video Ian! Will probably watch again in the dead of Winter. :-)

[@ihutch92]

Anything to get through the winter days. :)

[@terry5935]

Me too

[@laird8027]

What an beautiful Trip you had make on an BMW-Motorbike..I wish you much mor Fun this these Bike .Thank you for Posting!👏

[@maxfavilla]

After one year I watched again… so positive and relaxing…. Inspiring too… as a matter of fact…. After seeing it for the first time, I got my self a motorcycle😎☯️🏍️

[@ihutch92]

Ride safe. :)

[@user-lq5hx7ve4d]

Great !!! A long beautiful trip!!! Camping, lots of sights to see!!!! The BMW did good!!!!! I have bad eyesight so I can't ride long trips anymore so I really enjoy these riding videos!!!! Thanks!!!!!

[@ihutch92]

Glad to provide some entertainment. :) there’s another coming shortly!

[@williammoses6460]

“On a Benelli(?) and a Royal Enfield.” I think we hit a time warp. Back in the day when the RE Continental and the Benelli were in full blossom that would have been an elegant pairing. Maybe it still is.

[@onefastmini]

Very enjoyable video, thanks for sharing. I've been riding for a few decades but not until 3 years ago when I helped my girlfriend get her first bike that I really started getting out on longer trips. A few months ago I bought us a pair of 20 year old R1150GS's, like the ones Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode around the world on. Even getting them home was a great adventure in itself. 2 days ago I purchased my first Airhead, a 1978 R100S just like my best friends dad owned when I was a kid. I has been sitting for 6 years since the previous owner passed away and I was introduced to the widow looking to sell. I have a lot of work to get it road worthy and I'm looking forward to the project and the adventures to be had on it.

[@ihutch92]

Sounds like a whole bunch of good adventures. :) Ride safe!

[@tylerjohns]

No better riding experience than an airhead imo. Thanks

[@bunshoft]

Thanks for the inspiring video. I have the same bike, 1979 R65 and I have been thinking about doing some touring out here in CA.

[@DispatchMoto]

Ian, what a great video! Just what I needed today. Loved the slo-mo Niagara shots.

[@shingerz]

What a fantastic video such a beautiful country fair play to you 👏

[@ihutch92]

go raibh míle maith agat a chara

[@maxfavilla]

Ian, congratulation for the hig quality of the video, for the music you added and for the positive vibes you share with your calm voice. Love your BMW, thinking of getting one....45 or 65.. (that' how I got into your video) let's see... Of course after reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. We can really find an easy way out the routine with beautiful and simple experiences lile yours. We in Europe as you in USA, as everyone in the world have little paradises around the corner. We all should live in peace and at easy with each other and with our awesome planet and nature. Waiting for your next escape. All the best!!!

[@Roger_Ramjet]

Well said. The 45 is too slow.... Get the 65...good luck

[@ParlorMan_Acoustic_Guitar]

That was a lovely video Ian. Thank you so much for sharing. I’m an R65 rider myself from Massachusetts - hope to see on the road some day. I subscribed. Cheers

[@ihutch92]

Ride safe up there!

[@johneastman1905]

Very much enjoyed your fine trip and commentary … The R65 likes about 4,000 rpm all day.

[@turdfergusson123abc]

Great trip and video. Curtiss museum is incredible... be sure to visit again. Hearing and seeing your perspective on familiar landscapes and places is refreshing... reminds me to slow down and smell the roses.

[@ihutch92]

I was pretty bummed it was closed, because I've heard only good things about it. I'll make it back one of these days. :)

[@dennisbarraud9962]

Nice solo road trip video , i enjoyed it very much ( edited about spot on too - loved the whizzing along on the bike bits and seeing bits of the U/States i didn't get to see when i was over there : ) ).

[@ihutch92]

Glad to bring you along for the ride!

[@gordonhenderson1708]

Great trip! I need to do more of that. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@dennyf01]

Impressed that you made it down from Penn's View to Poe Paddy on that bike. Proof that anything one rides can be an "adventure bike."

[@ihutch92]

The best adventure bike is the one in your garage, right? :)

[@shannonmurphy5137]

Sounds like a great ride . be safe

[@udaypothakamury6315]

Lovely trip. Subscribed. I live in PA and enjoy riding the B roads immensely.

[@afoolandhismoneychannel]

Enjoyable video! Almost taking a bird to the helmet @21:57 must have been an eye-opener. 😳

[@ihutch92]

I felt bad interrupting their delicious meal mostly 🦅

[@jochenwagner5170]

Good morning Ian. You see the world like I do. Great! years ago I lived in Georgia, making great trips (even cars) around America. Middle south to north and the east coast. Great land- great people. Thanks for this video and greets out of german Disneyland. Always a good ride🚀🍀

[@gregleingang9409]

Really enjoyed your video

[@florianmuller6954]

Fantastic video! The longest road trip I have taken my small R45 on lasted two days through Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg. But especially after seeing your trip I‘m sure it wasn‘t the last. Ride safe!

[@ihutch92]

That’s the spirit! :) Always a reason to have another trip, ride safe.

[@robstahl2531]

I did similar..(on my trusty Kawa ZZR1200)...although the scenery (here in the UK) was not as beautiful !...but 450 miles in 3 days..not bad for me....and managed to visit a pal..and the Battle of Britain flight ( RAF Conningsby).....making the most of this summer..and time off from working !...this has made me want to re-commision my R65....cheers..

[@y4nnickschmitt]

Well if you own an old airhead you should definitely make it go. Even if it ends up being a special occasion only bike. Although they have a tendency to make one forget any other motorcycles can be ridden..😂✌

[@ihutch92]

The best road trips are ones to go visit friends, sounds like a great trip. :) Definitely get that R65 back in service! Keep 'em breathing! :)

[@rubo1964]

Great video! I think closest modern bike that has same characteristics as R65 is Motto Guzzi V7. Bonus part it has ABS and fuel enjected

[@ihutch92]

I’d agree with that!

[@Ed-lz4jv]

wish i was on those roads, here i live in AZ the Heat Dump. my ride BMW 750 GS

[@dodgefree1400]

Nice ride and video. I had to laugh at the idea of escaping heat and humidity by coming to PA! Like Miami here. A local hundred mile ride in SE PA and I’m soaked with my ride leg medium well (fattie exhaust side). I was going to ask your trip MPG but that speedo problem killed that. There are tremendously nice roads here once you escape the city and suburbs.

[@ihutch92]

Yeah PA was hot, but things cooled off in NY! I usually get upper 40s, maybe 50 or so mpg on these trips though. Depends on how enthusiastic I’m feeling in the curvy sections really haha. :)

[@anthonymemoli3009]

Fun video to watch Ian, especially in February in northern Vermont, with piles of snow outside and my r65 parked safely inside the motorcycle shed. The r65 is a great little motorcycle. I find myself riding it much more than my R80/7. Looking forward to similar rides in a few months. Keep them coming!

[@ihutch92]

may the snow melt soon! :)

[@timmauk2798]

Nice enjoyed that - I am from Ohio and plan to go to the N. falls next summer on my cycle. Good job.

[@ihutch92]

Definitely spend some time toodling around western New York, lovely riding country. Safe trip!

[@davidblewett2699]

Ian, just found this video. Didn't know you had a u-tube channel. Nice job with recording, editing, and narration. Will look for your other videos.

[@francescosalvioli]

very good ! compliments and thank you for sharing your experience! i envy you....one of these days, this summer, i would take a trip all around Tuscany - Italy, i bough a book with some suggestions about places to visit for bikers in Tuscany! keep on posting your trips and thank you

[@timlavance867]

Nice video, I love airheads I have a 1993 R 100 GSPD and a R 75/6 Fun bikes, lots of character

[@NaMotocyklowany]

Great video! Greetings from 🇵🇱

[@ihutch92]

Twoje zdrowie!

[@mirchiboyz]

Really awesome video Ian. I also make a few videos around the DMV but nothing at your level, lol. Looking forward to the next one 👍

[@ihutch92]

Thanks! Maybe we'll run into each other some time at Dunn Lewis then! And if you haven't been there, you should. :)

[@thomasmcandrews6637]

Love your bike

[@andymueller82]

I really enjoyed watching this, well done Ian! Watkins Glen and surrounding area has a special place in my heart for the many BMW Finger Lakes rallies I attended there. I'm beginning to create some BMW airhead related content also, took some notes on what i like about your video and will incorporate aspects into some future ones of mine.

[@ihutch92]

The world could always use more airhead stuff, so I applaud you! :)

[@zm6658]

Looking forward to these. Picked up an R100RT this afternoon in my local Western NY

[@OPV17]

I really enjoyed the video. im planning on getting an airhead again this winter!

[@ihutch92]

hell yeah! You should join one of the clubs, like ABC, really helpful communities. :)

[@OPV17]

@@ihutch92 joined a few clubs! bought a 1971 R75/5 in november of 2022 had a 1982 r65 just like yours a few years ago. i loved it!

[@ianallan-yz5hm]

great vid mate,my mate ive known since he was 13,,some 50 years ago now,,we do road trips together around the land down under n in february we're heading east to our highest mountain,chuck on the paniers throw on the swag,take a couple of tools n extra fuel,hit the road,its not the destination its the journey n with a good mate riding with ya,just bloody awesome,,i do take my go-pro with me n if i can figure out how to shorten the footage (need a youngin for that),i might just post our trip,,,oh merry xmas to ya too

[@ihutch92]

Sounds like a great trip, enjoy the mountains! Always good riding. and you could try HitFilm to cut your clips up, it's free software and there's loads of tutorials on how to use it. Ride safe! :)

[@johnmasonlee1334]

This is great!

[@flobeeonekinobee2353]

Ive had a R45 with a 1000cc engine in it for 33 years and over 300,000 miles

[@ihutch92]

Did you do the Siebenrock kit? I think if my cylinders need replacing I’d spring for the 860 kit. Must be nice to have that power on a nimble platform like the R45. Hope you upgraded the brakes too haha

[@opuntina]

Come on up to VT to see the other Grand Canyon of the east, Quechee Gorge.

[@ihutch92]

In the summer months, Vermont sounds like a pretty good option :)

[@opuntina]

I just picked up an '88 R100GS, so if you make it up here, let me know! @@ihutch92

[@terry5935]

Wonderful

[@BrianMarcus-nz7cs]

Thought this might b the ian hutchinson of the five times TT record holder , laugh's 👍

[@ihutch92]

@@BrianMarcus-nz7cs haha not a chance! Just an incredibly slow american

[@alexandroramos1504]

If you ever make it to the Pacific Northwest let me know. we can ride to Mt. Rainier. (BMW R90/6)

[@ihutch92]

One of these days I plan to do the great American road trip on this old thing. When the time comes, I’ll ping ya. :)

[@williammoses6460]

A pleasure of motorcycling is the wonder sounds. Is there any way you could re-post this with only your narration and the road sounds? I’ve spent enough time on hold to have grown tired of it.

[@philipfreeman72]

Maybe add a small faring , mine on my 600 increased gas mileage.

[@toddtonis]

Hi Ian. Great video and narrative and good choice of music. Very well done. Do you find the R65 has enough power to keep up with traffic on the highways? I'm about 5-11" and 180lbs. I've been eying and R65 as a stable-mate to my R100S which isn't good on long trips, but great for shorter afternoon trips. Thanks.

[@ihutch92]

Hi Todd! I weigh about the same as you and I generally feel fine on the highways, though I avoid them in general because they’re unpleasant on an unfaired machine. It’ll do 85 happily enough!

[@jacksongcoop]

great video Ian. I have a R80 that I purchased last month and so far I love it. Do you have any other socials I could follow you on?

[@ihutch92]

That’s great! Welcome to the club. :) I’m ihutch92 on pretty much everything, but I don’t really post much. You can follow, but you’ll probably be disappointed. :) haha

[@EvLoutonian]

Really nicely put together trip film! Very enjoyable. Being an R100(RS) rider, I dig the bike aspect too! (Are your handlebars extra wide, or standard bars?) It's cool seeing all the different landscape & scenery on your travels, and also some strangely familiar nature scenery as well, not so different to here in Australia (ferns & pines like we see in the south)

[@ihutch92]

Thanks! I’m sure you have some lovely scenery over there too. I’ve got the low euro-style bars on mine, rather than the true stock ones. So they’re a little bit lower and a little bit wider, but nothing dramatic. Still comfortable enough for touring!

[@assessor1276]

Nice video Ian! What turned out to be wrong with the speedometer?

[@ihutch92]

It'd just broken! I just ordered a replacement, took ten minutes to slap it on, works great now. :)

[@ames477]

I'm up outside of Philly. If you come this way again, you should ping me. I've had an R65 (with a SWEET Russel Daylong saddle) and could feel the buzz. Currently on a /5. Did you fix the speedo? Oil breather chirp?

[@ihutch92]

hell yea, I'm up that way somewhat regularly. Do you go to SuperTech in February? Nice and close to you up there. And yeah, I did fix the speedo! Got a new cable, and switched the old busted up breather valve for a new reed valve. :) Just got back from a trip from DC to Indiana to see my family, and it ran great the whole way.

[@timmacnab4762]

Thanks for the great video. I'm just on the cusp of buying a 1975 R90s. I enjoy touring and wanted to ask you about the comfort of your bike on longer runs. I know that the R90 riding position is about perfect. Wondering about vibrations etc..Is that a stock seat or aftermarket comfort? Cheers.

[@ihutch92]

So on a scale of 1-10, I’d say the touring comfort in my bike is a 7. No wind protection and an ever so slightly leaned seating position make it a tiny bit less comfy. But mostly it’s smooth and comfy for long days. I’m on a trip on mine right now in Georgia and my back doesn’t hurt or anything. :) Are there better touring bikes? Sure a goldwing is comfier, but the R65’s still pretty comfy log distance to me.

[@timmacnab4762]

@@ihutch92 Thanks Ian. Goldwing = No. Ride safe.

[@thomasspoerli4659]

I have a R90 /S 1976. Very comfortable, with matching numbers. Silver smoke painting. Hello from a swiss citizen. Living in Vaud county. In the french talking part of my country.

[@terry5935]

I wish I were there

[@mototripdc]

Well done! That was fun. You’re in the DMV? Maybe we’ll run into each other at some point.

[@ihutch92]

yeah! I live in Virginia, but I'm sure I'll run into you at one of the Dunn Lewis socials eventually :)

[@ethancramer4220]

Hey Ian, what helmet are you wearing in this video? Great stuff!

[@ihutch92]

Glad you liked it. :) It’s a Biltwell Gringo ECE. I’ve since got a much nicer, quieter AGV helmet, but I actually quite like the gringo, I still use it on shorter trips!

[@ethancramer4220]

Thanks! It’s really cool to see you go through WNY. I grew up nearby Letchworth and miss it quite a lot. Have a good one :)

[@gutplucker]

Yes, but what about the broken speedo-what was the problem?

[@ihutch92]

The cable has broken down by the transmission end, I just got a replacement. Easy fix! Works great now. :)

[@alftorrisi8795]

Love the videos you create. Did you find what was wrong with your speedometer?

[@ihutch92]

Glad you like them. :) And yeah, the cable had just broken down near the transmission end, I just ordered a new cable and slapped it on there. Works grand now!

[@withheldattorney5493]

Hi , i have an 1991” R80 , wanna do a road trip to algerian desert , whats the speed limit you can run without breaking the engine please?

[@ihutch92]

I think I’d need a GS for that kind of adventure! :)

[@withheldattorney5493]

@@ihutch92 hi , i will be using paved road for all the trip

[@rog5150]

Great narration Ian. A very chilled experience. Which camera are you using?

[@ihutch92]

Thanks! It’s a GoPro Hero7 black for the bike and a Sony A6400 for the other stuff. :)

[@rog5150]

@@ihutch92 the VT is nice and crisp. Keep up the good work. I'm considering being a airhead and now much more enthusiastic about the prospect!

[@ihutch92]

@@rog5150 It's a great community, I can't recommend it highly enough!

[@twominutesinverted]

When you say “uncomfortable on the slab” do you attribute that to the R65 having no fairing? Do you experience vibration at 4500 RPM that makes it uncomfortable to hold the grips for very long? Interested to know more of your sensations when on a road trip- I have an ‘81 that is impossible to ride more than an hour at a stretch, interested to know if that’s just me or whether other long-distance tourers on the R65 experience that. It’s a city bike of course.

[@ihutch92]

For me it’s the fairing! Lots of buffeting at speed. My engine is a little buzzy between 4 and 4.5K but above that it’s smooth! So basically 60mph is smooth and 70mph is smooth…in between not so much haha

[@twominutesinverted]

@@ihutch92 Thanks for the reply, glad to know I’m not the only one in the universe experiencing that! I think the 4500 RPM vibration is a function of the torque on the engine mount bolts- some have reported using a double nut and a lower torque setting which alters the resonant frequency of the motor and frame. I haven’t tried that yet. . . A fairing is the first order of business. Thanks again for a terrific video showing the joy of touring with our old Airheads.

[@ihutch92]

@@twominutesinverted gotta say the idea of using a lower torque setting on engine mounting bolts gives me the heebie jeebies but more power to them I guess haha. Glad you enjoyed! :)

[@antofagastaride]

Is the speedo working?

[@ihutch92]

It snapped during the trip! I ordered a new one and replaced it when I got home, works as usual now. :)

[@terry5935]

Broken speedometer?

[@ihutch92]

Yup, turned out it was the cable. Easy fix to replace once I got home!

[@kennypool]

Are you an itchy boots guy or a million dollar bogan guy ?

[@Roger_Ramjet]

I have that same tank bag. Best thing since sliced bread.

[@ihutch92]

I love mine! It did do me wrong when it got a bit of metal or something stuck to the magnet…which I then dragged down my tank unknowingly. 🙈

[@Roger_Ramjet]

It's strange to me hear the R65 being described as "old" (which means I am). I remember when it and the euro R45 were the new kids on the block. Miss my R90/6 but prefer the more soulful and better handling "older" Moto Guzzis these days. Thanks for the vid. Subbed.