R80/7 or R75/5

[georgej]

If you were going to but an airhead to use as daily commuter /weekend rider which of these two bikes would you choose? I'm having a hard time deciding,can't afford both.The R80 has some extras like stainless mufflers,Krausers,S fairing.The R75 has Hepco Becker bags and needs tires and a little cosmetic help.$3000 for the R80 and $2500 for the R75,It's a toaster.I have a couple of days to think it over,just wondered what the opinons of other airhead owners would be.
George

[Isamemon]

I have an r80/7 and I love it, it is a great bike
toasters are way cool and Id ove to have one
but for me, daily riding, when I can anyway
I like the 5 speed tranny and the disc brake on the front

[89mille]

If you're really gonna ride it, the R80/7, hands down.
Much smoother, better electrics, disc brake up front, 5-speed trans, more reliable, less maintenance expense, plain ol' more "modern", etc, etc.

On the other hand, and no harm in it either, but if you're looking for a more classic bike to putt about town and ride less often or hard, and to keep pretty as an investment, go with the R75/5. Their value has appreciated steadily over the last few years, and shows no slowdown yet.

[20774]

We don't need no stinkin' tractors!! :hide Sorry, couldn't resist...

Can you get the /7 and buy the bags from the /5?? For long term, the /7 would most likely be better...

[James.A]

[QUOTE=20774; For long term, the /7 would most likely be better...[/QUOTE]
B.S.
The R75/5 is the best motorcycle ever made

[James.A]

georgej, If you elect to pass on the R75/5, I'm interested.

[dlearl476]

I have an r80/7 and I love it, it is a great bike
toasters are way cool and Id ove to have one
but for me, daily riding, when I can anyway
I like the 5 speed tranny and the disc brake on the front


I'd have to agree, for the exact same reasons. And I loves me a /5. The time I spent commuting on my R75/5 made me really appreciate also owning more modern bikes. All the quaint little characteristics that make riding a vintage bike fun can really get old sitting at stoplight after stoplight.

[Na Cl K9]

If you were going to buy an airhead to use as daily commuter /weekend rider which of these two bikes would you choose?
The R80/7 has better brakes, better performance, parts availability, nearly the same simple service...better handling. Leave the /5 for the collectors and Sunday riders and make the R80 your daily commuter-scooter. The /7 has what you need.

[Rod Sheridan]

For daily use, the /7 hands down.

For collecting, the toaster of course!

regards, Rod.

[kstoo]

both

[PAGoldsby]

< ARFcom > Get both!!! < /ARFcom >

[brickrider]

My late friend and MOA member Joe "World Famous Tightwad" Petru purchased a used R80/7 at my insistance. To get it, he sold an old Gold Wing, an R75/5, and two old dirt bikes parked on a trailer. (The trailer went also.) He rode it all over the country before and after he retired. He never failed to thank me each time we saw each other, for urging him ("Yah, yah, quit pestering me") to make the change. Said it was the most enjoyable, easiest ride he had ever owned. If you knew Joe, faint praise from him was like shouting from a mountaintop.

Buy the R80/7.

[ducatipaso]

The R80/7 has better brakes, better performance, parts availability, nearly the same simple service...better handling. Leave the /5 for the collectors and Sunday riders and make the R80 your daily commuter-scooter. The /7 has what you need.


as an R80/7 owner that's ridden his fair share of /5s, this is truth

[georgej]

I picked up my '78 R80/7 yesterday. A shame I had to bring her home on a truck,I have her registered and on the road in a couple of days.I went for a short ride around the neighborhood.While it is different than my /5.I feel I made the right choice and hope to get some good fall riding in.Thanks to all that replied and offered an opinion.
George

[67489]

I've been off this forum for a while and am just catching up, but you've made a great choice for a rider. I've had my '78 R80/7 since 1982. I've put over 75K miles on it and dearly love it! :heart