Questions re: '77 R75/7

[Mark II]

Hi all. I have an F650GS back home, but nothing here in my new home. On the classifieds there is a 1977 R75/7 that may still be available. I have exactly no experience with this type of bike and have some questions:
- what should I be looking for (problems) in a bike like this?
- is maintenance an issue (no local dealer/mechs scarce).
- what type of speed could I expect 2up (approx. 160lbs. each). Would it be able to handle mountains at highway speed?
- anything else I should know about this model?

Thanks for any information you can provide.

Here's the link so you can see what I'm dealing with:
http://www.bikehk.com/2hand/item_detail.asp?id=91104&group=3077

[lbrackr756]

There's a lot of potential variables here. To begin with, how many miles (km's) are on the bike? Does it currently run? What's the general condition? The bike looks ok in pictures but that's just part of the story.
Speaking from direct experience, I own a 1976 R75/6, essentially the same machine as yours. It's a great ride, smooth and dependable. In '76 it was considered a large bike but, by today's standards, it's a medium sized machine. I have traveled 1 up with 50# of stuff on several hundred mile trips with no problem. Beemers of this vintage really like to run 4,000 to 5,000 rpm's so, depending on your final drive ratio, you can run at 75 mph pretty much all day long. In your situation, with 2 up, you'll notice that the bike is not all that powerful as it's only rated at 50hp.
Also, these bikes were designed to be maintained by the owner. If you have decent mechanical skills you'll be able to do tune ups, valve adjustments and minor mechanical work yourself. On the flip side, these scooters require more regular maintenance than modern bikes due to points and coil ignition and carburetted engineering. If you're not mechanically inclined you'll have to have these things done professionally.
Depending on the price (I paid less than 3 grand for mine in vg condition) and mechanical issues you will be happy with the bike as long as you understand it's limitations in power and gvw restrictions.:thumb

Little Egypt Airheads
'66 R50/2
'76 R75/6
'80R100RT

[kstoo]

Make sure that you get both carbs with that!! (Right side is missing in photo):whistle

[crazydrummerdude]

I've had no problem hitting 80mph on my R75/6 2up.

The bike looks a little rough in the pics.. hopefully you won't be in for a (bad) surprise.

[Mark II]

Thanks for the input. I'll be asking these questions if needed, right now I don't even know if it's still available or what the asking price is (waiting on response). As for mechanical skills, I can probably do the work, I'll just need to get tools and some guidance. No worries.

[sumran]

The engine is unusually clean. Check things out carefully. I suspect you might be looking at someone's unfinished project. That is not bad if you know what you are getting and you are comfortable doing the work.

The biggest risk isn't the bike, it is the possible damage done by the previous owners. Then again, the work done may have been done properly and add value. If you can get an experienced airhead wrench to help you evaluate it, you will be glad you did. Good luck.