/5 and /6 differences

[robertklee]

Tell me...other than the headlight/gauges, disc brakes, and side covers, what are the differences in a /5 and /6. Thanks.

:usa

[DarrylRi]

Most of the /5s (the "short wheelbase" models from 70-72) have a smaller battery and charging system. They also are reputed to steer quicker.

The /6s have a 5 speed tranny, and a real key lock ignition (vs. the "nail" or spike on the /5s).

The /5s have aluminum bodied turn signals, which continued into the first year of the /6s. The handlebar switchgear also changed in 75, and the kickstarter was dropped as a standard item (was available as an option, though).

[mymindsok]

I would suggest that you do some research, mainly because there are too many diferences between the two models to list em all here.

I will say that these things are diferent and you can fill in the blanks: Power output, displacment, engine architecture, wheelbase, clutch, transmission, brakes, controls, seats, guages, lighting and a few other things.

[King]

... unless you bought a 1974 model which was sorta like a half-breed. Smaller front axle like a /5, switches like a /5, seat like a /5, flywheel bolts like a /5, carbs like a /5. By 1975 I guess the parts bins were finally empty and the /6 started to look uniquely different.

[robsryder]

Duane Ausherman's website has some info -
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/slash.htm

You could look at the 5-united website -
http://www.5united.net/html/modelhistory.html

You can hunt through the ABC website (better yet, join up and write to Oak)
http://airheads.org/

You can sign up for the AirList (don't have to be an ABC member) and ask -
http://micapeak.com/mailman/listinfo/Airheads/

Snowbum's website has LOTS of details about various models -
http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/techindex.htm

Anton's website has some more articles and info -
http://largiader.com/

Well, that will get you started...