R75/5

[Hugh]

I currently ride a R1150RT. I have heard so much about the airheads that I purchased a 1974 R75/5 with 62m miles in top notch shape. I took the bike for a test ride before I purchased it and it really runs great. I now this may sound ridiculous but what does the /5 stand for? Being new to the ranks of the air head is there anything I need to be aware of?

[The_Veg]

It's just a designation for a generations of models. There was no /4, but there was a /3 that is quite rare (I forget its particulars). The /5s were followed by the /6s and then by the /7s, but then around 1981 BMW stopped using the /X naming system and went to the current system, engine letter-size-bodystyle, giving us stufff like R100RTs or K1200RSs. The Airheads made under that system are basically the same as the /7s, just named differently.

[brooksie]

I have a 1974 R75/6- I thought this was the first year for the /6
designation...? It sure is a hoot to drive!

[jgr451]

You are quite a luck sack Brooksie.I am a one bike at a time guy (sob) I just sold my 1984R100RT and bought a 2004 K1200GT >Sure wish i could keep them both.

[James.A]

Congratulations on acquiring an example of the best motorcycle ever made. Reliable, elegant simplicity, light weight and balanced, easy to handle and work on, kick and electric, I could go on and on...... Does anyone really think the /6 front brake with its under-the-tank master cylinder was an improvement. How about the early 5speeds with their weak detent springs? The Jap style instruments with their near 100%failure rate. The cheap black plastic turn signal housings, etc., etc. About the only thing lacking on the /5's is a kill switch. Other than that, they are just the best........and not too expensive.

[brooksie]

Originally posted by jgr451
You are quite a luck sack Brooksie.I am a one bike at a time guy (sob) I just sold my 1984R100RT and bought a 2004 K1200GT >Sure wish i could keep them both.
Good purchase!!! ! I was on your side of the water this weekend doing a circle pack tour.
The ride from Earls Cove to Gibsons rocks!

[dlearl476]

Originally posted by Hugh Griffin
Being new to the ranks of the air head is there anything I need to be aware of?

Multiple bike ownership is a sickness for which there is no known cure. The only treatment is MORE bikes. He's my newest, a '70 SWB:

[jgr451]

Suh weet Dlearl.
Right colour.
Looks just like my old 1971,complete with the old Boge shocks.
I changed them out and STILL got the classic plate for over 25 years!!

[ChrisF]

Hugh,

The /5 models were introduced in late 1969 and replaced the /2 models. One major change was the addition of an electric starter.

BMW introduced the /6 models in 1974. The major changes were the use of a front disc brake on the larger models, along with a five-speed transmission.

In mid-1973, the /5 swingarm was lengthened about 2" to improve high speed stability; these are referred to as "LWB" (Long WheelBase) models. I have two of them, with one purchased new in September, 1973. You can identify the LWB models by a weld bead running around the circumference of the drive shaft about 2" from the final drive housing.

I suspect your /5 is a 1973 LWB model rather than a 1974 model.

[lkchris]

Originally posted by dlearl
He's my newest, a '70 SWB:

Congratulations for maintaining the original look!

Now, about those plug wires ... .

[dlearl476]

Originally posted by lkchris
Congratulations for maintaining the original look!

Now, about those plug wires ... .

Plug wires GONE. Replaced with the proper metal ended Beru's. Thanks for noticing. The next pic will have the original "authority" leather bags and new solo seat!:clap