A new beginning 40 years ago

1969 was a year that defined a generation. Man landed on the moon and Woodstock attracted over half a million people and changed the face of popular youth culture forever. In the same year BMW redefined its position in motorcycle history with the release of the /5 Series.

At Hockenheim on August 28 1969, BMW Technical Director Helmut Werner Bönsch unveiled a dynamic new motorcycle that would safeguard BMW's motorcycling future and provide the platform for all subsequent Boxer models until the final two-valve R 80 GS Basic rolled off the production line in December 1996.

In the mid 1950s sales of BMW motorcycles had declined to alarming levels, and the future of BMW motorcycle production was far from secure. Conversely, BMW car sales were increasing and production space was needed to facilitate this new demand, so it was unsurprising that there were some at BMW Board level who were less than enthusiastic about BMW remaining in the motorcycle business.

Fortunately, BMW Technical Director Helmet Werner Bönsch was an enthusiastic motorcyclist. He could see that motorcycling was evolving into an important leisure activity and that with a modern design BMW could be at the forefront of what would be a growing market.

He convinced the Board of his plans and was given approval to develop what would become the /5 Series.  He gathered together the team of Claus von Rücker and Hans Günther von der Marwitz to develop a fine handling modern motorcycle that would not only appeal to a new younger group of riders but would also be profitable for the motorcycle division.

With a full-cradle duplex frame and leading axle telescopic front forks, elegantly sculptured fuel tank and dual seat, the /5 had the dynamic performance of a modern motorcycle but with a distinctive BMW style.

At the heart of the /5 was the M04 Boxer motor that was designed by Alexander von Falkenhausen and Ferdinand Jardin. It had a muscular design with the crankcase shaped as a rigid tunnel with one-piece forged crankshaft running in plain bearings. The camshaft, driven by duplex chain from the crank, was now located below the crank, with an Eaton gear-driven oil pump providing high-pressure oil flow with a full flow filter. Also for the first time on a BMW motorcycle, there was an electric starter motor mounted undercover on top of the engine. It was a modular design with the range consisting of the 32 hp R 50/5, the 40 hp R 60/5 and the top of the range 50 hp R 75/5. 

The /5 was produced at the newly developed production plant at Berlin/ Spandau. There was no longer production space available in Munich and the generous government assistance for companies transferring to the then isolated city of Berlin gave the new models every chance of financial success.

The press immediately took a liking to the /5 and it received excellent reviews on its launch, with its power, balance and fine handling winning over all who rode the motorcycle. Favourable reports helped create strong demand for the /5 and by the end of the year 1,205 machines had been produced.

The /5 continued to be developed, with lengthening of the swing-arm late in the lifespan and in 1972 the 'Toaster Tank' model was introduced. It had a 17-litre tank with chromed panels and matching side-covers, and was largely aimed at the American market. It achieved limited success at the time but is now a highly prized collectable.

By the time the /5 was replaced by the /6 Series (headed up by the legendary R 90 S) in 1973, some 68,956 of these elegant motorcycles had been sold. Helmut Werner Bönsch's faith in BMW's ability to create a modern motorcycle had been vindicated and BMW was again at the forefront of motorcycle development.