1973 BMW R75/5 - Long Wheel Base [visit 19 of 31]

[@kdsowen2882]

Beautiful Beemer Mike . I owned the same-year 60/5 for 12 years , the 750 was always considered 'The-One' , but the 600 was smoother . 73 was the first year with 'side-covers' for /5's . They often aren't missing, they were never there . They came about through pressure from the US-Dealers when their customers would complain about the absence . 73-onwards frames had a couple of locating 'tabs' and then the infamous 'rubber-band' . They are so sexy though . You can also see the weld/slash 'join' on the 73 d/shaft-tube, where they lengthened them that year. This is the quickest way to see if your 73 is the early-in-the-year short-wheel-base , or the longer one . These bikes are so user-friendly and simple to maintain , a pleasure to own . Dave NZ

[@speedsterjohnny7191]

This brought back memories! I owned a '71 R60/5 and it was a great machine. It had a much narrower power band than the R75 which meant more gearbox usage. With not much power below 4400 rpm and a red line about 6600 rpm I had to pay attention or performance would suffer. It took me a long time to learn that when I pulled the clutch in to shift I had to pause momentarily to reduce the shifting clunk. It was a great highway machine for long miles. I had an Ez Berg saddle made for it and that was a great relief to my backside. It was a shame I had to sell it; It went to a young knucklehead who didn't appreciate what he had purchased. I heard a rumor that he had broken the crank. What a jerk!

[@hoverbotfpv1425]

I will remember this on my '72 r60/5 in morning when I ride up the Fraser canyon to go find my crashed 4k mini drone. LOL I will check oil.

[@billylucero]

I had the exact bike. I put an R fairing on mine. I put 300k mile on mine. Toured all over the country.

[@kevinschilling1368]

The Cul-De-Sac video series just keeps getting better and better, brilliant!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Kevin! There's still a few more to go! Cheers, Mike

[@kevinschilling1368]

@@TheMightyGarage I think it's safe to say I speak for many, many of your fans: we'll take all you can make!

[@jimh.5286]

My compliments to John - as he rode away on his BMW he avoided the dreaded, very loud 1st to 2nd gear clunk. Very impressive. (I know since I have a '78 R100RS).

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, it was a perfect gear change, wasn't it 😊 best wishes Jim

[@MM-hc3zj]

Long may it run. So many memories. Used to a 75/5 one myself for some time years ago. Went on some long distance rides with it and it was cool all the time. Sold it because I thought I should try something more easy-to-ride and modern. I was too young to know. Now I regret. But at least my Guzzi gives me comfort. :-)

[@Wooley689]

John did a nice presentation here. Hard to fathom the bike has 143,000 on it because it looks so good.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Wooley! Best wishes, Mike

[@chrisbland8650]

I've just fitted those same panniers to my 05 T100 Bonnie. They are a very, very tight fit onto the modern Hepco and Becker "Voyager" system's rails and I also had to alter the rail's rear clasps, but other than that they fit beautifully. I'll also be looking for some straps and keys now. I've lusted after some Krausers since the 60's and the mounting system plus two panniers only cost me £25 from a chap 20 miles away. They don't have much volume, but they absolutely look the dog's doo dahs. I have to say John's bike is beautiful and what a history it has. Lucky chap.

[@krautrapide]

Best motorcycle for long distance travelling. In Germany nicknamed 'Rubber Cow' for their long suspension travel

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, thank you Michael. I had not heard that expression before! Best wishes, Mike

[@tomfrantz]

Probably the most beautiful BMW ever IMO.

[@arthurdeygers2106]

just bought myself a BMW r60/5 and i already love it

[@stevecolwill9761]

Thanks for posting this. I have just purchased a 1972 (‘73 model) R50/5, with the toaster tank. It was made in September ‘73 and is one of the very first to have the longer wheelbase. I just love riding the bike and wherever I go she always gets admiring glances. Even my wife loves it! 😁 Only 8000 R50/5s were ever made. There is a definite knack to changing gear; I find the best way is to take up the slack in the gear lever before pulling in the clutch. Lovely machines and very easy to work on. All the best! 👍🏽

[@lex1945]

What a beautiful classic BMW boxer! My late dad had a R51/3, I myself ride an R1150Rt, but these classic BMW's are so beautiful. Still hoping to get me a classic BMW to ride, next to my RT. Very nice bike, very nice! Love the sound of boxer engines.

[@juancarlosreyesalzaga8393]

Beautiful bike, perfectly maintained and preserved. A dream come true.

[@ericodinski7233]

As I watch this post and your guest talks about his professor and his black BMW I’m taken back to 1965 and during homeroom period I’d look out the window and see a guy on his black bmw off on another adventure. 50 plus years later I finally bought my own R80 ‘airhead’ !

[@TheMightyGarage]

Wonderful story Eric. Thanks a lot for sharing. Isn't it amazing how an image or a moment in time can have such a profound affect on your life. Best wishes, Mike

[@ericodinski7233]

@@TheMightyGarage Well Oregon isn’t ‘too’ far for a 69 year old man from Pennsylvania on a 38 year old bike to go for an adventure.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Come on over Eric! 😎😉

[@joecephus4151]

The Pop Dryer fairing is legendary, and so was Pop, back in the day. Beautiful Airhead, and excellent video. Thanks!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Joe! Best wishes

[@dducdude6315]

Thanks Mike another fine Sunday morning treat as I drink my cuppa! Finally a bike I do not have to lust to hard over as I have had a 72 toaster for the last 15 years, though nowhere in this nice of condition as Johns, very nice indeed. As john said the 72's had a shorter wheel base and so they have a a bit more snap when in the twstys. However, even when dragging the center stand on the left and the jug on the right a better rider on a longer bike can get around me, much to my displeasure. So, long or short wheel base they are both fine bikes. One comment on the side panels. John is correct in that they can eject when the rubber band gets tired, but only one the RH side as the LH one one is held fast via the center stand lift handle. Cheers to all!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Eric. Thought you might like this one 😉

[@dducdude6315]

@@TheMightyGarage Indeed Mike ! Cheers.

[@dawshill1400]

Beautiful bike. I had two of them. One with the short swingarm and one with the extended. The colour was polaris metallic (silver). I made thousands of Kilometers with them. They were great. Sound with Hoske mufflers was so good...

[@rickmacpherson1413]

I have a 1973 BMW R75/5 that I have just finished a totally mechanical restoration. Found the bike in a chaps garage covered in Vasolene for the past 20 - 25 years. Kept the original patina as it looks good.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Awesome Rick. Best wishes with your project. That sounds like a cool bike. Cheers, Mike

[@Porsche996driver]

Oh that sound! Great power and quiet! They just have that refined Panzer sound. I’ve got a ‘62 R69S in like-new condition. Always loved the toaster bikes and these big standard bikes, they can put away some miles! ✊🏼🏁

[@larrys.3992]

My first new motorcycle after high school was exact copy of John's R75/5. I loved that machine! A acquaintance of mine took it for a ride and wrecked it. My heart was broken. You should see the BMW I have today. Not your grandpa's BMW! Many thanks, Mike!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, I bet. The new BMWs are outstanding!

[@larrys.3992]

@@TheMightyGarage Its not so new but it will run 165-170 Mph. K1200s!

[@wiscgaloot]

I had one for about 8 years, just like that except the burnt orange color. Loved that bike, and spent a lot of time working on it just for fun--adjusting the valves and putting new rubber in the carbs. I used to commute up the Harbor Freeway from Hermosa Beach to classes at USC, lane splitting the whole way. The drum front brakes did toss me on my ear one time, they need to be maintained very carefully.

[@michaelhayward7572]

Love the notched silencer. Those pre front disc brake Beemers have always been so classy. Very very nice.

[@christidmas3995]

What a beauty.Love the original panniers.And those mufflers, the rubber band stories and that service record!

[@sameednakai8766]

Beautiful BMW! The toaster tank nomenclature, comes from those 1950s stainless steel toasters and the boxy shape of the tank, wonder who started the trend, I know that Hondas has chrome side panels on their tanks as early as the mid 1950s.

[@DH-tp9ns]

oh boy if John ever wanted to sell that....that is a beauty.

[@rscaryrsc]

Thank you Mike for the video and thank you John for the wonderful story of that bike. If only all the vintage bikes could tell their stories so well.

[@mred7030]

a gentlemans choice of steed .

[@OilysmudgesPlus]

Great conversation with John. I just love the sound these bikes make as they pull away.

[@velvetkilla9911]

Great motorcycle I'm becoming more and more interested in this vintage BMW motorcycles.

[@georgemartin5481]

Good job to John, very CLEAN BMW!

[@pikebobstar2033]

Keep the bikes coming Mike. Love the provenance behind these beauties and owners individual stories. 👍

[@54macdog]

Another fabulous machine and owner.

[@WorkshopRebuild]

A very nice interview with an amazing bike full of history! Thanks for sharing such a great video

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed the video. Yes that was a great story from John about the previous owner. Best wishes, Mike

[@johnsmith-mt3pj]

What a beauty❤ It looks and it sounds, like hd got it today from the shop. What a maschine.😊

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you John! Best wishes

[@williambaird6276]

Wonderful condition for 140.000 plus miles...Love the toaster tank...Great to see bike 🏍 being used...as always great video..😎🏍🇬🇧🇺🇸...

[@lugge1540]

Hello very interesting report, I am pleased to have come across this channel. The 75/5 is a dream, I wish the driver a lot of fun with it. greetings from Bavaria

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hallo Lugge! Vielen Dank für Ihre Nachricht. Ich bin froh, dass dir die Videos gefallen. Beste Wünsche

[@gregorytimmons4777]

I live just across the Columbia River in Camas and just over 20 years ago owned a 1976 BMW R90/S. Could not keep it at the speed limit on the highway. Since 2012 I have had a Moto Guzzi. Also a 1976 like the BMW. Also both were red. The R90/S was just so high geared in top gear that if I was not staring at the Speedo I was speeding. Like 90mph! My '76 Guzzi is the concert dual range automatic with torque converter. Doing a light resto and at 55,000 miles giving a few things like the brakes, wiring harness, paint job, head work and the dual range shifter and clutch release rod attention or replacement. Plus carb rebuild and ignition amplifier. Also just bought a 2003 Moto Guzzi California Stone with only 6,000 miles on it last week north of Seattle and rode it down. BMW and Moto Guzzi are a couple of the longest lasting bikes in terms of life between rebuilds and both are solid rebuild able bikes. No two brands are as alike as the boxer BMW's and the V Twin Moto Guzzi's once you exclude the Ural and other BMW copy cats. I would say these 2 brands, certain Honda's like the Gold Wing and a couple of V4 models and well cared for full size Harley's are the bikes that go hundreds of thousands of miles.

[@Michael-rh7ie]

Love the toaster tank !

[@rvanderw998]

Thanks Mike and John for the wonderful intro to the very "experienced" 75/5. This video is very timely for me, since I've just bought a 1972 R75/5 this past weekend! Mine is the SWB model with low cafe bars, but is otherwise identical to John's. I'm looking forward to bonding with it and learning more about its maintenance and upkeep. The seating position with the narrow bars is very similar to the HRD.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hi Richard! Congratulations on your new bike. That sounds terrific! The Vincent rally in Missoula seems such a long time ago now! Hope you are doing well. Best wishes, Mike

[@BilgemasterBill]

Those "Toaster Tank" Beemers of yore have kinda grown on me over the years. I keep forgetting you're in Portland. Your town may be in the news as the supposed epicenter of "Anarchic Wokeness", but clearly gentility still reigns on the Cul de Sac. John seems a lovely fellow. Joining him on that jaunt to Montana probably wouldn't be the worst time a fellow might have.

[@colnuttall9035]

What a pretty bike John has. Love that style ! Australia

[@russjan2811]

Very nice classic! A well cared for machine and a great story! Thanks, Mike!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Russ! Looking forward to catching up!

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

A fantastic bike I love them and a great story it's a thumps up for me Cheer's

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite channels.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks Dennis! I really appreciate it. Thanks a lot for subscribing to the channel and I'm glad that you like enjoy the videos. They are a lot of fun! Best wishes, Mike

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

@@TheMightyGarage Gotta love these old bikes, glad to see so many still up and running

[@edwinthompson159]

Truly no better word to describe that BMW other than "pretty" -- that is a gorgeous toaster all the way around. Amazing mileage. I think I will take advantage of the tip of zip-ties on side panels -- every time I ride my R90S I keep thinking about the rubber bands (have two) and how irreplaceable the original paint Daytona Orange with Reg Pridmore's signature are. Enjoyable video. --John must be 6'4" -- only person I have seen can ride a BMW with bent knees; I'm 5'6" and every BMW I have owned I am on tip toes... if not one footed. Germans must assume all people of the world are over six feet tall.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Oh wow! Look after those panels for sure!! Haha, thank you Edwin. Like you, I'm also "just under 6 foot" 😎 at around 5' 7" and he towers over me! Best wishes, Mike

[@wolffreebird3678]

This one last forever. Same like my MOTO GUZZI CALIFORNIA III Greetings from DANIEL. From Lamspringe,Niedersachsen, Germany.

[@joachimgronger1082]

Einfach nur wunderschön!

[@browny200]

Gotta love that toaster tank 👌nice bike!

[@brettmcmahon7263]

Hi. I'm new to the channel but it cracks me up with your softly spoken intro, with your accent it reminds me of watching Cricket on TV. Enjoying the channel, keep up the good work. Cheers from Brisbane.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, thank you Brett! 😊 This is a multiple-day series! Best wishes, Mike

[@cazgerald9471]

Wow, great history on that bike. Thanks for making these videos, love 'em.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Caz, glad you like them! Best wishes, Mike

[@alanbstard4]

a friend of mine based with me in Sydney Australia owned one of these. He was a West Australian, and on holidays, he'd ride from Sydney to Perth, year after year and it never missed a beat. I owned one of the then new Kawasaki Zeds, but I fancy the Beemer was a better tourer

[@LENNYGLOVER007]

You're got some nice friends with really great bikes, your a lucky man, all the best Lenny, Leicestershire UK.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Lenny. I count myself blessed and very fortunate to have such great friends. Best wishes, Mike

[@wellsbengston4132]

Thank you. I'm thinking my next bike purchase will be an R75/5

[@tadpoles10]

John you are a star, how very interesting for John to relate all that history on his bike. It's so warming to listen to his tale, love that the notes are as much of the bike, so enjoyed this one Mike thanks once again for 'stitching' things together for us all. atvb t ..

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Terry! Yes, wasn’t that a great story and amazing that the bike has done so many miles! Hope all is well with you. Best wishes, Mike

[@SPSteve]

Very nice! I'd love to get a 70-73 BMW some day.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks for your note. That’s a great bike. Cheers

[@shaunyr1]

Don't you just love the sound of an 'airhead'.

[@richardvillar340]

A real beauty!

[@eh74nq]

Beautiful bike, and I love how nice all your pals are :-)

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you very much Alan, yes, I am blessed to have such great friends. They have kept me sane this past year! 😉

[@richardpearson4248]

Fantastic video Mike nice bike looking forward to next one stay safe 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@stewy62]

Love those toasters, can’t believe they were made for such a short time, clearly bikers in @ 1973 had no taste because I read they weren’t popular! As far as performance goes, I’ve never ridden one of these but all I can say is that back in the day I swapped my T140V for an R90S, no comparison. I’m still riding Beemers today. 🇬🇧🏍

[@PeterJUren]

Interesting, informative and entertaining, what a great way to start the day. Thanks Mike

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Peter! Cheers, Mike

[@hollowaysteve]

What a nice chap. Lovely bike. Fancy one myself.

[@MarcS4R]

what a beautiful machine with a great history. congrats. and wow i wish i had these Notes on my R80 Paris Dakar that i just bought.

[@bobwampler3387]

What a beauty!

[@henryhawk7038]

BEAUTIFUL! BIKE!!😎

[@gutplucker]

Really gorgeous!

[@berniebne8243]

A really enjoyable visit. I think the BHP of the Triumph, the BSA & the BMW would have been very similar. But the reliability of the BMW would have made it the bike of choice for touring. Is the shaft drive as efficient as a chain final drive? The shaft drive may end up with less BHP at the rear wheel? I've owned later airheads and the BSA I wouldn't from memory have thought the gear shifts were much slower, but John has both & can ride them back to back. The BMW R90S did win at the Isle of Man TT in '76 so they are not slow.

[@honzasgarage5125]

These are great videos. Not sure why you don't have more subscribers, I really like the videos!

[@TheMightyGarage]

Many thanks! Glad you like the videos. It's great fun and the subs have been growing!!👍 Cheers, Mike

[@Beeza56]

Mike, another treat, thank you.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Ian! Best wishes, Mike

[@Aubury]

I always admired this model. The closes l came to a boxer engined bike, was the 1947 350 Douglas. Sigh

[@Doug19651983]

It's a lovely bike, I remember when you got that and were at taco Tuesday. Seems so much longer ago than 1 year.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you Doug!

[@derekgee4223]

Beautiful

[@donaldduck9257]

Superb 😎🙏

[@TheDavey333]

What a great machine, John must be so proud of his collection 😀 Sounded so smooth as German engineering should. Bet it makes great toast too 😂 All the best Mike 🙏

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hehe, thank you David! The toast and marmalade was excellent 😀

[@coobye]

Wonderful videos, thankyou. What do you use to keep the alloy motors so clean?.

[@snbailes1]

Magic

[@garykane7354]

Love the video Mile.

[@stephenreynolds6239]

These videos are brilliant mate

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot Stephen, I really appreciate it. I’m glad you’re enjoying them. There’s another good one coming up next weekend as well 😉

[@johanboes1]

So nice ! Glad to have the same bike! I live in Belgium. Keep up the nice videos!

[@kimwieslaw8339]

Love it

[@beueuehebedududhdh]

You have such a phenomenal voice! Did you work as a professional speaker or something like that?

[@hoverbotfpv1425]

If you don't lock those BMW bags at seatbelt type attachment clasp they will fly! done that to a nos bag. -441rider on here too.

[@441rider]

I have SS Tom Webb mufflers here on my 72 r60/5 but they are for a lwb /5 or /6 so axle does not slip out but the mufflers are great flowing exhausts.

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thanks a lot for your note. Those mufflers are really cool and so well made. Best wishes, Mike

[@williamwallacedebruce9221]

More like a mirror tank than a toaster. nice machine

[@JamesCouch777]

Very classic 👍

[@TheMightyGarage]

Thank you James!

[@tomfrantz]

Could you post, when and where- if you go to Airhead in Maupin Oregon-so I could go there and see the bike. I am in Klamath Falls and Ashland.

[@garys4756]

Lovely bike I've always wondered about BMW'S 75/5 I assume the 75 denotes a 750 cc engine but does the 5 indicate a 5 speed transmission? Nice day for a ride too👍

[@louisrauzi3872]

No, 4sd. /6 was 5sd.

[@swooshdave]

Louis Rauzi Quite sure the /5 is a five speed.

[@ElBrooklyn1]

Nope. /5 is a 4 speed. Although there are a small number that have been retrofitted with /6 gear boxes to get 5 speeds. As far as why it’s a /2 /3 /5 /6 or /7.... w6rec.com/what-does-2-3-5-6-and-7-bmw-models-mean/

[@paulhoughtonhhoughton9188]

Nice Bee-mer, tell me what tyres do you have fitted? Thanks

[@rogerwaters1552]

In my opinion , French mufflers "Vattier Course" are the best for this bike.

[@hotwheel6663]

Beemer mate!

[@ekudds]

I have a 73 with the blank tank. Got it in 95. Will never sell it.

[@Heavywall70]

That’s exactly the same bike my father rode I ride a 1999 r1100s myself

[@mickducati1947]

😜👍 very nice

[@VAMIRACING]

beautiful bike! although i must say i would prefer the stock seat....the shape and the white stripes are a bit distracting. anyway a bike for the heart.

[@sf940477]

A gentleman's conveyance Mike I currently have an R60/7 my 3rd airhead. It can sit for 6 months and start first time no problem . I suppose they are a bit of an ugly duckling but they have character lol 😆

[@EminBastea]

I’d wish to age like this ❤

[@TheMightyGarage]

Me too my friend!

[@davidcox8961]

I had a 75/5 in the 70's. I'm looking to get a 78 r80/7. Back in the 70's guys would ask me why I ride an old man's bike. Nobody will be asking me that now. ;- ),

[@TheMightyGarage]

😀 definitely not David! They are great looking and enduring bikes! Best wishes, Mike

[@HjaltiThorsteinsson]

Does anyone know how I can get a hold of John?

[@TheMightyGarage]

Hello, please feel free to send an email to me at [e-mail] and I can connect you. Cheers

[@grayharker6271]

I have 2, 73 r75 toasters and a 66, r60