Clymer Manuals BMW R75/5 On The Lift Classic Motorcycle Road Test R50 R60 R75 BMWMOA

[svengalie]

heh nice

[ClymerManuals]

@svengalie You must be the most recognizable face on the Tube?

[naffleck]

Does anywhere know where to get these mirrors?

[Aletunari]

O Brasil export 50 unit. e 20 years riding police in São Paulo e depois foi bid. For sale on Suzuki GT250 1976 my 10 years para comprar a BMW in invernal de 2011( June )500kms vuyage in the Bus, return riding in historic old motorcycle. Beautiful voyage memories. My BMW is one dream já é one member family. Tenho outras Motorcycles BSA B31 1952, Honda CB400F 1976, Monark Jawa 1956 150cc 3 vel , Yamaha RD 50 1974 pertence my children 6 years tiver licence pilot. Working ofice restaured

[Aletunari]

Muito boa a reportagêm! Sou do Brasil e possuo uma modelo policial ano 1973 decor black e estou muito feliz de poder ter esta moto que serviu trabalhando pela polícia rodoviária do estado de São Paulo, sou o terceiro dono e a mesma tem aproximadamente 500.000kms rodados ! Agora quase 40 anos depois etou restaurando para uso própio e devo realizar uma grande viagem para a Patagônia Argentina... Abraços a todos do Clymer ALEX

[ClymerManuals]

@Aletunari

Thanks! Police bike? Very cool. Send us a picture at info@clymer

[bmwresto]

Sweet!! Great Commentary, very information and Love the /5 !!

[ClymerManuals]

@bmwresto

Thanks! Your videos are great!

[spencerleeb]

I have a question. So I have the chance to buy a r60/5 but the owner says the transmission is stuck in gear. I only know about BMWs because I've owned a few 3 series cars. Would this be a big project for a newbie?

[ClymerManuals]

@spencerleeb

Well I might be a little biased, 'cause I love BMW Airheads and in particular /5s? First off, they are super easy to work on. Lets start with your tranny issue, its easy to remove. You mention 3 series cars, well like a car the trans in not unit with engine. So you remove the swingarm, unbolt it and lift it out.. If you have to overhaul it, its straight forward automotive stuff. But you may get it out, remove the back cover and see part of the shift mechanism giving you trouble.

[ClymerManuals]

@ClymerManuals

I say go for it, if the price is right. Drain the trans oil and inspect carefully. You could also get it out and have a BMW tech overhaul if its a real mess and then reinstall yourself. Fun project!!!

Keep us posted!

[ninjatronica666]

Is that the same bike used on the cover of your manual? If so you shoulda kept it in it's original form. Why would you not use the knee pads? And that seat! Really?!

[ClymerManuals]

@ninjatronica666

Oh my, another purist! Yes, the same bike on the cover. Man we've covered this ground...no gorilla snot is going on that beautiful paint job by the mad mule man out south. And oh the seat, well it was an option, so I'm off the hook OEM fasionista. :-))))

[ninjatronica666]

@ClymerManuals So I'm a purist. Why would anyone want to destroy such a beautiful motorcycle? Might as well go cutting it up and turn it into some backyard mechanic's version of a cafe racer. Or better yet...a bobber.

[ninjatronica666]

@ClymerManuals And as far as the seat being an option...that's where it shoulda stayed...in the catalog...on the back of some shelf...unseen...unused...yuck­!

[ClymerManuals]

@ninjatronica666

the solo is sooo comfy. That's cause it's no garage queen! Although there is no room for Clymer Girl :-(

[ClymerManuals]

@GasparLatanya778

Thanks Gaspar or is it Latanya?

[MrWiringguy]

Super video!

[ClymerManuals]

@MrWiringguy

Thanks! check out the R80RT video. Also, we are starting a R100 Cafe project and will do a 'build thread' with videos. Soooooon!

[frogamic]

I love the mirror positioning

[ClymerManuals]

@frogamic

They look cool, however, not the best for visibility.

[MountieFan16]

This report brought back some great memories. In the early 70's I purchased a new R75/5 from a dealership in Bitburg Germany. My bike was blue. I rode it with the BMW mechanic from the dealership which was always balls to the wall. I also rode with an American with his H-D Bagger. We'd go into a German town and stop for a "Coke" and the Germans would look at both bikes - in leaving I'd hear them say "BMW is besser". Brought it back with me to the States and sold it - then got an R90. All great.

[ClymerManuals]

@MountieFan16

Yep, not a brand snob, but the "BMW is besser."

[ClymerManuals]

Seriously? Who and why would one give this video a thumbs down?

[perolito83]

Are you familiar with the R90/6? I've always liked BMW motorcycles, do you think that could make a good bike for a beginner?

Great video BTW, that's a beauftiful motorcycle.

[ClymerManuals]

@perolito83

Sure. I think the most important thing about a first bike is that it is not so heavy. /6 has good brakes and controls for getting started. And if you want to service your ride, the airheads are super easy to work on.

[MrBowsmith]

@ClymerManuals I can be real nerdy at times. BTW, I have one of your manuals, an excellent publication, and invaluable when working on my own R 100. If you thought my comment harsh, my apologies. Keep up the good work, best regards.

[Dilip122S]

Beautiful motorcycle, a design classic. I love the unique styling touches on the /5 models. BMW airheads have a heritage, and a continuity of design and development, that is very nearly unique in the motorcycle world. I can feel it every time I get on my R100/7. And the BMW build quality is legendary. As your video demonstrates, the airheads are among an elite few classic motorcycles that you can actually RIDE, and put some serious miles on.

[popitn2nd]

im looking for 70 or 71 bmw R75/5 as clean as this one. fully restore. email me if you have one

[Caledon1314]

Great review! I had a 75/5 when I was stationed at Fort Polk in 76-79. Wonderful riding memories of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. Thanks for helping bring them back!

[papaVasyaA]

Dnepr mt 10-36 is faster.Max speed is 120-140km/h.It costs 100-2500$.(in Ukraine)

[ClymerManuals]

@papaVasyaA

Hey but you lost the Cold War. So you get Dnepr and we get great vintage WEST German products. :-]]

[papaVasyaA]

@ClymerManuals We lost the Cold War???Can you told me the size of bmw pistons(or other,I need 78-79mm )

[Mykonos900]

@ClymerManuals don't even pay attention at russian and ukrainean losers they always had the shittiest Tech in the world

[ClymerManuals]

@Mykonos900 You got that right. Probably one of those nostalgic communists dreaming of the day when....

[ampelmannddr]

@papaVasyaA

Mhhh dnepr faster.. this is in Miles not Km/H... Last time I drove on a dnepr.. at 3700RPM the valves broke off.

[papaVasyaA]

@ampelmannddr 120-140 is minimum.I can 180-200.

[ClymerManuals]

@Tanklin7

One on ebay, very original, but with more miles than this one did not meet the $5500 reserve. But owner emailed me and said he had $6600 and $7100 offers. Did not follow up to see which one came through.

[ClymerManuals]

Check out this auction on the bay for a 1970 model:

item 260713432684

[santanhu007]

very cute.

[ReDact45]

Very sano.

[popitn2nd]

is this bike for sale? if not can you build me one?

[ClymerManuals]

@popitn2nd

Sorry no! Love it!

[wolfy317]

@popitn2nd

You don't have to have one built. You can find them for sale all over the US. That particular model was made from 1969-1975 I believe. Then it changed slightly. I have a 1971. It was my first bike, and I've had it for 17 years.

[ClymerManuals]

@wolfy317

1970-1973. /6 was new for 1974.

[wolfy317]

@ClymerManuals

Thanks for clarifying! :)

[fratermus]

Excellent video. A real rider's point of view.

[ClymerManuals]

@fratermus

Thank you!

[codenamecrackerjack]

Just got my 1973 R75/5, this video was great in helping me decide on which model was right for me. keep it up!

[ClymerManuals]

@codenamecrackerjack

Thanks. You'll love the R75!

[505197]

@codenamecrackerjack I just sold an 73 R/75 back to the guy I bought it from 5 years earlier. I put probably 20K on it. I bought a 91 R/100/GS and the old bike just sat after that. It had a fareing and luggage and rode like a Schwinn it was so nimble, and shifted like a John Deer.This video makes me miss that bike, but my GS just rolled over 100K and I love that bike like a good dog. I just got an R/1100/R, a 2000 model with 4800 miles on it, I don't care for it that much. A GS will spoil ya.

[grassington1]

fantastic !

[Ramiiam]

How do the brakes perform?

[ClymerManuals]

@Ramiiam

Actually quite well. The front drum is huge.Plenty of power. Obviously you have a modulation/experience curve with cable op drum. When the front gets wet, that is a problem. Grabs hard or nothing.

[oliverrhutton]

This vid is the reason I'm buying a 75/5 this weekend. Can't wait to join the ranks...

[ClymerManuals]

@oliverrhutton

You will love it. Great bikes. Thanks!

[TheMTFUJI3776]

昔のＢＭＷの方が味があって良いね。

[Moto1098S]

Hey, nice video and details. One comment though, the rear drive on the shaft drivern BMW's is NOT a differential type, It is a simple ring and pinion gear type.

Cheers!

[ClymerManuals]

@Moto1098S

Thanks! Yes, as discussed below, I mispoke on final dr vs diff.

[jamiebutkus]

cool! i want a vintage bmw motorcycle!

[505197]

I sold my 73 long WB R/75 back to the fellow I bought it from after 5 years. He'd call now and then askin if I was intrested in selling it. He said he knew the minute he saw it heading two states away on my trailer he'd made a mistake and about cried. When I watch this video or see an old cherry black Beemer I feel the same way he did and wished i'd kept it now. I have a 91 R/100/GS with 94K on it now, it gets out in the winter all the time. My record was 75 miles on a sunny day , it was 18*.

[ClymerManuals]

@505197 Oh the ones that got away! We all have them.

[cmues10]

The mother of all videos on the slash5 series. Congratulations from Germany!

[ClymerManuals]

Thanks!. Spread the word and pass the link to this video on. James

[ClymerManuals]

@cmues10 THANK YOU!!!

[ClymerManuals]

@cmues10

Thanks!

[frankfan42]

Beautiful bike, and sounds like you really appreciate it. Well done video, Thank you for sharing it!

[ClymerManuals]

Thanks! Yes I have become rather attached to it. We are having a rough winter, so it is hidden under the covers now for far too long. James

Please pass the link to this video on to friends.

[ClymerManuals]

@frankfan42

Thanks. Pass the vid link for us.

[ClymerManuals]

At one time it did, as it dented the tank. Fixed before the repaint. No I have never had a fairing on it. As the short wheelbase is prone to speed wobble, I bet the fairing would make it more so. TS indicator.

[wintersnot]

Thanks, eh!

The TS indicator was not on a 70, according to my original manual.

It's a nice touring bike, but the original seat design is uncomfortable for long distance. I'd recommend a corbin.

It cruises nicely, but Not at speeds over 65-70 mph, especially with a fairing.

(who needs to go faster anyway?)

[s1914]

Am very jealous... :)

[colinkeefe]

My '70 R75/5 had turn signal lights coming out the end of the handlebar grips.

[wigginbean]

nice vid

[ClymerManuals]

You are correct. Final drive and differential are not synonymous. However, we just pull an ATV off the lift and were working on the final drive differential.

[rob3664]

Awesome video! Trying to find one of these, not easy because many have been molested & are not original.

[65pont]

Very informative review, with interesting historical footnotes along the way. Clymer, you have to do more of these!

[rainerzufall88]

very nice bike and video :-)

my father has an R75/5 in the same color. I have an R65.

very nice bike and video :-)

[s1914]

sweet as a nut. Really like it

[bgreidgdgiss]

Nice video.

Who is the manufacturer of that helmet? I really like the hi-viz aspect to it.

Is this a custom paint job or was this purchased as this color?

If you could give me some more details, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks

[ClymerManuals]

Aria helmet. Original color. Yes it is very hi vis. I notice a big difference in awareness from old black helmet. Of course everyone makes fun of my bright yellow helmet and my non matching jacket. Go figure, gotta wear black to look 'cool' and possibly dead I guess.

[zenandmm]

Hey they all clunk. Straight cut gears or "you just need to know how...." blah, blah. This channel ROCKS! Make more of these. How come some of the big bad ass magazines don't do this?

[eeemanjam]

nice review ! I have a R60 , and yeah when I shift it makes a loud clunk like yours and apparently most of them, but why ? i get a little tense every time i shift, feels like i´m hurting it

[bikedemon99]

nice, thanks for posting, favs and 5's

[wintersnot]

Just picked one up just like it, yesterday.

looking forward to riding it come summer.

needs das boots, das mufflers, but otherwise, great shape, all original...

Thanks for the vid. Good info.

[patbianchi]

I have 71 R50/5 where did you get the handle bars and how wide are they? The mirrors are the bomb from what model did you get them from?

Cool ride nice & clean

Pat

[ClymerManuals]

The bars are BMW part number for euro models. Any dealer should be able to get them. I am not sure how wide they are, will check. The mirrors are ones used on pre 70 models. The headlight housing is same, so they work on /5. I think I go t them from Bob's BMW. Thanks for the post.

[bluen0te]

just sold my /2 after 38 years with the same bike. now riding a 76 r75/6. i like the bike a lot. sadly I had only a few weeks of riding before the roads iced up here. i dont mind the cold but the sand and ice are a killer this time of year.

[KurtisERIK]

I had a 73 750. The front drum break used to grab if applied by itself. Passengers would melt the soles of their shoes on the exhuast manifolds. It was a nice bike but quirky. Didn't corner very well.

[ClymerManuals]

The drum is a monster and works quite well actually. It does grab if it gets wet and is pretty scary in the rain.

[musiclovr2]

i cant believe your feet dont get burnt from the sideways head/jugs

[ClymerManuals]

Oh it can get a bit hot in the summer, but in the winter, they cylinder keep your feet warm.

[sithlordvyd]

I have a 72...its missing the toaster panels...whoever had it back in the day ground off teh tabs and made it plain...had a 05 Triumph some old man ran into me on it...so I have the airhead now...Airhead is a BETTER BIKE ...and its old...the silver one in the video looks like the one on the front of my manual =)

[ClymerManuals]

Hey a lot of people did not like the 'toaster' and switched them out. Now they are popular, changing tastes and low numbers I guess. I like the big blank tanks myself.

[zenandmm]

Who shoots these videos? Great stuff!

[ClymerManuals]

James and Steve, all in house work. Thanks!!!

[jackal59]

I tried to learn to ride when I was forty and found that my eyesight doesn't permit me to do so safely. That's something I regret, especially when I watched this and was reminded how much I miss my one and only bike: a '75 R75/6, Euro bars, Monza blue w/ white pinstripes and an aftermarket police seat. At least I brought her back from near-death and hope that the guy who bought her is enjoying her.

[ClymerManuals]

The euro bars and police seat are sweet! Sorry you can't ride.

[coltlawman357]

英語の勉強にもなりありがたいです。

わたしの愛車は2008年式 R1200GS　AdvとF650FUNDUROです。

[bravelittlebeemer]

GREAT VID!!! I just bought a '72 R60/5 bike with the toaster tank for $1000 bucks. She runs great (of course) but isn't much of a looker yet. I'm in the process of restoring her. I'm 19 and she's my first bike to own myself, so it's very exciting. Great great motorcycles!!!

[ClymerManuals]

Thats a great project! The airheads are very fun to work on. Thanks for the comment! JBG

[denverpro1]

Beautiful bike and great review. I'm currently looking at purchasing my first '73 75/5 airhead and was wondering if you could contact me, or do a segment on what to look for when buying a vintage bike, fair pricing/blue book value, etc?

[MichieldeM]

Thanx for this nice vid!

[ClymerManuals]

Thank you! It was fun and we plan on more. Pass it along. JBG.

[lazlodammit]

Nice work, nice bike. I've owned both /5's and /6's, currently on an R100S, love 'em all, short or long!

[biker26153773]

I HAVE SAME BIKE.

THANK YOU!

[biker26153773]

I HAVE SAME BIKE.

TAHANK YOU!

[jogga123]

FANTASTIC VIDEO!

[ClymerManuals]

Thanks, James

[Brough1111]

Great show

[ClymerManuals]

Thanks, James

[ve1jc]

Very nice!

[greenecycle]

Hi again, Very nicely done! I love the format, detailed information, incorporation of technical drawings, bottom scrawl, etc. As the owner of two /5's I found your description exact and your diction faultless. This one and the CB450 are the best of it's type I've seen on YouTube or any other website for that matter. Looking forward to more. Thanks,

Joel

[ClymerManuals]

Joel,

Thanks! James

[Jewceman1]

thanks!

Geoff Kole

[roo1967]

hi, how do you find the single seat?have a 75/5 and am going to change to a single,are they easily to fit? regards david

[ClymerManuals]

David,

I found is NOS on Ebay awhile back. It is in the BMW parts book. It bolts right up. However, I did notice that the back edge/corner bumped the top of the fender a bit. Probably when I went over a bump. I tweaked the hinge a bit. Thanks, James

[roadrash998]

Very nice video, James. How many bikes you got in that garage? If you don't watch out you'll turn into Peter Egan. If you feel a strong urge to buy an old bevel drive Ducati or a Harley cafe racer, you may be related to the man. I loved that you did the ton there at the end. TON UP!

[ninjatronica]

Hahaha...lumpity lump two-cylinder. That should make some BMW nerds mad. And I'm sure those same nerds will be pissed you haven't put the rubber on the tank. Doesn't matter though. That is a good looking motorcycle. Heads must turn every time you ride past.