| www.clymer.com 800-262-1954 http www.classicbikeguide.com Welcome to On the Lift episode two, sponsored by Clymer Manuals. I'm James Grooms, Editorial Director. We're at the Tech Center today and on the lift we have a 1970 BMW R75/5. See also R50 and R60. The /5 ( slash five ) series, introduced for the 70 model year, was a real watershed bike for BMW motorcycle production. The previous generation of machines [ post war wwII R50 R50/2 /2 R60 R60US R69 R69S ] were known for their reliability, comfort and quiet operation. Once exclusive attributes to BMW, however, many of the new models from Japan [ Honda in particular with the CB350, CB450 and revolutionary CB750 ] now achieved this at a lower price along with impressive performance. Greatest ever motorcycles discovery The /5 was available in 500, 600 and 750 cc capacities... this being a 750, thus the R75 designation [ R50/5 R60/5 ]. While relying on BMWs trademark air cooled boxer twin, the model is a radical departure in many ways from the previous models. A telescopic fork replaced the Earles leading link fork. 12 volt electrics replaced a 6 volt system. And to the horror of many a BMW loyalist the bike was available in a color combination other than schwartz mit weiss. The horizontally opposed twin [ boxer, flat twin or airhead ] with overhead valves was all-new. Outwardly, the first noticeable change from the previous models was the placement of the pushrod tubes under the alloy barrels and cylinder heads revealing ... |
