[speeder]

I've owned several, (/5 and /6), they are great bikes and would do well for your purposes. I also think that Rick has the right bike for serious freeway duty, but that's a different criteria. There was quite a jump between the /5 and /6, more power and a 5-speed versus 4-speed trans plus more modern suspension, etc... Big jump in performance, especially on freeway.

I long for another clean /5 for an around-town cruiser, though. The beauty and craftsmanship of German machines of that time is unmatched, IMO. They are the 356s, (or '50s Mercedes), of MCs. The carbs and mechanicals are not fussy in the least, (the bikes are bullet-proof), but the drum brake criticism is valid. One thing to note is that the further you go back in time w/ BMW bikes, the smoother and more "jewel-like" they are. Especially in smaller displacements. Not as fast, but who cares? You could balance a quarter on the tank of a /5 or /2 in the '60s while it was idling if tune was perfect. It is just sheer bliss to ride one around town on a quiet street.