What would you do with an old BMW Motorcycle? (R75/6)

[Leland Pate]

So, I've got this bike...

I'm trying to decide what to do with my late father's R75/6 that has been in the family since new. I brought it home with me last summer and it's been sitting waiting for some attention.

The bike has sit since my dad got sick in '02. Hasn't run since.
I am trying to decide my course of action. Should I put the minimum dollar amount into it just to get it roadworthy? Should I dive in for a frame off refresh? Should I throw caution into the wind and try to build some sort of cafe racing bare knuckle type thing?

I confess, this bike means a lot to me from a sentimental standpoint. But, I've never been crazy about the mid-seventies BMW's. Oh how I wish he had kept his '69!

So, what to do... anyone out there have a similar bike and would like to share thoughts?

Joe???

[Tim Hancock]

Tough call, but whatever you do, DO NOT GET RID OF IT!!!!!!! You will kick yourself in the @ss someday if get rid of that thing being that it was you're late father's bike since new. I personally would not frankenstein a sentimental item like that. I don't care for the look of those 70's BMWs either, but someday it will be valuable and the look will grow on you then (kind of how I view 914s now).

[Leland Pate]

Very good points, Tim.

Selling it has never been an option. I'm just trying to figure out what I can do with it. Parts seem to be hard to find, which is awesome.

My biggest complaint about it is how friggin' high it sits! I'm 5"11" and can barely touch the ground on it.

My dad was about 5'7" and I don't know how he ever touched the ground.

[Chocaholic]

Man...I'd love a mid 70's airhead. Why not revive it? Bring it to it's former glory from the days when your dad looked forward to a nice warm day to take her out for a relaxing ride. As one who cherishes the all-to-rare opportunities to take my BMW out for an rejuvinating ride, I can tell you it's an enjoyable experience that could only be better on your dad's own bike. Imagine pulling on a worn leather jacket and helmet, and setting out on a ride to enjoy the exact same experience finding solace and relaxation that your dad had. Leland, this one is a no-brainer on many levels.

[Nostril Cheese]

New rings, hone the cylinders, and rebuild the carbs if it needs it. Those things are well within the capabilities of a DIYer.

Also check the front fork seals, probably needs new tires if it's been sitting as well.

DO NOT sell that bike. They are perfect touring machines and a great stress reliever.

Pics please?

[alf]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Man...I'd love a mid 70's airhead. Why not revive it? Bring it to it's former glory from the days when your dad looked forward to a nice warm day to take her out for a relaxing ride. As one who cherishes the all-to-rare opportunities to take my BMW out for an rejuvinating ride, I can tell you it's an enjoyable experience that could only be better on your dad's own bike. Imagine pulling on a worn leather jacket and helmet, and setting out on a ride to enjoy the exact same experience finding solace and relaxation that your dad had. Leland, this one is a no-brainer on many levels.

I would do just that.

[Nostril Cheese]

RealOEM.com Online BMW Parts Catalog

[Leland Pate]

I think my dad rebuilt the motor at least twice. ODO reads 30,000 miles. Meaning it's somewhere in the neighborhood of 130,000 miles. My mom and dad rode from the UK to Greece on it while he was stationed in Germany where it was bought. It's been all over.

I have no desire to sell it. Just not sure what to do with it. I'll have to take some photos tomorrow. I know it'll need at least, new tires, fork seals, MC rebuild, battery, carb rebuild, fuel lines, fluids, brakes, points, etc etc...

[pwd72s]

Lee, I just sent a link to Tom Bridgers. Hopefully he'll post. When Tom speaks BWW bikes, listen up!

[speeder]

If it's been in dry storage, (indoors), it will probably take minimal work to put it back in service. Has it been drained of fuel? (Most likely). I'd put a fresh battery and gas in it and fire it up. Change the brake fluid, clean it up and ride it real easy at first to check for leaks, etc. I've owned /5 and /6 BMWs and they're very simple, easy to work on and durable as the day is long.

Definitely keep it forever and just take it out once in a while on a sunny day to connect with pleasant memories of your dad, even if you're not that into the bike itself.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Leland Pate

Very good points, Tim.

Selling it has never been an option. I'm just trying to figure out what I can do with it. Parts seem to be hard to find, which is awesome.

My biggest complaint about it is how friggin' high it sits! I'm 5"11" and can barely touch the ground on it.

My dad was about 5'7" and I don't know how he ever touched the ground.

Parts are pretty easy to find on this old stuff. Try A&S Cycles, they have a nice microfiche system:
A&S BMW Motorcycles ::: It's About The Ride! ::: BMW Motorcycle Microfiche / Illustrated Parts Catalog

Beemer Boneyard is where a lot of people get other parts, I have never used them.

[varmint]

i can see the end of the cafe racer craze coming. it was about taking throwaway bikes and making something fun and fast. now long haired japanese arteeests will sell you one for $40,000. that means the end is in sight.

will miss it though.




.




stock bikes have their own charm. is it a toaster tank? they are very desirable out here

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by varmint

i can see the end of the cafe racer craze coming. it was about taking throwaway bikes and making something fun and fast. now long haired japanese arteeests will sell you one for $40,000. that means the end is in sight.

+1

Amen. Was rather pleased watching Barrett Jackson recently. Nice to know that morons who had blown $150,000 on Chevelle SS clones were getting a does of reality.

[speeder]

Stupid people will always need to be separated from their money. NBD and nothing new...

[aigel]

If you aren't too keen on the bike, why not just mothball it? some trans fluid in the cylinders, turn over a few times, battery out, gas out. Done.

George

[Joeaksa]

Wish you would have brought this up last week when we all were together in Philly!

This is my 1972 /5:


Very nice hot rodded /5



Could put a sidecar on the bike



Just a nice photo!

[chocolatelab]

throw an old school s fairing on it ( like a 78 r100s ) and change the handle bars. Much more racey but not crazy cafe racey

[chocolatelab]

pics

[Leland Pate]

Here are some pics of the BMW next to her stablemate.



















I have the hard suitcase luggage bags for it too, but those are in the attic because they take up so much space.

[Paco Anton]

Nice bike!!!! Look reasonably well maintained too.

I have a 1978 R100 and it is quite possible to DIY. In Europe there are quite a few parts suppliers and partsavailability is not an issue.

All you need now is a copy of the Haynes manual by Jeremy Curchill.