[McLovin]

I’ve ridden street motorcycles since I was 16. Mostly pleasure, but did commute daily for several years (looking back, those were great times).

But after selling my last one a few years ago (Ducati Supersport) I swore including publicly here on this very forum, that I’d never get another. My last one, I simply never rode anymore - I had completely lost the desire for years.

That softened in the last year or so, as I started to casually peruse ads again.

But I figured it would never happen, because there was only 1 bike I was interested, and the criteria so specific that it would be impossible.

To wit:

1973 BMW R75/5
“Toaster” tank
Long wheel base version (only made in second half of 73)
Monza Blue
Stock and original
Euro low rise bars
Excellent ready to go condition (I’ve restored plenty of cars and bikes, not now)
Riding distance (no problem shipping, too tough these days).
Reasonable (not BaT) pricing

So yeah, highly unlikely. I set CL and BaT alerts, checked the usual sources regularly, but was very ok with the reality that it wasn’t going to happen.

So, I’m out of town at a friend’s place, check Craigslist and there’s a Monza Blue ‘73 a few minutes away. Not a lot of pics or info in the ad.

Ah what the heck I’ll go check it out.

I pull up to his garage and what do I see?

1973 Monza Blue R75/5 LWB Toaster tank, all stock, Euro low rise bars, in incredible original (including original paint) condition. 30 year owner that knows how to take care of a bike. Exactly what I envisioned in every way. Unbelievable!

This will be a keeper, I can’t see ever selling it. Even if I only ride it occasionally, I don’t see any reason to sell. It’s garage art to me, and with no coolant or brake fluid, these are easy to store. But I think I’ll ride it for a long time. I realized that every bike I’ve owned before this was a sport bike, with riding positions ranging from moderately uncomfortable to really really uncomfortable. I’ve aged out of that. This old BMW is a different ballgame and so pleasant to ride.

So, I’m back in the saddle. I think once riding is really in your blood, it’s hard to ever cure.