Skip to main content

LOT 206

1975 BMW R75/5 Frame no. 4005222 Engine no. 4005222

Sold for US$3,910 inc. premium
Lot 206

1975 BMW R75/5
Frame no. 4005222 Engine no. 4005222

1975 BMW R75/5
Frame no. 4005222
Engine no. 4005222

• "The BMW R75/5 is a sweet ride to anywhere."
• A long wheel base model

When the all-new BMW R75/5 was introduced in 1972, many Beemer purists were aghast to the point of apoplexy. At a time when black-with-white-pinstripes was the accepted BMW 'uniform' of the day, here came the R75, looking much more sporty in Monza Blue or Curry Gold or Polaris Silver, among other racy hues—though as seen here, good ol' Schwarz (black) was still available. Even more eye-popping were the chromed panels on the fuel tank and side covers. Because of its rectangular shape and those shiny sides, the so-called 'Toaster Tank' soon entered BMW nomenclature history.

Stylistic updates aside, the R's 745cc opposed-twin engine also had come in for revisions, namely a one-piece forged crankshaft and alloy cylinder barrels with steel liners. Coil ignition and 12-volt electrics were other improvements. The claim was 50hp, good for a 110mph top speed. A new chassis featured a duplex frame with lightweight oval tubing and removable rear subframe, long-travel front forks and (more gasps!) plastic fenders at both ends. Despite the Old Guard's protestations, the restyled machines sold well, for as Cycle World magazine said at the time, "The BMW R75/5 is a sweet ride to anywhere."

This R75 is a LWB (for long wheelbase) model from the latter half of the production run when a 2.5in. longer swingarm was fitted for increased high-speed stability when carrying a passenger and luggage. It is in largely original condition, showing 25,589 miles on the odometer, with just one barely perceptible dimple in one of the tank's chrome panels. Recently serviced, it is ready for more action.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

Please note, this example is a short wheelbase model.

Additional information

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Motorcycles specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Specialist section

Auction Viewings

  • 22 January 2020, 09:00 - 18:00 PST
  • 23 January 2020, 09:00 - 12:00 PST

Bid now on these items

1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1954 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
1982 Yamaha XS650
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1982 Yamaha XS650

£1,800 - £2,400
1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1952 Moto Guzzi 250 Airone Sport

£2,000 - £3,000
c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1980 Honda 49cc 'CR110 Replica' Racing Motorcycle

£2,000 - £3,000
1978 Yamaha XS650 Special
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Yamaha XS650 Special

£1,800 - £2,400
1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1980 Moto Guzzi 850 Le Mans MkII,

£2,000 - £3,000
c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1
United Kingdom
Coming soon

c.1965 Yamaha 305 YM1

£1,800 - £2,400
1972 Ducati 350 Mk3
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1972 Ducati 350 Mk3

£2,000 - £5,000
1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Moto Guzzi Le Mans MkI

£2,000 - £3,000
1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1966 Honda CB450 'Black Bomber'

£2,000 - £4,000
1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Kawasaki 500 Mach III

£3,000 - £5,000
1976 Honda CB750
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1976 Honda CB750

£2,400 - £4,400
1936 Austin 7 Ruby,
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1936 Austin 7 Ruby,

£3,200 - £4,000
Triumph 5T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 5T

£3,000 - £4,000
Triumph Tiger 100
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph Tiger 100

£3,000 - £4,000
1971 Honda CB750
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1971 Honda CB750

£2,400 - £4,400
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
1978 Ducati SD 900 Darmah
United Kingdom
Coming soon

1978 Ducati SD 900 Darmah

£2,400 - £3,400
Triumph 6T
United Kingdom
Coming soon

Triumph 6T

£3,000 - £4,000
A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,
United Kingdom

A rare Elliott Brothers double speedometer/odometer,

£2,000 - £3,000
A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,
United Kingdom

A wicker-cased picnic set for four persons by G.W.Scott & Sons, circa 1905,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,
United Kingdom

A Victorian pedal car, circa 1900,

£1,800 - £2,400
A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,
United Kingdom

A Tricycle Velocipede, 1870s, originally housed in the Estate of Osbourne House, 1870s-1901,

£2,000 - £3,000
A 48 inch Ordinary bicycle by Samuel Leek of Walsall, circa 1880,
United Kingdom

A 48 inch Ordinary bicycle by Samuel Leek of Walsall, circa 1880,

£2,000 - £3,000