Property of a deceased's estate, 1973 BMW 746cc R75/5

• Present ownership since 2008
• Unused for some six years
• 51,192 miles recorded
• Requires recommissioning

"Prices were still considerably higher outside Germany in comparison with British or Japanese models, but the quality was regarded to be superior on the BMW motorcycles with engine power and handling now much on a par with the competition." - Knittel & Slabon, Illustrated Buyer's Guide – BMW Motorcycles.

The long-awaited replacements for BMW's long-running Earles-forked flat twins - in production for some 15 years - finally arrived in 1969 and are notable as the first BMW motorcycles to be built in the company's Berlin factory. As well as a telescopic leading-axle front fork the newcomers featured a lightweight welded duplex frame, both of these innovations having been first seen on the Bavarian company's ISDT machines in the early 1960s. Large drum brakes were used front and rear, as before.

The engine too had come in for extensive revision and was effectively all new, now employing a one-piece forged crankshaft and aluminium-alloy cylinder barrels while carrying its camshaft below the crank. Coil ignition and 12-volt alternator electrics were other new departures for the Munich firm. The new '/5' models came in three capacities, the variation being achieved by different bore sizes in what were otherwise virtually identical machines. The R75/5 produced a claimed 50PS (49.3bhp), which was good enough to propel the 419lb machine to a top speed of 110mph. With their large (64-litre) fuel tank, flat seat and kicked-up silencers, the '/5' models looked bang up to date, and these handsome German thoroughbreds are highly collectible today.

This BMW R75/5 was acquired by the late owner in May 2008 and currently displays a total of 51,192 miles on the odometer. The machine is nicely presented but having been unused for some six years will need some degree of recommissioning returning to the road and is therefore sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Accompanying documentation consists of a V5C Registration Certificate; a photocopy of the old V5; numerous old MoT certificates (last expiring 7th August 2018; DVLA SORN correspondence; handlebar switch replacement information; and a substantial quantity of invoices for maintenance and servicing. Offered with a single headlamp key (the steering lock key is missing).