1972 BMW R-Series

2982806

The machine is a 1972 BMW R75/5 "short frame", originally purchased by Bob Carpenter, then editor of Road Rider magazine. The bike had an electrical short in the main harness, and was parked until it was purchased from Bob and brought back to life by David L. Hough, the current owner, in 1994. Dave has entrusted the sale of his '72 Toaster to me, David R. McCoy, as he transitions to more writing (let's excercise those neurons & synaps, Dave!) and less riding. Dave is a long-time member of BMWMOA, a BMW “Friend of the Marque” and a BMWMOA Ambassador. He is also a life member of the American Motorcyclist Association, and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycling Hall of Fame in 2009. He is the author of many nationally-published skills articles and books, including Proficient Motorcycling. Dave replaced the main wiring harness, cleaned up the electrical system, added an inline main fuse, and refurbished the entire bike, including replacement of many of the rubber parts such as pushrod seals and driveshaft boot, and use of stainless steel hardware. Front forks include the correct 13-rib original fork boots. The bike is completely operational, and in at least Condition 3, with original blue paint, chrome tank and battery covers, and all aluminum polished, including the original alloy turn signals. The frame and engine have matching VIN numbers, 2982806. The 4-speed transmission with kickstart is original. Tires were replaced in 2011. Current actual mileage is 41,331. The last & most recent long ride was this past June as we rode to and from the Chief Joseph Rally in John Day, OR (See the pictures above. Sorry the '99 R1100RT-P is not for sale). The Comprehensive Vintage Motorcycle Price Guide 2011/2012 lists a Condition 3 R75/5 at $3600. The machine is stock except for the following: 1. The original short mufflers have been replaced with the longer /7 chrome mufflers to exit the exhaust behind the panniers. 2. The centerstand is modified with additional "ears" to hold the bike steadier on uneven ground. 3. The stock sidestand has been removed, and replaced with a /7 sidestand pivoting on an aftermarket bracket attached beneath the left footpeg. 4. The original low chrome handlebars have been changed to K75 (black) bars which are narrower but with more rise. 5. The original saddle was replaced with an aftermarket "bucket" saddle by the original owner, but includes the R75/5 badge. 6. The original owner added Craven "Golden Arrow" quick-detach glass-fibre panniers mounted on a Craven tubular rack. The panniers have been updated with stainless steel straps. 7. The left footpeg is /7. Footpeg rubbers are /7 square style. 8. The original Bosch horn was missing, and has been replaced by dual Fiam horns on relays. 9. The wheels have been relaced with Buchannan stainless steel spokes on the original hubs and polished alloy rims. 10. A small GIVI wind screen has been attached. 11. Currently, black bar-end mirrors are fitted. 12. The original spark plug leads have been changed to silicone jacketed spark wire with NGK caps. 13. The inside cylinder fin on the right cylinder has a small arc missing. 14. The exhaust valve rocker arms have been changed to /7 needle bearing rockers to better maintain clearance. This machine was restored as a "runner" not a show bike, and it elicits comments at rallies such as “Nice Toaster!” It is fully operational and ready to ride as-is. A small collection of spare parts and a manual will be included. It would be relatively straightforward to restore this machine to stock condition by removing the aftermarket equipment and replacing the noted parts with correct BMW parts. The only significant issue would be replacing the right cylinder to obtain undamaged fins. The windscreen and Craven rack and panniers could be easily removed. The centerstand, sidestand, horns, mirrors, saddle, mufflers and spark plug cables could be replaced with stock BMW Parts. Please, as a professional courtesy, do not contact Dave directly to negotiate this purchase of his '72 Toaster. All communications and legitimate offers will come through me (via eBay), David R. McCoy, BMWMOA # 149365, BMWRA # 38697. Thank you. Cheers! David R. McCoy, Pacific NW Sidecar Tours!