Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

Tommy -

Interesting...the different in stroke between the 500 and 600cc engines is 5mm with the 600 being longer. But the differences in pushrod tubes is 13mm. Where did you find this length info for the tubes? I've been looking at the usual places but came up empty.

RealOEM says these are those build dates:

R75/5 2997986 - Dec 1972
R60/5 2947966 - Dec 1972
R50/5 2906304 - Dec 1972

Welcome to the forum!! A 1971 model is almost certainly a short wheelbase bike. The longer wheelbase, by about 50mm, came into the production during the middle of the 1973 model year. So, if your drive shaft and rear end haven't been changed, it's a SWB. Some good info here: https://w6rec.com/is-you...

Welcome to the forum, John! And to BMWs! The BMW gearbox is known to be pretty clunky...just have to get used to it. But there is something you can do to help soften it a bit. Just before pulling in the clutch lever, put some up pressure on the foot lever, then pull the hand lever and select 2nd gea...

Is it worth the extra $3K? Hard to tell, although it does look quite a bit better, closer to being totally original. You never know if there something hidden that even the seller is unaware of and could mean more money down the road. Probably need to go with your gut and lay out your priorities and ...

The '76 is better just because it is the last of the /6 models, so any improvements, etc., will be in the bike. I would prefer a more original bike but that's me. An original paint bike says a lot in my book. Is he willing to reduce the price? Maybe $3K?? What are your thoughts on maintenance? Can y...

Nothing wrong with Lesters...there is a special way that the wheel bearings have to be set up. As long as the person did it right, should be OK. The '74 is even more customized. Repainted, custom seating, and looks like 2-into-1 exhausts. Highly unusual...takes extra setup to get carburation correct...

OK, thanks. Aftermarket seat, maybe a Corbin. Is the original seat still available? Those are Lester mags so not original wheels. Replacement shocks maybe. Was the owner just tweaking the bike for his pleasure or was something wrong with the other items?

The additional instrument pods are nice.

Welcome to the forum! I think the order that you have them shows the order with the best on top. The '76 is last of the /6 series, larger engine case opening so potential upgrades are wider. The '74 is first year and there were some potential issues with the new 5-speed transmission. The R60/5 is so...

Welcome to the forum! Basic first question is...is this bike new to you? Or did you recently do some maintenance and now you're getting this condition? In either case, something is not right. I also agree that the difference, if measured at the same location and distance from the engine, is too much.