1973 LWB Toaster as a long distance machine

[moto1959]

Hi Everyone,

I’m glad I found you guys!!

My first post as a member. I’ve owned a 77 R75/7 and a 98 R1100RT.

I’m currently looking at buying either a 73\5 LWB toaster or a 74\6.
I’m favoring the toaster at this time but not sure.
I would be doing an occasional multi day trip, but mostly day trips 350 miles or less and country jaunts.
Both bikes I’m looking at are properly sorted and have Krauser bags and windshields and are all original.

Thanks in advance and looking forward to getting another Beemer!

[moto1959]

Howdy all,

I just picked up a 1976 R90\6 and stoked about getting back into BMW’s!
The bike came with a Windjammer Vetter III, currently not mounted as I’m not thrilled about the looks.
What does anyone recommend on the smaller/lighter side that looks good. How about a nice windshield as a alternative. Where could I source the above?
Thanks members!

[MikeL46]

I've toured extensively with /6 vintage bikes. Mostly 2 up, but quite a bit solo. And most with lo bars (S or RS bars) and either an S fairing or no fairing. With proper ear protection I find minimal or no fairing more enjoyable than a Windjammer style fairing. Just my preference.

We've also put over 100K on my 78 RS and really like that for weather protection.

Mike

[schrader7032]

To each their own....I've put over 125K miles on bikes with either a Windjammer (my Honda 750-4) or my Luftmeister (/7) and would never tour without some kind of full protection.

[sminn560sl]

Like Schraeder said, this is a personal decision.

I've ridden with naked bikes, a Pop Dryer fairing, a Windjammer SS, Luftmeister, a Daytona, an R90S fairing and everything in between. My personal favorite for long-distance is the BMW RT faring. Second is the RS fairing with 'S' bars (which I currently have on my R80). By far the best was the Pop Dryer, but it is likely the ugliest fairing I've ever used.

Some of the National Cycle windshield offerings look good but I've not spent significant time with them. If I were to build a cross-country BMW today I would use an RT fairing. The engineers at BMW really knew what they were doing...believe it or not!

Of course Hannigan made a number of fairings for BMW's that have gotten great reviews. However, I can't comment as I've never ridden with one.

Edit: If you want something that looks good and provides some degree of protection you may want to consider Flat Racer:



Here's the Pop Dryer; great protection:



Luftmeister fairing:



Also check out Rabid Transit and Pichler.

[chuckr]

Congrats on the bike. I have a '72 toaster tank (my first bike 27 years ago was a 73 toaster tank) and I've done miles and miles. I prefer sans fairing and windshield as I don't really go fast on these bikes and sure, I can see the benefit. I guess I'm style over functionality. But I have had great luck and enjoyment with the older bikes on longish rides. Good choice.

Chuck