need your thoughts on a '74 R75/6

[fotoguzzi]

what are the negatives of this model? this one has under 8k miles. way back I had an R100T meh.. but for a Sunday rider is a /6 cooler?

[oldbike54]

 No real issues with the /6 R 75 models . The single disc front brake isn't powerful , adding a second disc isn't too tough . First year 5 speed , good range , slightly primitive suspension . The points are fiddly , readily available solid state trigger that mounts to the front of alternator , speaking of which , isn't overly powerful , units with greater output are plentiful . Diaphragm Bings are are easy to tune , valves almost easier than a Guzzi to adjust , although they are two piece and can break . Pics and price ?

  Dusty

[Cam3512]

They stopped being cool AFTER the /5's....

[fotoguzzi]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/mcy/5077824618.html

tank shown not with it, it will have the big tank from an R100 with fresh paint and striping.
can't show more pics yet but one I saw from rear has the pipes askew, not equal height off ground, don't they look equal when mounted right?
negatives, push button starter not working, kick does.. missing the rear axle (says PO used it on another bike and never replaced it)
it's 3 hours from me but price seems reasonable (he won't take $1500), guy sounds trust worthy over the phone.

[fotoguzzi]

https://www.flickr.com/photos/133347311@N06/18688316908/in/datetaken/

I'll have to search how to add IMG on a flicker image but hope you see what I mean.. they might not be bolted up in the pic.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/133347311@N06/18689877449/in/datetaken/

[oldbike54]

They stopped being cool AFTER the /5's....

 Not difficult to build a fake /5 , front drum brake . /5 headlight . Really , the /6 is an improvement .

 Brad , offer him $2K , all he can say is no . Seriously , although the /6 models aren't quite as collectible as /5s , this will make a good daily rider , capable around town , and smooth on the open road . Of course , do diligence is wise .

  Dusty

[oldbike54]

 The right muffler is NOT bolted up to the mounting bracket .

  Dusty

[rodekyll]

If he can ride it to your house it might be worth it.  If he can't/won't (axle is no excuse) it's not.

[nunzio]

They stopped being cool AFTER the /5's....

+1

[oldbike54]

If he can ride it to your house it might be worth it.  If he can't/won't (axle is no excuse) it's not.

 I tend to agree , but airhead beemers have been increasing in value lately , at least the early ones . Oh , and if this was a toaster /5 it would be worth $3K or more , and the /6 really is better as a tool . Cool , hmm , maybe not , dunno , still a great bike .

  Dusty

[neverquit]

Looks like a good buy even at the asking price.  Somewhere I think I read that the transmissions in 1974 had some problems.  It was the first year for that transmission.  You might want to research that. 

[oldbike54]

Looks like a good buy even at the asking price.  Somewhere I think I read that the transmissions in 1974 had some problems.  It was the first year for that transmission.  You might want to research that.

 To the best of my knowledge , the transmission problem was simply a weaker kick starter gear . The E start is reliable .

  Dusty

[Hymes Inc.]

"worth it" really depends if you plan on selling it later. If I bought that bike it would never be sold, passed down yes. Like my V65C, permanent fixture in my family.

[fotoguzzi]

"worth it" really depends if you plan on selling it later. If I bought that bike it would never be sold, passed down yes. Like my V65C, permanent fixture in my family.

My 27YO son would be so hip riding this around Uptown Mpls!

[rodekyll]

It happens.  Here's my daughter in St. Paul on the R80/7 MY (then) 27-y-o son rode to mlps.

[segesta]

I cannot attest to the accuracy of this, because it's just "something on the internet"... but interesting just the same. From bmwmotorcycletech.i nfo:

"The 1974 MODEL year was a not-so-good year.  NOTE here that when I say 1974, that MAY include into early or even mid-1975 calendar year.   The newly introduced /6 bike had carry-overs from the /5, and new problems.   The 1974 STILL had the 10 mm flywheel bolts; shearing them off could ruin a crankshaft, sometimes just messed up the threads though.     A  5 speed transmission was introduced....and it had many problems.   The Pawl springs would break, the input kickstarter special gear was soft and wore (don't use the kickstart on a 1974 unmodified transmission unless actually needed).  The shift forks were too wide, and gear dogs broke.  You can't purchase the gear alone, only the whole cluster assembly...and THAT original one is no longer available.  That means that you have to install the 17.5° late model items, and that is $$$.   There is a huge amount more on transmissions in my http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/transmission.htm article.  Finding neutral was often somewhat difficult, and overshifts also happened.....and most problems were not fixed until 1976.    As I mentioned, some 1974 transmission parts are now NLA, and brand new transmissions or a good later model are often the best answer to trying to rebuild a 1974 transmission.   The transmissions are directly interchangeable, that is, they will physically fit and operate OK, from (and even including the 4 speed) to 1980.  The handlebar controls of the 1974  were a carryover of sorts from the /5. Some of these parts were part /5 and part /6, and NLA, although later controls certainly fit.  These switches may look like /5, but have different wiring.  The 1974 switches are no longer available.  The handlebar right side assembly is rather difficult to convert to a handlebar master cylinder.  The 1974 front axle was still 14 mm, in bushings (the 17 mm axle came a year later).  Under some severe usage, the front axle could bend.  You CAN make simple changes in the wheels innards to accommodate the later fork lowers and 17 mm axle.   The 1974, ONLY, had "strange" fork tubes/lowers (1974 lowers are NLA).  Engines tended to vibrate around 4000-4600 rpm.   The frames were a bit weak, with the 1975 being better, and the 1977 better yet, with more substantial bracing.   The 1976 incorporated many upgrades, including the larger pushrod tubes, pushrod changes, engine case cylinder hole size increase (later engine's Nikasil cylinders will fit)."

For what that's worth.

[oldbike54]

 Segesta , all of that is true , well sorta . Kind of like every MC from that era , there were a few issues that popped up , but having been around those bikes for years , most of that never happened . Really , the most common problem was the kick starter gear . Lots of the 'early /6 models ran for many miles , and many are still providing good service . As for parts being NLA , never had a problem with /5 or /6 parts , although sometimes a bit of creativity is involved . Remind you of another brand ?

  Dusty

[pyoungbl]

I just sold a 1975 R75/6 with kick start and dual discs.  After some serious infusion of $$$ the bike ran like a swiss watch...albeit slowly.  The suspension was pretty crude and the brakes were a bad joke (even after lots of love and a new master cylinder).  Riding the /6 was a reminder of how much progress has been made over the past 40 years or so.  For me, the bike just was not fun to ride.  With that said, the old airhead drew lots of attention.  One important part, the instrument cluster housing, is no longer available.  This is the electrical connection for all the electrical stuff so I thought it to be a big deal.  This was much like buying a used boat.  Unless you really know what you are getting into the purchase price is only mildly important.  I'd rather pay market price for a well restored machine than buy a fixer-upper.

Peter Y.

[Dimples]

My thoughts are not to consider buying it if you can't ride it. Otherwise it could easily have more problems than it's worth. I've had three R75/5's over the years. Although well-made, people can mess these bikes up like any other. Parts are available, but not cheap. Forget about how "trust worthy" the seller sounds to you. He's not credible-- it's not his bike. His disclaimer about not asking the important questions is telling. If you really want an airhead then look for a well cared for bike with a knowledgeable seller (and luggage). Get on the airhead forum, go to a rally, join their club, etc. These old BMWs are some of the easiest bikes to buy right.

If you get one, that Snowbum site is pretty interesting-- http://bmwmotorcycletech.info
This is very good too-- http://www.webring.org/l/rd?ring=bmwbikering;id=136;url=http%3A%2F%2Fw6rec%2Ecom%2Fduane%2Fbmw%2Findex%2Ehtm

[fotoguzzi]

Thanks everyone.. I'm loosing interest unless he gets it running enough for a test ride.

[oldmxdog61u]

I built a toaster out of parts collected in a japanese storage shed. Beautiful little bike... and that is why i sold it. At 6'3" it was too small for my tastes. Fun for short putt, not so fun othrrwise.  Size matters ...

[ritratto]

I had a '71 75/5 with 900 jugs on it and made it nice looking and run as good as one can. I had lusted after one for years and finally had it and was very disappointed with it's performance. After owning several Guzzis, it just had none of the sport handling of a Tonti frame Guzzi. Went beautifully down the highway but always felt like a great big scooter to me. All the sex appeal was for the viewer, not the rider.

[Moto]

I had a '71 75/5 with 900 jugs on it and made it nice looking and run as good as one can. I had lusted after one for years and finally had it and was very disappointed with it's performance. After owning several Guzzis, it just had none of the sport handling of a Tonti frame Guzzi. Went beautifully down the highway but always felt like a great big scooter to me. All the sex appeal was for the viewer, not the rider.

Having owned a '74 R90/6, I couldn't agree more. It is a lousy machine compared to a T3. I could go on, but have already done so in past threads.

[jas67]

Not difficult to build a fake /5 , front drum brake . /5 headlight . Really , the /6 is an improvement .

 Brad , offer him $2K , all he can say is no . Seriously , although the /6 models aren't quite as collectible as /5s , this will make a good daily rider , capable around town , and smooth on the open road . Of course , do diligence is wise .

  Dusty

It looks great for the asking price.    If you can get it for $2k, even better.

Not difficult to build a fake /5 , front drum brake . /5 headlight . Really , the /6 is an improvement .

 Brad , offer him $2K , all he can say is no . Seriously , although the /6 models aren't quite as collectible as /5s , this will make a good daily rider , capable around town , and smooth on the open road . Of course , do diligence is wise .

  Dusty

R60/6 had a drum brake, so, there is another source of parts if you really want a drum brake.

The real upgrade for the front of this bike to swap the front end from 1981-1984 R100RT or R100RS and get dual Brembo discs instead of the finicky ATE's of 1976-1980.    I'm doing this upgrade on my 1980 R100S.    The best part is I sold the dual ATE front end for what I paid for the Brembo front end.

Another option is a 1981-84 single disc front end with an oilhead/k-bike 4-piston caliper.     You'll need to machine a little material off the caliper mounting ears to center the disc in it.   From what I've read, this provides almost as much stopping power as the dual 2-piston Brembo setup with less unsprung weight.

[cruzziguzzi]

What I see:

A generally cool looking bike under the 850cc that those bones really want to be no higher than. ++
Clean title.+++
Not represented in photo as it is intended to be sold. - - -
Can't get it running rather than simply: "I HAVE NOT HAD IT RUNNING YET" - my interpretation... - - - -
How far a schlep is it to take a look-see? ? - ? -


I'd like it a lot better all things considered if the number didn't even start with a 2... more like 1,850+/-


Todd.

[oldbike54]

It looks great for the asking price.    If you can get it for $2k, even better.
R60/6 had a drum brake, so, there is another source of parts if you really want a drum brake.

The real upgrade for the front of this bike to swap the front end from 1981-1984 R100RT or R100RS and get dual Brembo discs instead of the finicky ATE's of 1976-1980.    I'm doing this upgrade on my 1980 R100S.    The best part is I sold the dual ATE front end for what I paid for the Brembo front end.

Another option is a 1981-84 single disc front end with an oilhead/k-bike 4-piston caliper.     You'll need to machine a little material off the caliper mounting ears to center the disc in it.   From what I've read, this provides almost as much stopping power as the dual 2-piston Brembo setup with less unsprung weight.

 Yeah , the ATE calipers and the weird cable operated master cylinder were strange , but to be honest , disc brakes in the 70s were lacking in general . Changing to either setup you are suggesting is a good idea .

  Dusty

[kirkemon]

They stopped being cool AFTER the /5's....

.....and boring....

[kramer921]

If you're interested in a really nice old airhead, I'm selling mine (replacing it with the V7R I bought recently).  http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/5010470161.html

[fotoguzzi]

If you're interested in a really nice old airhead, I'm selling mine (replacing it with the V7R I bought recently).  http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/5010470161.html

nice but...sorry, the only reason I was looking at an airhead was it's price, $2300 but make offer.

[kramer921]

nice but...sorry, the only reason I was looking at an airhead was it's price, $2300 but make offer.

Ah, gotcha.