Why an old BMW Airhead Motorcycle is the most reliable bike you can own. R50/5 Toaster Tank Review.

I've owned my R50/5 toaster tank Airhead BMW Motorcycle for nearly 8 years now. It has never left me stranded, and quite possibly be the best all around vintage motorcycle to own. Here is an honest review. For the 1970 model year, BMW launched three new models having engine capacities of 500 cc (R50/5), 600 cc (R60/5), and 750 cc (R75/5). The R75/5 could reach 110 mph (177 km/h).[1][failed verification] Model year 1972 saw the introduction of the 15 L (3.3 imp gal; 4.0 US gal) rectangular tank with chrome side panels. For the second half of the 1973 model year, BMW lengthened the rear swingarm 2.5 inch (6.4 cm), resulting in the “long-wheelbase” (LWB) models. This enabled a larger battery, while retaining the kick starter.

The /5 series was the first series to be manufactured completely in Berlin,[citation needed] as by 1969 all of Munich's production capacity was needed for automobiles. "Berlin with its well-trained workforce was an obvious choice. So in 1969 the Berlin Plant started production of the all-new BMW /5 Series, a completely new design and construction following a modular principle all the way from the suspension to the flat-twin power unit.[2]

In 1970, 12,287 units were manufactured and by July 1973, when the /5 model series reached the end production, a significant volume of 68,956 motorcycles had left the Berlin Plant, production increasing five-fold within three years. During this period, BMW manufactured its 500,000th.[2]

In 1974, BMW introduced the “/6” models, which offered front disc brake, revised instrumentation, and a five-speed transmission. The single disc brake was a hybrid cable/hydraulic system, whereby a cable from the handlebar lever actuated the master cylinder underneath the fuel tank. The rectangular tank was dropped.

All /5 models featured both electric starter and kickstarter,[3] with kickstarters remaining available on some BMW motorcycles up to model year 1980.

#bmwairhead#bmwmotorcycle#vintagebmw

[dylanplumley]

Someone in my neighborhood had one of these in the bed of their truck. I was in awe. For once someone had something other a harley. Thank the lord.

[richardsmith]

The thing about shaft final drive vs chain, is that, although the shaft may be slightly less efficient, it stays at that level of efficiency indefinitely. The chain may start out more efficient, but then it gets worn and dirty and loose and requires frequent maintenance, and it's all downhill from there. I've had 3 BMWs over the years. Great bikes.

[golgothadiver]

Beautifully made video; other aspiring bloggers could learn a lot from this. Lovely bike too - I've had lots of airheads and agree with everything you say about them.

[flytwin]

The sound of this boxer motor from this period of time is what touches me the most.

[michaelwanner]

Enjoyed every minute. I had a 1961 R69S which I rode across America in the early 70’s. Absolutely wonderful. I still miss it.

[beemrdon]

I had a 1975 R90/6 that I rode for over 250, 000 miles in my 32 years of ownership. Put a clutch in early on and a final drive at around 225, 000 ( from eBay).
Bought a 1996 K1100 lt and rode it for 100, 000 miles.
I now own a 2015 BMW R1200 RT with less than 12, 000 miles on it.
I've loved them all.

[phebelle]

I’ve had mine since college, 35 years and 100, 000 miles.

[gregshamieh]

I purchased an R75/5 in 1984. At that point it was a running wreck that had been seized by New York State and sold at auction to settle tax debt for someone who had passed away without a will. It had 24, 000 miles on it at the time.

Fast forward 38 years and I still have the bike, and it is one of my favorite bikes to ride -- current mileage is @190, 000, and it is still dead reliable. Although I did a top end overhaul at @115K miles, the bike still has its original bottom end - crank and bearings.

My advice on reliability is that the smaller displacement models -- the R60, particularly -- will essentially run forever because they don't make enough power to hurt themselves. R50s were not imported into the US. The smaller displacement bikes are also much smoother runners. Anything one does to increase the output of the motor will lower overall longevity of components - particularly gearbox bearings of the 4-speed transmission. My bike was increased to 900 ccs displacement and eventually I needed to upgrade to a later 5 speed box whose bigger bearings were designed for the increased output. I have other airheads, and when I need to source used components for an overhaul or restoration, I always look for components from R60s and R65s, because their overall wear levels are measurably lower.

If you are new to the vintage bike game, and want to own one, two tips -- 1) an electronic ignition or ignition booster will make the bike a better starter, smoother runner and lower your maintenence needs. 2) The charging systems on these bikes are not quite up to modern specs -- even coming back from an extended ride will not charge the battery to full capacity. Addition of a battery pigtail and Tender will ensure that the bike always 100% ready to ride.

More info can be found by Gee-oogling 'Billy Joel, The Barn Job, and the long highway'.

Happy Airheading! 😁

[NoelSquitieri]

Here are the airheads I owned when I was able to ride. 1970 R60/5, 1974 R90/6, 1976 R75/6, and 1978 R100S. If I were able to ride again, I'd own another airhead for sure. If money were no object, it would be a 1976 Daytona Orange R90S. Oh yeah, I also owned 4 Hondas, a BSA, and 2 Harleys. No contest. Airheads win!

[florislok]

Totally agree with everything you said. I’m driving a R100R for 27 years now. Love it, changed a lot over the years. These airheads got so much character, there is no need to go fast.

[bradhoward]

I concur with your assessment of the reliability of the /5. I bought a 1973 R750/5 long frame with 9400 miles on it. I toured North America for 2 or so years and sold it in 1977 with 230, 000 miles. It never did anything wrong. Still had the original head gaskets and all internals. Sure I replaced the cylinder base gaskets and kept up on maintenance, but just a fantastic machine. All the cables are straight pull and if you keep the dust shields nice they will last forever. When I sold it mine still had the original throttle cables, front brake cable and choke cables. I sold it in 1977 and bought a brand new 1977 R100S which I only drove about 30, 000 trouble free miles so I can’t really attest to it’s long term reliability. By the way I sold both bikes for more than I paid for them.

[herrsteppenwolf]

You made me miss my BMW R60 1968 with its Erls fort. I bought it used in Munchen Genmany while vacationing there. I loved it when riding the New England countries road.

[billfish]

I’ve been riding 50+ years and I had a new 1986 BMW R65, which I sold to buy a new 1993 Goldwing so my wife would ride with me. I always regretted selling the Beemer. So, I’m turning 70 next month and I bought my friend’s 1986BMW R80RT for all of the reasons you stated. I can work on it and I will be riding it around Wyoming and Montana where I live. I’m going to give my Harley Electraglide to my oldest son when I’m too old to handle it any more. I put a rack/backrest on the Beemer for my wife so she will still ride with me. If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Great review. Keep the shiny side up!😎👍

[stevecolwill]

Greetings from the UK! I have this exact same model, with the toaster tank in black. It is a ‘73 model, long wheelbase, which BMW did to improve the handling. I concur with everything you say about the reliability, simplicity and sheer joy of these bikes. I do all my own servicing and just fill it with fuel and ride it. I have installed electronic ignition so I don’t have to worry about adjusting or cleaning points. All the best 👍🏻

[vanhuber]

Love these bikes so much I own two of them - a restored '71 and a '72 rider. Both are such a joy to look at, work on, and ride. They love the back roads at 60 mph and it's a great touring bike. Bullet proof!

[clawhammer]

Back in the prehistoric days I had a R75/5 with the large tank. Had a vetter flaring on it with the matching white bags.

[farmer_donny]

I had a BMW R60/7 and did 110000 miles in 3.5 years. Only ever needed normal servicing parts. Nothing ever broke.
It was very comfortable, engine gutless brake (single disc) was poor.
Great bike.

[Jodyrides]

BMW set the standard for reliability and long-distance touring. What a catastrophe that today’s BMWs do not even come close to that standard BMW set a long time ago..

[jandejong]

Takes me back. I had a 1955 R60 that I rode all over Europe, North Africa and Turkey in 1971-1974. With all camping stuff. R60 had a front swing arm, and the engine was upside down - cylinders closer to the road. One had to be careful with hidden stones along mountain roads.
Later had a Moto Guzzi 850. Also recommended.

[bradbanaszynski]

I've got a 75 R60/6. 12k miles on it. Bought it off of a collector that was the original owner. It's perfect. Great video!