750cc 1973 BMW “Toaster” R75/5 LWB

The slash-5 series of BMW motorcycles was the first to be produced exclusively in Berlin. Prior to 1969, BMW motorcycles had been manufactured in Munich:

When BMW's managers in Munich started to consider the option to move motorcycle production from Munich in the mid-60s due to the significant increase in car production, 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.

BMW Motorrad started out back then with three new models in the market: the 32-hp R50/5 intended especially for the authorities such as the police, the R60/5 very popular among touring riders with its 42-hp power unit, and, ultimately, the R75/5 featuring a 50-hp flat-twin for sporting riding dynamics, a top speed of 175 km/h or 109 mph, and outstanding sales success in the international market.

With the motorcycle — which, in the 1960s, had been almost forced out of the market by the automobile — starting to re-gain popularity in the early 1970s, production figures at BMW Plant Berlin began to increase rapidly. In 1970 no less than 12,287 units came off the production line and by July 1973, when the /5 model series reached the end of production, a significant volume of 68,956 motorcycles had left the Berlin Plant, production increasing five-fold within just three years. Another highlight celebrated at the time was the completion of the 500,000th BMW motorcycle in the history of the Company.                                 — MCNEWS.COM.AU - The ultimate in motorcycle news

To start with, the best all-’round source on the internet for information on the 1970-1973 “slash-5” BMW motorcycles is: 5united.net.

For the 1970 model year, BMW entered the age of modern motorcycles with three new models having engine capacities of 500cc (R50/5), 600cc (R60/5), and at the top of the line 750cc (R75/5). It stopped production of the last “Slash-2” models, with their Earles forks, kick starters, 6-volt electrical systems, woeful brakes, and frames that descended from prewar BMWs (but bikes that still evoke nostalgic passion in some of us). The new, “Slash-5” series of BMWs offered 12 volts, electrical starters(!) as well as the retained kick starter, telescopic forks, and improved brakes. They also introduced nonmetallic fenders and taillight housings for the first time.

To review a list of all R75/5 engine and chassis numbers arranged by their months of production by BMW, click here. For R60/5s, click here. For R50/5s, click here.

Click on the photo above to see more pictures of this red R75/5.

In 1974, BMW introduced the “Slash-6” models, which offered numerous improvements, most notably disk front brakes, more and better instrumentation, and a five-speed transmission. The fabled “toaster” tank, however, was consigned to the dust bins of history.

C&D BMW-M.V. Augusta, Freeport, Illinois (photo of logo on friction damper below, left), originally sold the black R75/5 shown in the photo at the top of this page. Unfortunately, it went out of business long ago. Frank Stevens, C&D co-owner with Bill Fleming when this bike was originally sold, now is in charge of authority sales for BMW of North America, New Jersey.

Click on the photo to the left to download a large version of the photo suitable to serve as computer wallpaper.

In 1971, at the tender age of 31, I purchased my first R75/5 (right photo, above). Here I am, much skinnier than today, picking it up at the BMW dealer.

Above: There are two versions of mirrors for the “slash-5.” The long mirror, shown on the left, and the short mirror, on the right. The long mirror was intended for low European bars, and the short mirror was intended for high U.S. bars. One “slash-5” rider suggested installing the long mirror on the left of U.S. bars because it gives a better view to the rear and vibrates at different frequencies than the short mirror. This way, one mirror should provide a clear image at all times. Grasping the logic of that argument, I ordered a long left mirror and installed it. Not only was his assessment correct, but I discovered that the long mirror (BMW part no. 51-16-1-230-420) gives a steadier image all the time. Therefore, I have resolved to keep my R75/5 equipped assymmetrically—the way you see it in this photo.

A few riders, such as Mark Weiss, of Chandler, Arizona, even race their R75/5s. Click on the photo to read Mark's story.

To read an internet version of the “slash-5” Owner's Manual, click here or on the owner's manual cover illustrated below. Click on the cover of the parts book to view its internet version. Finally, click on the Workshop Manual cover to view its internet version.

Finally, the R75/5 even made it into the world of diecast and kit models. The photo below shows a diecast by Polistil. The right photo shows a British Airfix R75/5 kit.