Friday Forum Foraging: A Pair Of Vintage BMWs

This is a cool find, especially for vintage BMW heads. Here we have not one, but two BMWs – and the newer one is 50 years old! The first is a 1970 R50/5 and the second is a 1973 R75/6. Both are located in Vermont, and surprisingly, the owner says these were daily riders. In fact, they'll continue to be until someone buys them from him.

As you can see in the description below, both have been restored and maintained, but as you can clearly see in the photos, both show obvious signs of being ridden and definitely are not trailer queens. Both will need a little TLC to get them in optimum working order, but if a full show-quality restoration is what you're after then you'll probably need to look elsewhere. Nonetheless, these are solid bikes with a lot of history and a decent following still today. See the original ad here to contact the seller.

Pair of Vintage BMW Motorcycles 1970 R50/5 and 1973 R75/6

• Year: 1980
• Color: Black
• Mileage: 29,875 Miles
• Location: BARRE, VT, US
• Price: $6,850

Product description

-Two 50 year old Beemers 1970 R50/5 and 1973 R75/6

-Get the best of both short and long wheel bases.

-Enjoy quick, responsive turns and smooth cruising.

-Taller and shorter seat heights.

-Different riding positions.

I am selling this pair of bikes that have been my reliable summer commuter bikes here in Vermont for the last 15 years. I still can’t say which is my favorite. Both put a smile on your face every ride. I have downsized and no longer have the storage. They have been ridden in all weather, including spitting snow and are not garage queens, but true riders bikes. Both have heel kick starters, the R75 a manual choke, the R50 ticklers. Both were restored by the late, famed, antique BMV mechanic David Segal from the Barn at Emerson Motor Works in Rochester, VT. Restorations were in 2006 and 2008. They have been professionally maintained, inspected by Ed Barna of Classic Cycles of Vermont since their restorations. Both VIN and engine numbers match. They have been both happy his and hers and father and son teams.

The R50/5 mileage is 28,974 but still being ridden. Needs rear shock rebuilds. Seat and center stand not stock. No side kick stand, no tool kit, moderate non-structural rust. Some paint chipped.

The R75/6 mileage is 6205 but had new instrument cluster during the rebuild with an estimated 20,000-30,000 miles already on it. Speedometer and odometer not working. Missing one plastic side cover. Seat with old upholstery cracks covered in duct tape. Moderate non-structural rust. Some paint chipped.