My son just picked up a '74 R90/6. It is not running and we haven't started working on it yet. I have a '76 R90/6. The question: My '76 has the conventional looking electric control switches, i.e., rockers for the turn signals, paddle for the high beam, etc. His '74 has totally different controls. Each side has a flipper switch that apparently you can push in. Since it isn't up and running and doesn't even have a battery in it yet I can't tell what is what. I'm sure if I spent all night google-ing it I could find the answer but....anyone wanna clue me in?
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1974 R90/6 Hand Controls: WTH?
- Thread starter banzaibob
- Start date
dennisdarrow
#4869 Earned Lifetime mem
The early 74's had the black controls, kinda bakelite plastic, with the larger (cooler) clutch and brake levers......The push buttons were the horn and starter.........I don't remember which; but the side on the left I think was the starter and the little levers and that control are the high and low beams with the high beam flasher going down........the right side, is the horn and turn signals up and down...........
I am sure someone will correct the starter and horn sides; but that is basically it.....For me, I really like them as they are rebuildable and the levers are great because of their "knobiness"..............God bless......Dennis
I am sure someone will correct the starter and horn sides; but that is basically it.....For me, I really like them as they are rebuildable and the levers are great because of their "knobiness"..............God bless......Dennis
There is...just have to reach over the bars and turn the key on the headlight bucket...always a smooth operation
My /5 and /6 have the same controls
74 hand controls
Sure there is a dedicated "kill switch". Twist the right handgrip to maximum and head toward a large solid object of your choice.
If you mean there is no dedicated "engine cut off switch" on your 74 model, you are correct as most of the 74's were still equipped with the /5 controls. Updated switch gear was fitted to the 75 and 76 /6 models.
Friedle
riding is a mental activity that involves some physical skills
Sure there is a dedicated "kill switch". Twist the right handgrip to maximum and head toward a large solid object of your choice.
If you mean there is no dedicated "engine cut off switch" on your 74 model, you are correct as most of the 74's were still equipped with the /5 controls. Updated switch gear was fitted to the 75 and 76 /6 models.
Friedle
riding is a mental activity that involves some physical skills
I'll have to look again...too many numbers to recall right now. The 74 does have the lengthened weld visible swingarm. My /5 is a 9/72
Edit: /6 is stamped 7/74 and has one piece pan. I'm second owner of both and had a pretty good history of them being left as they came...except for the saddle and a Siedenbrock upgrade on the /5, which is also blue like your pic.
Edit: /6 is stamped 7/74 and has one piece pan. I'm second owner of both and had a pretty good history of them being left as they came...except for the saddle and a Siedenbrock upgrade on the /5, which is also blue like your pic.
m_stock10506
Well-known member
'74 Hand Controls
You have the photo and diagram, but the Right push button is the starter and the Left push button is the horn.
Even though they look just like the /5 controls, the 1974 controls are unique to the 1974 /6. There is a unique part number for the /6 left side control (Horn, headlight - High, Low, Flash). I am not sure about the right side control (Starter, left, right signal), it may be different from the /5 or may be the same.
You have the photo and diagram, but the Right push button is the starter and the Left push button is the horn.
Even though they look just like the /5 controls, the 1974 controls are unique to the 1974 /6. There is a unique part number for the /6 left side control (Horn, headlight - High, Low, Flash). I am not sure about the right side control (Starter, left, right signal), it may be different from the /5 or may be the same.
From the /5 manual. #6 - Left control (dimmer, horn, passing light); #10 - right control (turn signals and starter).
Attachments
Like most BMW's, the '74 was transition model. Last year all models got the kickstart. As noted it got the /5 type switch's, and polished aluminum turn signals. Some got the polished aluminum gas cap. The only year where the bikes came with solid disk brake rotors. I think a lot of the finished hardware was chrome plated. 1st year with a 5 speed gearbox. Like Chris said new key ignition. All in all, kinda neat. Definently old school like me. 
lkchris
Active member
This is like saying you're surprised it had tube-type tires.
It's a 40-year old motorcycle ... the '75s were the first BMWs with a kill switch. When do you suppose HDs got them?
You may find '74 was the last BMW with the front brake light switch on the handlebar, too ... at least until '81 when it returned.
None of this is amazing.
Kickstarter remained available throughout the life of Airheads, just became optional after '74 ... except on the R80G/S, where it was standard. It also probably wasn't optional on the '79 R100RT with the heel/toe shifter.
