Why are they called Toasters?

[sportsguy]

I keep seeing older (maybe it's only certain model years?) units referred to as "Toasters".

Why that nickname?

...because the cylinder heads "toast" your feet/ankles?

...or is it the shape of the engine block?

 

[kbasa]

I keep seeing older (maybe it's only certain model years?) units referred to as "Toasters".

Why that nickname?

...because the cylinder heads "toast" your feet/ankles?

...or is it the shape of the engine block?

The 1973 R75/5 was called a "toaster tank" because of the chrome panels BMW attached to the sides of the fuel tank. I'm pretty sure that was 1973, but I'm sure one of the true Airheads here can help me out.

 

[barryg]

'72 was the first year for the toaster tank /5s. Only the small tank got the crome tank inserts. '72 and '73 also got the crome side covers. Back in the day a lot of the BMW enthusiasts thought they were garish and didn't fit the marque image. Now their considered cool and quaint.

 

[sportsguy]

Makes perfect sense - thanks guys.

 

[dlearl476]

I heard (read) a rumor somewhere that the high bars/chrome sides and perhaps a different gear ratio were the result of BMW (or Butler) consulting Harley Earl, king of chrome.

 

[130253]

I thought that I read/was told that they were called "toasters" because the chromed panel reminded one of a bread toaster, thus the name.

 

[20774]

I thought that I read/was told that they were called "toasters" because the chromed panel reminded one of a bread toaster, thus the name.

That's basically correct. Read this wikipedia page created by our own Jeff Dean:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_R75/5

Read the second paragraph.

Kurt in S.A.

 

[pmdave]

Many BMW purchasers back in 1971- 1972 thought the chrome tank covers were so ugly they immediately removed them and either discarded or converted to something useful such as a barbeque pan. Sort of the 1972 version of the DDS ugly "Edsel" style headlights of today.

The chrome panel was secured by clips at the rear and the ceramic-finished roundel at the front. Snugging down the screws usually fractured the ceramic at the edges. However, much classier than today's roundel sitckies.

After 20 or 30 years, people started restoring old R75 airheads, and found the supply of "toaster" chrome tank and battery covers had dried up. So, when you see a toaster R75 today, it's either an original cover that came with the bike, or a replacement found after a tedious search mission. Same for engine model badges on the starter cover, but that's another story.

pmdave

 

[pmdave]

1972 (but built in 1971) R75/5 "toaster"