'72 Toaster

Just got a '72 R75/5 Toaster tank, now in sequence my 5th BMW, but going backwards in age! Press on these SWB bikes suggests that they have high speed handling issues, wobbling, etc. Anyone have experience r.e. this? Also, who knows which brackets and bags fit the SWB, e.g., do other models and years fit? Thanks. Good to be here!

103947 said:

Just got a '72 R75/5 Toaster tank, now in sequence my 5th BMW, but going backwards in age! Press on these SWB bikes suggests that they have high speed handling issues, wobbling, etc. Anyone have experience r.e. this? Also, who knows which brackets and bags fit the SWB, e.g., do other models and years fit? Thanks. Good to be here!

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My 1970 R60/5 was stable up to at least 90 mph. I think that is the fastest I remember ever going with it. What is "SWB"?

Welcome to the forum! SWB stands for short wheelbase. The first /5s up to about mid-year on the '73 models had a shortened swingarm. They then welded in a 50mm spacer and at some point manufactured a longer swingarm. The specs are wheelbase of 2100mm which became 2150.

The wobble issue appears to be real. Duane Ausherman was leading the issue with this and was the go-to guy when he had his dealership on the west coast. You can read about things here:

http://w6rec.com/testing-bmw-motorcycle-for-wobbles/

Plus his own little "controversy"

http://w6rec.com/a-wobble-controversy/

The suspension/geometry must be near perfect nick in order to avoid the problems.

bags and brackets

Numerous bags fit the SWB models. The brackets should be designed for the SWB subframe. Some universal brackets may fit. You might want to go to the BMW slash5 united site to look at all the bags posted there using that tag.

SWB vrs LWB

The SWB stands for a "Short Wheel Base" bike, shorter rear swing arm and seat, The LWB "Long Wheel Base" has a slightly longer, about 3 inches swing arm. Some say the SWB gets squirrely at higher speeds, that may be so but its an individual feel for the bike. One thing that does affect the handling of any motorcycle is the weight in aftermarket items you add on like fairings bags and other things.

Lew has excellent pictures of the 50mm difference between the SWB and LWB swing arms:

https://forums.bmwmoa.org/showthrea...ng-Wheelbase&p=1049013&viewfull=1#post1049013