VIEJO
Member
I am the proud new owner (3rd) of a 1971 R75/5 SWB; prior to this the oldest BMW in my garage was a 1976 R90/6. While this won't be the first time I have ridden a SWB /5 it will be the first time I will be riding one on a fairly/hopefully regular basis. I love the nimbleness of the SWB chassis but I'm forever hearing horror stories (mostly from people who heard them from "someone else") about SWB induced high speed wobbles. When I question the incidents further it always seems the bike had a significant amount of added weight over or behind the rear axle and/or was being ridden/pushed to the limit. Now, I don't believe there has ever been a BMW motorcycle manufactured that didn't ride and handle better with a bit of extra weight added behind the rider, but a little common sense needs to be applied here, especially when you start adding weight behind the rear axle and effectively levering weight off the front axle. BMW test riders did note handling problems with the SWB /5 but only under extreme riding/braking conditions, and after the '71 model year BMW fitted the R75 with an extended wheelbase.
My hope is to keep this bike in its original condition, SWB with a four speed tranny, and ride it in a sensible manner (I have a perfectly serviceable '03 K1200RS in the garage to handle any adrenaline needs that might arise from time to time).
I would be interested in hearing "first hand" opinions regarding the decision to either keep the bike as a SWB or go to the lengthened option... at which point I would probably add a five speed tranny as well.
Thanks,
Dave
My hope is to keep this bike in its original condition, SWB with a four speed tranny, and ride it in a sensible manner (I have a perfectly serviceable '03 K1200RS in the garage to handle any adrenaline needs that might arise from time to time).
I would be interested in hearing "first hand" opinions regarding the decision to either keep the bike as a SWB or go to the lengthened option... at which point I would probably add a five speed tranny as well.
Thanks,
Dave