1969 BMW R 75/5 Specifications

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1969 BMW R 75/5 Overview

BMW R 75/5 is an all-round motorcycle, displacing 745 cc. Power comes from a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.0:1. On the performance side, it delivers 36.8 kW /50 hp @ 6200 rpm of peak power and 60 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. On the road, the 1969 R 75/5 tips the scales at 210 kg and carries a 24-litre fuel tank. The full 1969 BMW R 75/5 spec sheet below covers every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1969 R 75/5 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: With 36.8 kW /50 hp @ 6200 rpm and 60 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque on tap, the R 75/5 is no slouch for its class.
  • Large fuel range: A 24-litre tank means fewer stops on longer rides - a genuine plus for touring or a lengthy daily commute.
  • Low-maintenance final drive: Running Shaft final drive cuts out the regular chain cleaning and tensioning that most bikes need.

Considerations

  • Carburetor fuelling: Expect to spend more time keeping the carbs in tune, especially after long storage periods or a change in altitude.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Because the R 75/5 relies on airflow rather than a coolant jacket, expect noticeably more radiant heat at low speed and in traffic. It's inherent to air cooling, and ventilated gear largely offsets it.

Carburetor maintenance

Carburetors on the R 75/5 need periodic attention - pilot jets and float needles are the first parts to gum up after the bike sits, and the first thing to check if idle or throttle response degrades.

Suspension condition on used examples

The R 75/5's suspension runs Telescopic hydraulic forks at the front. The rear uses Long swinging arm with strut. 125mm wheel travel. Fork-seal condition and rear linkage play are the two things worth checking before buying used.

Final drive maintenance

The R 75/5 uses shaft final drive: essentially maintenance-free day to day, with periodic gear-oil changes the only real service item.

R 75/5 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

Before handing over money for a used 1969 BMW R 75/5, cover the fundamentals: service book and oil change history, chain and sprocket wear, and any sign of oil weeping around the casings. Cold-starting it yourself tells you a lot - a healthy R 75/5 should catch quickly and settle into a smooth idle.

Oil and filter changes

Nothing protects a R 75/5's engine like disciplined oil changes - stay on the manufacturer's schedule (roughly every 6,000 km or annually). Match the viscosity grade to what the owner's manual specifies, not what's cheapest.

Carburetor upkeep

Deposits in the carbs are the usual culprit behind poor running on a stored R 75/5 - strip and clean the float bowls before the first start. Pilot jets clog first and get overlooked most, so make a point of checking them.

1969 BMW R 75/5 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1969 BMW R 75/5 have?
The 1969 BMW R 75/5 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 745 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 1969 BMW R 75/5 weigh?
The 1969 BMW R 75/5 weighs 210 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1969 BMW R 75/5 make?
The 1969 BMW R 75/5 produces 36.8 kW /50 hp @ 6200 rpm of power and 60 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1969 BMW R 75/5?
The 1969 BMW R 75/5 has a 24-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 400-480 km between stops.
What brakes does the 1969 BMW R 75/5 have?
The 1969 BMW R 75/5 uses 200mm Drum at the front and 200mm Drum at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1969 BMW R 75/5 use?
The 1969 BMW R 75/5 runs 3.25 - S19 front and 4 - S18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1969 BMW R 75/5 have?
The 1969 BMW R 75/5 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

36.8 kW /50 hp @ 6200 rpm

Torque

60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44 ft lb @ 5000 rpm

Top Speed

Not published by manufacturer

Weight

210 kg / 463 lbs

Fuel Capacity

24 Litres / 6.3 US gal

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Full 1969 BMW R 75/5 Specifications

Year 1969
Make Model BMW R 75/5
Fuel Capacity 24 Litres / 6.3 US gal
Wet Weight 210 kg / 463 lbs
Max Power 36.8 kW /50 hp @ 6200 rpm
Max Torque 60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44 ft lb @ 5000 rpm
Displacement 745 cc / 45.5 cu in.
Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.
Bore x Stroke 82 x 70.6 mm
Compression Ratio 9.0:1
Cooling System Air cooled
Fuel Induction 2 x Bing constant depression carbutetors
Ignition Battery ignition
Starter Electric
Final Drive Shaft
Transmission / Drive 4 Speed
Suspension - Front Telescopic hydraulic forks
Suspension - Rear Long swinging arm with strut. 125mm wheel travel
Wheel Travel - Front 208 mm / 8.2"
Wheel Travel - Rear 125 mm / 4.9"
Brakes - Front 200mm Drum
Brakes - Rear 200mm Drum
Tyres - Front 3.25 - S19
Tyres - Rear 4.00 - S18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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