The 1972 BMW R75/5 represents a pivotal revolution in German motorcycle manufacturing, serving as the flagship model of the completely redesigned "/5" series. Serving to modernize the brand's post-war image, this 745cc boxer-twin blended traditional reliability with high-speed touring capability. It was explicitly designed during an era when highway networks expanded globally, demanding motorcycles that could easily cruise at sustained freeway speeds.

1972 was the first year of the optional 15-liter “Toaster Tank” and is represented here. This particular motorcycle belongs to former Arizona Representative Gabbie Giffords. Before her political career and marriage to Senator Mark Kelly, she was an avid motorcyclist, ripping around Scripps College on her Lambretta scooter and later racing a two-stroke Yamaha. Ms. Giffords purchased this R75/5 locally with the intention of riding it to Argentina. It was lovingly kept and ridden, but never made it to South America as her life became so very full of other accomplishments. Following a superficial restoration in 2016 the bike has since been displayed more than ridden, but remains cherished.

Historical Significance & Evolution

• The Berlin Relocation: Launched for the 1970 model year, the /5 series marked the historic shift where BMW completely moved its motorcycle manufacturing from Munich to Berlin-Spandau to free up automobile production capacity.

• The Modernization Leap: Breaking away from older utility designs, the R75/5 introduced standard 12-volt electronics, a reliable electric starter, and a combined speedometer/tachometer instrumentation bucket integrated into the headlight housing.

• The Toaster Tank Era: The 1972 model year holds special significance for introducing the iconic, rectangular 15-liter fuel tank adorned with bright chrome side-panels, affectionately nicknamed the "Toaster Tank" by motorcycle preservationists.

Production Run

1970–1973 (This vehicle represents the definitive styling height of the /5 series)

Total Units Built

38,370

Serial Range

Chassis & Engine Nos. 2,970,001 through 3,000,000 (with extension blocks)

Original MSRP

Approx. $2,100 USD (Varies slightly based on original tank styling selections)

Technical Specifications

Engine & Powertrain

• Engine Type: 745cc air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed boxer two-cylinder (pushrod OHV, two valves per cylinder)

• Performance: 50 horsepower @ 6,200 RPM and 43 ft-lbf of torque @ 5,000 RPM

• Bore & Stroke: 82 mm x 70.6 mm (9.0:1 compression ratio)

• Drivetrain: 4-speed foot-shifted manual gearbox with a low-maintenance enclosed shaft final drive

Chassis & Performance

• Suspension: Lightweight tubular double-cradle steel frame equipped with a hydraulically damped telescopic front fork (8.5 inches of travel) and a twin-shock rear swingarm

• Braking System: 200 mm internal expanding drum brakes (dual-leading shoe front, single-leading shoe rear)

• Curb Weight: 205 kg to 210 kg (452 lbs to 463 lbs) fully fueled

• Fuel Capacity: 17-liter or 24-liter standard touring tanks (or the 15-liter chrome "Toaster" tank variant introduced for 1972)

• Top Speed: 175 km/h (110 mph)