The two bikes amongst this conversation are as follows: a 1973 r75/5 and a 1974 r 90/6, both are obviously red and of consecutive years but coincidently as a collective are a milestone for BMW. Our small history lesson begins by explaining the '73 is the last version of the /5 and the '74 is the first version of the /6, two completely different models that in fact shared a lot but also came with some key differences paving a new way for BMW.
The '74 was the first year that the 900cc engine displacement was offered over the '73's 750cc engine, differences in aesthetics, the size of the tanks; the '74 having a smaller tank and differences in the instrument panel. Not much, but enough. Having these bikes in the shop at the same time were great comparison and contrasting visual puzzle pieces - they represent the one of many smooth seams in the evolution and history of BMW Motorcycles.
