BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

I am looking at a couple used bikes. One is a 1986 K75c with 19,500 miles with the second owner of 4 years selling it. The second bike is a 1976 R 75/6 with 43,000 miles and the number of owners is a question. I have yet to test ride or look at either in person. I still have not talked to the owner of the 1976 R75/6. I like the look of the K75c and what I read about its smooth engine. My wife likes the vintage appeal of the R75/6. She is not interested in operating the bike but prefers to be a passenger. She is just starting to get interested in riding with me. She has been on my R1150R three or so times and is convinced it is not the comfortable ride she is seeking. She likes the level seat of the R 75/6. I have a Bill Mayer seat on my r1150 and the rear seat sits higher. I on the other hand prefer the more modern / sport bike look/feel over the vintage look. If it were up to me I would go for the K75c no question. What do you all think? I would like input.
Also what should I look for when I go check these bikes out?

I have an '86 K75C and it has been a great bike! 80+k miles and still running strong. It is smooth and a great 2 up bike. I've also owned and still have several airheads.

Part of the decision would depend on how you intend to use the bike. A Sunday short trip bike, it would be fun. They are smooth but do have a vintage ride, suspension, power and brakes. People still take trips on some of them but not as much as they used to. It will not be as comfortable for your wife for long rides. It will require some tinkering just due to the age. If you like to tinker/work on bikes get the Airhead. They are simple to work on and lots of used parts around. And I enjoy riding mine but for a long trip I'd take my K75 and be just as comfortable as on my RR.

The K75 is pretty much change the oil, gas and ride. And it is suitable for trips. It is more top heavy than your RR and you will feel it at first. You will get used to it and it does not effect the ride/handling too much when you get going. I kept mine when I got the RR and it will stay in the stable unless I get where I can't ride. If I needed cash and had to sell all but one bike, I'd probably sell the RR because I'd get more $$ and could still do anything I needed on the K.

If the bikes are good mechanically you'll enjoy either, just depends on what you want to do with it.

Both are good bikes with different character. I had a K75S as a short term bridge between my GS and Roadster. A good bike but failed clutch splines left me on the side of the road to be towed, leaving a bad taste in my mouth. The only BMW of 5 that had to be towed. I would budget some mechanic time to pull the tranny and greased the clutch splines!

It will backfire when you back off the throttle hard also! Sometimes embarassing! But it was a good ride and solid machine.

That said, if the R75 was in good shape, I would get it. Some BMW purists say the airhead 750s were the best machine they made! Easy to work on and nothing sounds as good to me as a good ole airhead!

Of course, many say the K75 was the best; or some the R69; or the R80GS . . . . So many bikes, so little money!

And I still say it. I own a /6 and a 2004 Rockster. Now I won't fool ya, if I had to pick one I'm keeping the Rockster but the airhead is good, solid , reliable, vintage bike fun. Its simple for a backyard, accountant mechanic to maintain and will probably be around to drag the last oilhead to the graveyard.

In its current version, I have a sidecar on it. Big fun.

Brownw3 wrote:...and will probably be around to drag the last oilhead to the graveyard.

Love it!

will probably be around to drag the last oilhead to the graveyard

Probably true! The oilheads are great bikes but eventually the computer or some other electronic whiz bang will give up the ghost, while the 'simple by choice' airhead will keep on purring. If I were to get a vintage bike, it would be a R75!

How's this:


It still gets out to a few rallys a year. If it stops, you can fix it with a stick and a big rock.
Unlike it's grandson that if it stops, just dial 1-800-help me.

Love the shot of the two machines together!

Is that a set of Dunstalls on the R75?????

I had two sets of them on my old R75/5 and they sounded FANTASTIC!

To the poster who was asking about comfort level on seats for his wife- the people who had rides on both my R75 and my R1150 prefered the R75
for comfort and room. I've had passengers fall asleep (or perhaps pass out..) back there.

They are wide awake on the 1150!

Thanks all for the input. Sounds like both have their advantages. The photo of the R90s and the r1200 is a real sales pitch! They look great together. Also good to know the /6 is comfortable. I like that the K75c is a good all arounder. The decision is no easier but it helps to hear preferences from other Roadster owners. Time will tell. Thanks again.