There was a time when riding a late-model BMW motorcycle meant you not only had the money to afford an expensive motorcycle, but were prepared to spend it, even if that bike was not the fastest or most powerful beast out there.
This was very much the case for the /6 series boxer twins from the marque’s Berlin plant. For example, the 1975 R75/6 you see here would have cost $2875 new, compared to $1895 for the equivalent Honda CB750-Four.
Where the Honda had four cylinders and claimed around 60 horsepower, the BMW had 50. While the Honda was chain-driven, the BMW had a shaft.
For the typical buyer of the period, the BMW represented a serious investment with great touring credentials and enough pace to cross the country at a respectable clip.
This generation was offered in 600cc, 750cc and 900cc form, with the star of the line-up being the sporty R90S.
Many folk, however, were perfectly content with the 750, which back then was still regarded as a big motorcycle.
Power came from a 749cc boxer twin with pushrod valve actuation from the single camshaft located under the crankshaft. It maxed out with 50hp at 6200rpm and claimed 60Nm torque at 5000. Top speed was 180km/h. That lot weighed 210 kilos, fully fuelled.
The most notable technical advancement over the preceding /5 series was the adoption of disc front brakes. Standard they had just one disc up front, but this example has a popular period modification with the addition of a second.
Relatively gentle suspension rates with generous travel means the series provides a comfortable if not particularly sharp ride. However, the steering is predictable enough and the overall stability is good.
Performance leans towards long-legged touring, rather than dramatic acceleration. Fuel consumption can be as low as 20km/lt, which means you get a decent range from the 18lt tank.
One great virtue of these machines is they can be maintained by a moderately competent owner at minimal cost.
These days their appeal is they are a comfortable and reliable classic that can be ridden long distances with confidence.
1983 BMW R100RS
Donington Auctions
Date: February 23, 2025
Sold for: $9050
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
The r100RS was one of the most expensive motorcycles available in the early 1980s. And despite retaining a relatively unsophisticated engine, it could still match any other sport-touring motorcycle. The weight was a moderate 210kg, and the combination of a large 24-litre fuel tank, long-travel suspension and enveloping fairing made it an incomparable road burner.
The nine-piece fairing design was so advanced that it still continues as a benchmark in motorcycle fairing efficiency. But there was more to the R100RS than an efficient fairing. The engine was bored to 94mm to provide 980cc, and with larger valves, the power went up to 70 horsepower at 7250rpm.
Even today an R100RS is a highly competent sport touring motorcycle, one eminently suited to potholed modern highways and over enforced speed limits. The R100RS was another BMW masterpiece. Easy to maintain and reliable, the R100RS is a bargain classic.
This example, number 374 of 500, carries an 11/83 compliance plate and is one of an estimated 20 sold in Australia.
1952 ARIEL RED HUNTER 500
Donington Auctions
Date: February 23, 2025
Sold for: $14,150
Visit: doningtonauctions.com.au
James Stanley and William Hillman began manufacturing bicycles and associated parts in the late 19th Century before moving on to construct a quadricycle powered by a De Dion engine mounted in the rear. A tricycle with the engine repositioned up front followed in 1899 and Ariel began building two-wheeled machines just three years later, initially using Kerry engines.
After changing hands in 1905 when Charles Sangster took a controlling interest, Ariel developed a new lightweight two-stroke designated the Arielette.
The talented Edward Turner joined the firm in the inter-war period and proposed a radical new design, the Square Four and it was approved for production by Sangster’s son Jack, who was now running the company, in 1931.
The air-cooled overhead camshaft Square Four was joined by a more conventional ohv 500cc single in 1932, the first in the long-running Red Hunter series.
Designed by Val Hunter, the Red Hunter became the firm’s best-selling motorcycle in the post-war period, aided by numerous successes in trials, scrambles and road racing.