BMW R60/5 52k original miles

History of the /5 series:

Hans-Gunther von der Marwitz was the driving force behind the “new” /5 motorcycles. He is primarily responsible for creating one of the most enduring classics, the roots of his work would go one with upgrades until 1995.

An experienced engineer having previously worked for Porsche and Kreidler, he was a motorcycle road racer with a love for the “boy racer” AJS 7R and Manx Norton, both of which had telescopic forks and full cradle duplex frames. Make a mental note of that. Marwitz, charged with revitalizing the dropping sales of BMW motorcycles at a point in time when BMW’s car sales were about to take off, decided only a wholesale “modernization” would do. Thus he produced a cradle frame, telescopic forks and a complete re-style — plus an increase in capacity to 750, the first since the military R75 from 1942-1944 — for the /5. Updating the signature boxer twin was left to Alex von Falkenhausen and Ferdinand Jardin. Influenced by their car technology, a new plain bearing crankshaft was designed that was robust, bulletproof, and cost-effective.

“Chrome side panels attached to a smaller tank matched by chrome-plated side battery covers soon earned the nickname ‘Toaster’ because of their ‘similarity in appearance to the kitchen appliance.’”

THIS BIKE’S HISTORY (“Dorothy”)

This bike was produced in November 1971 and sold from the original dealer Bill’s Cycle shop in Chittenango, NY on June 6th, 1972.

The first owner seems to have taken an epic first ride on “Dorothy”, as the next reported service is only one month later (7/72 ) in Caldwell, Idaho by Dillon Cycle Sales, now showing 4,072 miles on the clock.

One year and 7,000 more miles, we pick up this much loved BMW back at Bill’s Cycle shop in July of 1973 for the 12k (12,166) mile service.

It looks like the first owner then just rode Dorothy leisurely for the next year as the next service 16k (16,600) was again performed at Bill’s Cycle Shop in May of 1974

Now showing 46,135 miles the second owner, Mr. Eyassu M. of Houston, TX. who then moves to Colorado, has this well cared for bike serviced by Peak performance Powersports in April of 2015

The third owner 2015-2017 Chris C. of Golden, Co really ramps the services up and at this point the bike is believed to have a Vetter Wind Jammer attached to her. It looks as if Chris rode Dorothy all the way to Florida as BMW shop “Hucky’s BMW’ of Vero Beach, Fl does the next service on her. Multiple services are done during Chris’s ownership including a spline lube.

The last steward, and long time client of mine, Randell B. continued to take care of Dorothy, under his ownership from 2017-2021 Randell replaces many of the worn components, the exhaust is completely replaced, the seat is recovered and he continues to ride and take care of this 52k mile survivor.

Moto Borgotaro has completed a thorough inspection and complied all known history to present this BMW, while we can never be certain of all work and originality, there is enough supporting documentation to state that the bike is in excellent mechanical condition, and most if not all parts are original to the bike.

Why Dorothy? Well, Chittenango is a village located in Madison County, NY, and the birthplace of beloved author L. Frank Baum writer of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.