The Samba Commission
Technical Specification
Year 1972
Model R75
Displacement 1000cc (61 cu in)
Power 70hp (45kW)
Torque 56 ft⋅lbf (76 N⋅m) @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission 4 Speed
Forks USD Ohlins FGRT
Alternator Silent Hektik 12 V • 400 Watts
Spark Plugs Bosch WR6DC
Fuel Tank 6.3 US gal (24 l; 5.2 imp gal)
Tires Metzler Racetec 110/90 18 front • 130/90 18 rear
Rims SUN 2.50x18 front • 3.50x18 rear
This bike started life as a dilapidated 1972 BMW R75/5. It was donated to us by knowledgable chap that knew it was too far gone for him to entertain. We love rescuing bikes like this and it keeps the purists at bay knowing that we saved one from the crusher.
We tore it down to the frame, removed the factory tabs and re-welded the gussets. A hand-formed subframe was fabricated to accompany the original main frame, then everything was sent out to be refinished in a military grade gloss black powdercoat.
The front end comprises Ohlins FGRT USD forks, a spectacular pair of Brembo GP4 brake calipers, tied together with a custom machined wheel hub and factory BMW axle. The geometry is based on a 2017 BMW R Nine T, adapted to suit the airhead frame and 18” rim. A custom machined triple tree mounts the forks to the frame seamlessly, whilst hand fabricated headlight brackets, which emulate the original style, slip over the large forks and attache the factory /5 headlight bucket to the front end.
Rear suspension is handled by a pair of fully adjustable Ohlins Black Line shocks. Suspension upgrades combined with the original short wheel base swingarm make for a nimble and agile ride, comparable to a modern street bike.
The over-sized rear wheel has been laced offset to clear the driveshaft, and large enough to wear a Metzler Racetec Race Tire.
A custom front hub is laced to an 18” SUN rim anodized black with stainless steel spokes. The rear utilizes the factory rear hub, converted to modern sealed bearings and laced to a 18 x 3.5” SUN rim, laced offset to fit the oversized tires. The gas tank, front fender and headlight bucket are finished in Antique Bronze Metallic Glasurit paint and wears our signature roundels. Pinstripes are hand painted in Avus Black in the original style.
Engine guards have been modified to mount Marchal Auxiliary driving lights with amber bulbs. The bodies have been color matched in Antique Bronze Metallic and the lights are operated via the high beam switch on the handlebar.
