1971 BMW R75/5 – 159 Original Miles

National Award Winning Show Bike (99.75 Points)

Concours Investment ~ A True Time Capsule

With just 159 original miles, documented provenance, multiple award-winning AMCA judging results, and restoration work performed by one of the East Coast's most respected BMW experts, this is quite simply the finest R75/5 available anywhere.

If you've been searching for the absolute best example money can buy, you found it.

Provenance That Sets It Apart

This motorcycle comes from the private collection of Ted Smith, a highly respected BMW restoration specialist whose work has earned an outstanding reputation among collectors and enthusiasts throughout the East Coast. We have previously sold several motorcycles from Ted's collection, each representing an extraordinary level of quality and authenticity.

Due to health concerns, he has made the difficult decision to part with the remainder of his collection, giving another enthusiast the opportunity to own one of his masterpieces.

AMCA Judging Excellence

The quality of this motorcycle isn't simply our opinion—it has been independently verified through multiple Antique Motorcycle Club of America judging events.

• 2018: Scored 98 points, with only minor deductions for details such as an incorrect valve stem cap.

• Ted corrected every noted item and returned.

• Second judging: 99.5 points

• Unsatisfied with anything less than perfection, Ted refined the bike even further and presented it once more.

• Final AMCA Score: 99.75 Points

The only deduction? A quarter-point for age-related patina.

Considering this BMW is over five decades old, that achievement is remarkable and speaks volumes about its originality and preservation.

Exceptional Originality

This BMW has been meticulously preserved and sympathetically detailed rather than over-restored.

Features include:

• Only 159 original miles

• Original matching engine and chassis

• Original carburetors

• Original exhaust system

• Original factory components throughout

• Factory-correct finishes and hardware

• Show-quality cosmetic condition

• Mechanically perfect and ready to ride or display

Ted completely disassembled the motorcycle, carefully cleaned and polished every component while preserving its authentic factory appearance and original character.

Unlike many restored motorcycles, this machine retains the look and feel of a virtually new 1971 BMW.

Professional Paintwork

The only significant cosmetic work performed was a professional repaint to factory standards.

Documentation includes a $3,146 receipt from Holt BMW, covering:

• Professional paintwork

• Two genuine BMW fuel tank knee pads

• Two genuine BMW tank emblems

• Two new BMW fuel petcocks

Beyond those carefully documented improvements, this motorcycle remains astonishingly original.

Museum-Quality Presentation

Everything functions exactly as BMW intended.

The engine starts effortlessly, idles smoothly, shifts beautifully, and rides exactly as a virtually new R75/5 should.

The Metzeler tires appear virtually new and complement the motorcycle's extraordinary preservation. Whether they are original or period replacements, they present beautifully alongside the rest of this exceptional machine.

From every angle, this BMW represents concours-level presentation suitable for:

• Serious BMW collections

• Museum display

• Investment portfolios

• National concours competition

• Premier vintage motorcycle events

Why the R75/5 Matters

The BMW /5 series introduced an entirely new generation of motorcycles and helped establish BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, reliability, and long-distance touring capability.

The R75/5 remains one of the most desirable classic BMWs ever produced thanks to its:

• 745cc air-cooled boxer twin

• Smooth shaft-drive drivetrain

• Timeless styling

• Legendary durability

• Outstanding ride quality

• Strong collector demand

Finding one with 159 documented original miles, extraordinary provenance, and 99.75-point AMCA judging is extraordinarily rare.

Museum-quality condition

• Concours-level presentation

• Investment-grade collector motorcycle

Please review all photographs carefully on our website at www.kaplancycles.com, as they are an important part of the description. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us. We will gladly discuss the motorcycle in detail with serious bidders. call us during business hours at 860-454-7024

Good luck, thank you for your interest, and may the best bidder win.

God Bless America.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.