R50/60/75/80/90/100 5 series onwards

498-997cc OHV flat twin || 430lb || 85mph || 1969-1984 Introduced in 1969 with the 5 series, these twins brought BMW up to date and looked ahead of their time, despite the heritage of the engine. They had refinements like indicators, 12v electrics, Bing CV carbs and electric starts (backed up with kick-starts until the mid-1970s). The 5-7 series lost the R50 first, the R75 was replaced by the R80, and they were joined later in the day by the R100/7, a big bruiser of a motorcycle that handles surprisingly well given its weight, though the single disc is certain to make life more exciting. The R90 or R100/7, along with most of these twins, is still the kind of motorcycle you could jump on with a few hours’ notice and be in St Tropez in 48 hours later.

Prices

low £1000 || high £7000