As far as ratio's were concerned I had heard, years ago when I used to frequent the Boxerworks forum, that the 4th gear in a 4 speed transmission was not that much different from 5th in a 5 speed transmission.
And it was the oppinion of some that the 5 speed transmission was an unnecessary bow to pressure for having the then fashionable '5 speed'...I.e. it was not really required, but since everybody else had one.....etc. Not only that but the 4 speed was built from the outset with the kickstart in mind. Whereas the 5 speed, the kickstart was an afterthought that was a good way of 'introducing iron filings to your trans fluid'. Also the 5 speed kick start did not have the throw to really do the job of turning the engine over efficiently.
This is of course conjecture/hearsay on my part as I have never owned a 4 speed or a 5 speed with a kicker.
I have also heard that 4 speed kicker gearboxes are sought after, as there is the option of dropping the electric boot and all the weight that the bosch starter brings with it whilst still having the option of a reliable starter for the 'special' builder.
I feel that an R60 is a good buy, if you are looking for a bike with the period drum brake font end and spoked wheels, when compared to an R75/5. You can still upgun it if you want and you will still save a sack of cash left over when comparing it to the price you will have to pay for a standard R75/5. If you are not that hung up with the originality aspects.
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