Description
BMW debuted their new line of / 2 bikes at the Brussels Motor Show in 1955, The R50 alongside their new R60 and R69. The R60 displaced 600cc and made 28 bhp. All three bikes featured a new frame with leading-link Earles front forks in place of telescopic forks, and a rear swing arm suspension with dual adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers rather than “plunger” rear shocks. The hard-tail rear end was retained so that use with a sidecar was still possible.
Fun fact: Prior to the three- and four-cylinder K-series, “R” was the BMW designation for all motorcycles. It stands for “Rad,” a German abbreviation for “motorrad,” which translates to “motorbike.” The numbers generally represent rough cubic centimeter designations (i. e., “R60” would be a 600cc motorcycle), and the “/ 2” designation denotes twin-cylinder engines.)
Very complete bike. Engine starts and runs, Transmission shifts through all gears, clutch functions, brakes front and rear function, suspension front and rear functions, wheel bearings roll freely, steering head bearings are smooth, tires are dry rotted. Running and brake lights function as intended, speedometer functions. Air cooled twin cylinder boxer (opposed) 594 cc OHV engine, would send this cycle to a top speed of 94 mph when new, hitting 60 MPH in 8. 8 sec., which was really sprinting for 1956! Shaft drive, the hallmark of BMW cycles. Odometer shows just 63, 000 miles. First year for the 4 speed transmission on this bike. Bimmers, whether they have two wheels or four, have always been the classy way to roll, and the bike in the famous book, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” was an R60.
