LOT 584

1965 BMW 594cc R69S Registration no. EHT 356C Frame no. 660233 Engine no. 660233

Sold for £13,800 inc. premium

Lot 584

1965 BMW 594cc R69S
Registration no. EHT 356C Frame no. 660233 Engine no. 660233

The Spring Sale - The International Classic MotorCycle Show|23 April 2022, 10:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground

1965 BMW 594cc R69S
Registration no. EHT 356C
Frame no. 660233
Engine no. 660233

In the early 1950s BMW concentrated on refining what were essentially pre-war designs, but by 1955 was ready with a brace of new machines: the R50 and R69. Of 500cc and 600cc respectively, the newcomers inherited the updated, flat-twin engine introduced on the R51/3 a few years previously but deployed this in all-new cycle parts, the most notable departures from preceding practice being the Earles-type, leading-link front fork and swing-arm rear suspension enclosing the drive-shaft in the right leg. A luxury tourer capable of over 100mph, the R69 cost as much as a small family car and sold to discerning enthusiasts for whom expense mattered little when set against the excellence of BMW engineering. The R50/69 were produced until the arrival of the slightly more powerful 'S' versions for 1961. The larger of these, the R69S, produced 42bhp and was good for a top speed of around 110mph. "Luxury roadster with superb high-speed performance yet docile traffic manners; magnificent steering, roadholding and brakes," was Motor Cycle magazine's verdict.

A lovely unmolested example, this highly original R69S was purchased by the vendor in 1966 and has covered only some 5,000-or-so miles, most of them on three trips to the Isle of Man TT races. Presented in 'oily rag' condition, the machine will require re-commissioning before further use (the engine turns over). Offered with an old-style V5C document.
Offered with key

Footnotes

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding

Saleroom notices

The V5C is in transit.

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