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LOT 419 *N

c.1968 BMW R50/2 Registration no. LEV NC 90 (DE) Frame no. 686848 (see text) Engine no. 646848

Sold for £9,775 inc. premium

c.1968 BMW R50/2
Registration no. LEV NC 90 (DE)
Frame no. 686848 (see text)
Engine no. 646848

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 494cc and 594cc 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 an Earles-type leading-link front fork and swinging-arm rear suspension enclosing the driveshaft in the right leg - developments first seen on the works racers.

The applied headstock identity plaque shows frame number '646848'. Furthermore, the headstock itself is stamped with two frame numbers: the first illegible (possibly '646848)', and the second (clear stamping) '686848'. According to BMW Archives, the frame number should be '646848', as '686...' is outside the number range. This machine was delivered to the police in Krefeld in 1968 (the green colour is correct for such a police motorcycle). An older restoration (date and details unknown) that still presents well, the BMW has clearly not been used for a considerable period of time and will require careful recommissioning, or potentially more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot. Offered with key.

Footnotes

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, Shippio Ltd, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If this vehicle is to stay in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the standard rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Motorcycles department [email protected] +44 (0) 20 8963 2817.



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.

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This Lot will be auctioned on Sunday 13 October starting at 11am GMT.

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  • 12 October 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 BST
  • 13 October 2024, 09:00 - 17:00 BST

Lot symbols

*Import low rate
VAT on imported items at a preferential rate of 5% on Hammer Price and the prevailing rate on Buyer's Premium.
NNOVA declaration
If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.

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