c.1973 BMW 599cc R60/5 Racing Motorcycle

Please kindly note that this motorbike will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Dortmund: please contact [email protected] for booking.

The long-awaited replacements for BMW's long-running Earles-fork flat twins finally arrived in 1969. As well as a telescopic, leading-axle front fork, the newcomers featured a lightweight, welded, duplex frame - innovations first seen on the Bavarian company's ISDT machines. The engine too had come in for revision, now employing a one-piece forged crankshaft and aluminium-alloy cylinder barrels while carrying its camshaft below the crank. Coil ignition and 12-volt electrics were other new departures for the Munich firm. The new '/5' models came in three engine capacities, the variation being achieved by different bore sizes in what were otherwise virtually identical machines. The 599cc R60/5 produced a claimed 46bhp, which was good enough to propel the 419lb machine to a top speed of 103mph.

Unfortunately, nothing is known of the origins, specifications and racing record of this extensively modified R60/5 racer. The engine turns over. Key not required. There are no documents with this Lot. It should be noted that the frame and engine number do not match.