1961 BMW R-Series

655308

This R69S is a matching numbers early example of BMW's premier motorcycle between 1960 and 1969. The bike was manufactured on February 10, 1961, (it is number 304) and delivered on February 13, 1961, to BMW importer Butler and Smith in New York City. Since I acquired the bike in July, 2009, the bike has undergone a complete, pains-taking, uncompromising restoration, in both cosmetic and mechanical terms, in order to bring it back to its delivery-day condition. While the bike was probably delivered with a wide bench saddle and U.S. bars, the bike now has a narrow bench saddle, Euro bars and Hella bar-end turn signals. In cosmetic terms, all parts of the bike have been re-painted with single-stage Glazurit gloss black paint (no powdercoating). The tank and the fenders have been correctly hand striped by Brush by Bock. Everything that was originally cadmium plated has been replated with cadmium. With a few minor exceptions, the fasteners are all originals that have been re-plated with cadmium. As mentioned above, the saddle is a narrow bench seat, which is in excellent original condition. The steering damper knob and base are new, and for safety/performance purposes, I installed a R60, friction type of steering damper (new). The original R69S hydraulc steering damper is included in the sale on a box-of-parts basis. The wheels have been rebuilt by Buchanan Wheels, which entailed restoring and polishing the originall alloy rimes and lacing the wheels with new polished stainless steel spokes. The hubs have been bead blasted and new bearings and hubcaps have been installed. The tires are new Metzler Block C (with new tubes) 3.50X18 on both the front and rear. The bike has been equipped with a new BMW OEM chrome exhaust system. The large sport tank has been re-lined in red. Incidentally, when the paint on the tank was stripped, I was pleasantly suprised to discover no bondo. In a rare departure from strict originality, I had a second petcock installed and the crossover tubes removed. Hence, this bike is now equipped with two Karcona petcocks. (I can just hear the "purists" howling: "Keep it stupid!) In mechanical terms, everything mechanical has been rebuilt or replaced. With respect to the engine, Gunther Wurst rebuilt the short block with a rebuilt R69S crankshaft (it was rebuilt by Chris Chambers) and all new bearings and seals. The cylinders were powdercoated satin black and have new stainless steel pushrod tubes and new seals. The cylinders were rebored to accomodate the new one-size over pistons (Kolbenschmidt). The heads have new valves, springs and valve guides. The heads, as with all of the engine, transmission and final drive cases, have been bead blasted to new appearance. The transmission and final drive have been completely rebuilt with new bearings and seals by Bancroft Motorworks in Ohio. The carbs were disassembled, powder blasted and rebuilt with Bing's rebuild kit. All wiring harnesses have been replaced with new ones. The speedometer has been restored to new condition by Palo Alto Speedometer, and I had the odometer set back to zero. The odometer had read 27xxx miles. The suspension has been upgraded with NOS springs and NOS Koni shocks. In this regard, it is noteworthy that I have ridden many earls-fork BMWs in the past 40 years, and this one does feel the best, owing, I suspect, to the new springs and Konis. In addition to the new wheel bearings, the front and rear swingarm bearings have been replaced, as has the headset bearings (with tappered roller bearings, not ball bearings). The brakes have new brake pads and work as the should. Finally, the bike has all new cables. Since the bike has been restored, I have ridden the bike for 794 miles in order to get it completely "dialled in." At this juncture everything works as it should. It is mostly broken-in, but still a little tight, which is normal at 800 miles. I have re-torqued the heads and re-set the valve clearances. I have restored six vintage BMW motorcycles. While my first restoration was highly acclaimed, I believe that I have learned a lot about these bikes and the restoration process over the years. Consequently, I think that I can fairly say that this 1961 R69S is my best effort. In its present form, the new owner will have as nice a R69S as can be found to either ride or to show, or to do both. I will further discuss the restoration of this motorcycle or answer questions either by email or telephone during reasonable EST hours. I may be reached at 517-290-3599. Good luck with the bidding!