1958 BMW R-Series

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1958 BMW R60 Incredible one-family (two brothers) owned Big Displacement early Earles Fork BMW Motorcycle! Nearly $7,000 Invested During Sympathetic BMW Dealer Restoration, Recently Re-freshened For Use! Low Starting Bid - NO HIGHER RESERVE - Please Wait For All Pictures To Load! Offered for your consideration is this fantastic 1958 BMW R60, a rare pre /2. This bike was purchased brand new in Missouri by the brother of the older gentleman who asked me to see to waking it up and getting it on to its next long-term owner. In 1972, his brother stated his intent to trade the bike in on a new BMW, so he told him he'd buy it himself for the dealer's trade offer. At this time, the bike had 11,000 miles on it. While a nice gesture, the 41-year owner of this BMW barely rode the bike at all and parked it throughout the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s. In 2000, Jim took the BMW to his local BMW dealership and asked them to make it right, cost no object, since he had a serious sentimental attachment to the bike. It is unclear whether the Wixom or reproduction fairing was on the bike at that time or was added during that time. The dealer took about three years to do a partial engine overhaul and a major cosmetic renovation - all new paint, new rubbers throughout, many detail items and much, much more detailed in a multi-page repair order below. After taking the bike back from the dealer, Jim barely, if ever, rode the bike and stored it properly (a hint, he never renewed the inspection they put on it and only once renewed the tag). The 2000-2001 Metzler tires still have their little nubs and are surprisingly soft and supple, so I left them alone instead of opting for new tires. On receiving the bike in Virginia some weeks ago, we were amazed at how nice a bike it was. It leaks no oil and even the re-lined gas tank merely needed a cleaning, not a restoration, as it had very little if any fuel in it during its long slumber. Apart from the obvious items such as a battery, spark plugs et.c., we replaced the valve cover on this side due to some old fin damage, the tire pump (on the frame rail) and a few miscellaneous items such as drive and intake boot clamps as the old ones weren't too sharp, all from Vech at Benchmark Works. We did have to replace both mufflers as they were old Emgos with terrible chrome - these are the correct pipes from Vech at Benchmark Works. These are so beautiful and a perfect slight interference fit on the original head pipes. According to Jim, his brother did not want to buy Wixom or other bags in 1958 that were commonly available. A friend of his was a fabricator and hand-made these steel bags. They are not elegant but they are very interesting one-off pieces that are part of the bike's history. The Steinway Baby Grand bags from the rear. The early small parking light working. A little brighter here with the brake pedal depressed. Sorry about the schmutz here, it's just a little dirt on the lens. We also recovered the original Denfeld saddle, the original cover was tattered but Jim never replaced it since that's where his brother "parked his ass" to use his words. The foam required no work. The tool box in the tank comes with both of its original keys... Should we open it? Always such a good feeling opening one of these and finding the original tool roll. Particularly when all of the original Hazet tools are in it!!! Another nice close-up of the seat. The engine from the left side, nice and clean, no leaks. And from the right, much of the same. As you would expect, the engine number matches The frame number which matches The 1972 title! We got a replacement title so that this 1972 document can stay with the bike. Also included some photos of the bike when he picked it up following its restoration, keys and some more paperwork including the Big Repair Order below. High beam with the turnsignal flashing (caught it just right!) Same thing from the right. The turnsignals are nice and bright! The wheel and front suspension are nice and clean. All four shocks were rebuilt (documented below) as well as the brakes, wheel bearings et.c. The original speedometer with the charging and neutral lights lit. Please note that while the speedometer is tight and accurate - the odometer does not work - it has been at 15,010 at least since 2000. Jim told me that he barely rode it after purchasing it from his brother when it had 11,000 miles in 1972. I would have a hard time believing the bike has more than 20,000 miles. It certainly doesn't have 50,000 or more as most /2s have. However, I can make no authoritative statement as to the total mileage this bike has and my integrity dictates that I leave this speedo as-is for the next owner. Now, the part you've been waiting for. I think that there was quite a bit more done than is documented here and in the following two photos. Jim didn't even know where this paperwork was and thankfully it and the toolbox keys (along with the 1972 title as well!) were all in a saddlebag. There appears to be a reference to a larger repair order with an additional list of $1,205.70 of parts but we don't have this. In total, parts and labor over the three year span the bike was in their shop added up to at least $6,510.38. Wow. And it shows. While the work was completed 10 years ago, we've gone over the bike again as mentioned earlier and find nothing else critical in need of repair or adjustment. This bike is now 55 years old and quite original mechanically - apart from a documented top-end rebuild and a clean bill of health to the engine less than 100 miles ago (believed) by this dealer, the engine has likely never been out of the frame and is quite likely completely original inside as is the transmission and rear drive. Today, I put over 30 miles on the bike - I rode it across town to lunch and back. It performed just about flawlessly. It starts with the right kick hot or cold and ticks over nicely. I think it makes all the right noises. Below, I shot a quick and very amateur video of the bike running which hopefully will embed in this ad! payment/shipping/other details Payment is due within seven days of auction close unless alternate arrangements are made with me in advance of any bid by you. I am not a bank, I do not extend credit, I do not have any sway with your wife, parent or other party to assist in making your decision. There are no exceptions to this. Obviously every bidder here is playing to win without a reserve price. Accepted forms of payment are cash, cashier's cheque or wire transfer cleared in my bank account. Inspections are absolutely welcome at our mutual convenience prior to bidding, a winning bid is a purchase, not a first right of refusal, there is no cooling-off period. Test rides may take place in Richmond, VA under my direction and anyone desirous of a test ride must have a motorcycle endorsement on their driving license, have all safety gear and be immediately able to pay a pre-determined amount to purchase the bike on the spot should he or she drop or otherwise damage the bike. There is no warranty or guarantee, just like at a live auction, the end of the auction will reflect a change of ownership and a release of liability from me to you. I welcome international bidders with the caveat that while I will help you with some logistics I will not arrange crating or freighting - but am more than willing to work with your shipper. Buyers with a feedback rating less than 10 need to contact me prior to any bid to confirm legitimacy and intent. Fraudulent bidders will be tracked and submitted to the local authorities for prosecution as I hate time-wasters. Inspections are absolutely welcome at our mutual convenience prior to bidding, a winning bid is a purchase, not a first right of refusal, there is no cooling-off period. Pickup or shipping needs to take place within fourteen days of auction close unless alternate arrangements are made with me in advance of any bid by you. There are no exceptions to this. Slightly longer storage is possible (i.e. for international buyers) provided that purchase is made on time and liability is yours and not mine at the end of auction. If you are in the United States, I recommend Keyboard Carriage in Kentucky - they have already moved this bike once and will happily do so again. I am available for questions regarding the bike's condition or any logistical concerns!QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? CONCERNS? E-MAIL ME OR CALL 804-357-4926 On Jun-17-13 at 18:49:33 PDT, seller added the following information: An eBay user, waynej6315, bid on this bike this evening then almost immediately retracted his bid claiming I changed the description of the item. I have done no such thing. This is FYI if you are scrutinizing the bid history. Sorry for the confusion and perhaps overly cautious nature of this addendum. For the record, I kicked the bike on in the first try a few hours ago just for a giggle. Fired right up! Chip