1969 BMW R-Series

665722

Clear

The R69 was BMW’s fastest road machine from 1955-69, with 100-plus MPH performance and a comfortable, reliable, smooth ride guaranteed. The R69 was BMW’s range leader and a “ne plus ultra” motorcycle; there was simply no other two-wheeler on the road which could compare, from any other manufacturer in Europe, England or the U.S. The R69 would not only cruise comfortably down the freeway at more than 90 MPH, it would also stop more quickly than other large-capacity machine, and at the end of the journey, not a drop of oil would be shed in the driveway or hotel forecourt. The original R69 was upgraded in 1960 with improvements to the engine and transmission, becoming the R69S. These were popular machines and 11,317 R69S's rolled out in their 9 years of production included in that number: 1100 unit where R69US 1968/69 with completely new long-travel telescopic front forks that gave the line an upgraded, sportier more contemporary look. The US models handled better than the Earles fork machines and were an important step towards modernizing the brand, which came fully to fruition in 1970 with the introduction of the totally redesigned R75/5. This final year R69US was one of only 20 (according to internet findings in clubs and other info) imported and making it a rare bird indeed. Rare and desirable original Ernst Hoske gas tank. The tank is an original metal unit with hand stamped “E. Hoske, Hameln” on one underside and “R.S.T., 19/0.60, G.H.B.” on the underside opposite. Super clean inside with no rusting. Rare Ernst Hoske seat. One of the rivets on the Ernst Hoske name tag on back of the seat is coming loose. This is an unbelievably comfortable seat and works great with the sport handlebars. Period correct original accessory mirrors that mount to the headlight. Period correct original accessory alloy Hella bar end directionals. I have had this for a couple of years and the previous owner was a fanatic about maintenance and loved to ride as can be seen by the mileage of 61,935 on the odometer (although the bike itself and the cleanliness of the motor does not indicate that kind of mileage). But so well maintained that it runs a smoothly as the day it was built. Starts first or second kick, even when cold. Pulls strongly with no clutch fade or chatter. No smoke on startup or after being warmed up. Faster than any other R69 than I have owned. Unfortunately the previous owner passed away so I cannot document any of his work on the bike, just what his wife told me when I bought it and several others from her but she said it and the other BMW’s were his babies. The chrome is in excellent plus condition everywhere including the exhaust and mufflers with no rusting or bad discoloration. Has almost new Avon tires front and rear. Two small problem that I never corrected. 1. One switch on handlebars not stock. 2. He had a piece of wood inside one of the headlight ears that he riveted reflector to instead of getting new reflector with center stud and nut. I neglected to clean the frame up after last ride but looks better than my photos. I am very careful about my descriptions having gone on many wild goose chases to see bikes and cars that turned out to be in far less condition than advertised. I am sure many of you have been in the same boat so I will do my utmost to describe this so that there are NO disappointments or surprises. Please ask questions.