1965 BMW R-Series

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1965 BMW R50/2 in good running order. Starts first or second kick and runs smoothly, no smoke, no engine noises. Engine pulls very well and accelerates smoothly with good, solid gear changes. It has the desirable large touring gas tank, 6 gallons, I believe. Has wide dual rider bench seat and period correct luggage rack. I bought this bike as a restoration project but decided the basic condition was quite good enough to simply repair what was wrong and put it back on the road sporting its 50 year old patina. The bike came to me as a rolling chassis with many parts removed. At some time in the past the previous owner had partially disassembled it and sent the sheet metal parts off for repainting. The repaint was unprofessional to say the least. For example the gas tank has several significant dings in the top surface but these were not repaired, simply repainted. The tank is very solid, though, no corrosion on the inside at all. Unfortunately it was probably dropped at some point and received another dent on the front left corner (picture attached). The other sheet metal parts, front and rear fenders, headlight bucket and headlight mounting ears were repainted too. Then, it seems, the bike and parts spent some time in storage before the owner decided to sell it since he'd never gotten around to finishing the project. The following service was performed as part of the reassembly process: installed new points and condenser, timed the ignition, cleaned carburetors, installed new ignition switch assembly, new brake light switch, new battery, new throttle cables, new taillight wiring, new foot peg rubbers, new fuel petcock and fuel lines. All fluids were changed, valves adjusted and installed new valve cover gaskets. THE GOOD: Smooth running, easy starting, above average condition. Frame is corrosion free, exhaust system is in very good condition (that alone is worth about $800), seat is very good, most chrome is very serviceable, drive line is tight and, overall, the bike seems happy to be alive again.THE BAD: Rear wheel has significant surface corrosion but is solid and true, front fender needs repair or replacement; I have a fiberglass replacement fender that goes with the bike but the original one should really be repaired. New tires and tubes need to be installed before riding it a significant distance. The left hand handlebar control casting is cracked but still works just fine.The bike is located in southern Illinois. Numbers match. Title is clear and ready to be transferred to new owner. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer. Bike is for sale locally so I reserve the right to cancel the auction if it's otherwise sold.The bike is an excellent restoration candidate or just ride it and enjoy as is.