Description
BMW 1955 R50/R69S Kayser Power 750ccm 52HP
Bayerische Motoren-Werke is known in English as the Bavarian Motor Works, or more simply as BMW.
The firm created its first horizontally opposed twin engine in 1920, and has stood by this style of engine layout ever since.
The opposed design offers riders buttery smooth performance as the engine has inherently good balance.
In 1955 BMW created its R50, R60, and R69 models.
The new models had a similar engine and the same shaft-drive as earlier models, but were fitted with modern swinging fork rear suspension for the first time.
But it abandoned modern telescopic forks at the front in favour of the swinging or "Earles Fork" system.
The cycleparts were painted in BMW's signature black scheme set off by white pin striping.
The models had plenty of power to pull an optional BMW Steib sidecar.
BMW has always built expensive motorcycles, but you got what you paid for.
They have gained an enviable reputation for long-lasting reliability -even the quality of the black paint is well known! BMW set the standard for its day, and continues to build some of the most famous motorcycles in the world .
Back in 1962 this R50 has been converted by Mr. Friedrich Rien in the former German Democratic Republic.
He used the Kayser conversion from Kayser Power which gave the engine 750cc and a performance boost to 52 HP.
The engine turned out to be very reliable as was proved during the night ride over the Teterower Bergring and the 1000 km reliability race from Dresden to Rostock and back to Dresden.
At one point this homebuild BMW R50/R69S was the fastest motorcycle in the GDR and was clocked at 215 KMH or 134 MPH in race trim with full fairings.
Later she went to Friedrich Riens friend Mr. Karl Wachler who was also known as a builder of special exhaust systems, used on many period sports machines.
He converted the BMW back to a more or less original appearance.
His name is still in the accompanying GDR Registration Document.
This BMW is in well maintained, very good condition, with very good mechanics and a smooth and fast engine.
She is ready to turn her face to the horizon…