Description
BMW 1966 R 50/2 494cc transverse twin frame # engine # 641899
Bayerische Motoren-Werke is known in English as the Bavarian Motor Works, or more simply as BMW.
The firm launched its first horizontally opposed twin in 1923, 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.
These 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.
The telescopic forks at the front of earlier models were abandoned though, in favour of the swinging or “Earles Fork” system.
The cycle parts were finished in BMW’s signature black scheme set off by white pin striping.
The models had plenty of power to pull an optional Steib sidecar. BMW has always built expensive motorcycles, but you got what you paid for.
The make has 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.
The R 50 delivers 26 HP @ 5,800 rpm and has a top speed of circa 140 km.
The petrol tank holds 17 litres, good for 340 km. R50s were built between 1955 and 1969 with few changes over the years.
This BMW, delivered to a dealer in The Hague on June 9, 1966 is cosmetically and technically in good condition and is fitted with a comfortable Pagusa saddle and handlebar-mounted turn signals