Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1968 BMW R60/2.
BMW has long been in the touring game and the R60 and R60/2 help solidify the reputation of long-distance reliability by their run from 1956 to 1969. This fact became undeniable when Danny Liska took an R60/2 from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego in the early 1960s.
A twin-loop steel tubular frame housed the Beemer’s 30-horsepower, 600cc air-cooled twin which Cycle magazine noted lead to a smooth and comfortable ride in their October 1965 review. The R60/2, like many BMW models of its day, was designed to pull a side car and had mounting points built into the frame. It also featured the innovated Earles forks and the rare-for-its-day shaft final drive. For a deep drive on all the subtle eccentricities of these classic machines over the years, check out Jeff Dean’s comprehensive site here.
This example is VIN: 1811710. Engine: 1811710. The seller notes, “This BMW R60/2 was built on October 13, 1966 and delivered to Butler & Smith in New York City on October 20, 1966, officially making the bike a 1967 model. Butler & Smith didn’t sell the bike until 1968, when the original owner registered it, so the title shows the bike to be a 1968 model because that was the year it was first sold. It is finished in the original factory Avus Black and is powered by a 594cc opposed twin-head paired with a four-speed transmission. Features include 18″ chrome Morad rims, chrome spokes, shaft drive, a black Denfeld saddle, chrome low-rise handlebars, Albert-style mirrors, an Earles fork, a locking storage/tool compartment, center stand, side stand, and dual Bing carburetors. Work performed in 2025 was just to install a new AGM battery. The bike was acquired by the seller in May 2024, from a private party out of West Hills, California, who had purchased the bike from a private party out of Cave Creek, Arizona in August 2023, and owned the bike for about 9 years prior. This R60/2 is now offered with a reserve price in California with a California registration in the seller’s name. Updated VIN to help keep track of BMW’s historical records: WBAAE110601811710. Manufactured: May 05, 1986 (wrong date)”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 50 miles. The odometer shows 26,435 miles. The seller points out, “The fuel tank and fenders are finished in the original factory Avus Black, and the bike features a black Denfeld solo saddle, as well as a locking storage compartment (with 2 keys), black rubber knee grips, Albert-style headlight mirrors, a frame-mounted tire pump, a cargo rack, and both center and side stands. The chrome low-rise handlebar fronts a 120-mph speedometer and a pair of BMW Airhead HELLA Bullseye bar-end indicator lights.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “The 594cc opposed twin engine features dual Bing carburetors and was factory rated at 30 horsepower and 36 lb-ft of torque. The oil slingers were cleaned in 2019 by the owner in Arizona. Work in March 2025 included fitting an AGM battery and synchronizing the carburetors. The engine oil was changed in September 2024 using Valvoline Racing Oil with ZDDP (30 wt with a lead-like wear additive). Power is sent to the rear wheel through a four-speed transmission and a driveshaft enclosed within the right leg of the swingarm. The transmission oil was changed in September 2024. Horn button not working, but horn tested to work.”
Modifications:
Battery tender lead.
Inside of the tank:
Regarding the tires, the seller states:
“Front Tire: Continental (Made in Korea) Size 100/90-18” dia M/C 56V Tubeless
Date Code: 5118
DOT H6Y9 VAA
KG(495 1LBS) 17 290 KPA 42 psi
Rear Tire: Metzler Perfect ME77
Date Code: 1318
Cracked hard on sidewalls.
4.00-18.64H
Morad alloy rims wears a Continental tire in front and a Metzler Perfect tire in back, and are laced with stainless-steel spokes. Tires should be replaced, as the front tire is from the 51st week of 2018 and the rear tire is from the 13th week of 2018.”
“Comes with 2 Ignition keys. 2 toolbox keys. Clymer Manual for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Sidecar mounting knuckle bar + Clymer Manual for maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. The bike has a clean title in the seller’s name.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Paint chip at 12 O’clock on tail light. Paint chips on right rear fender, right front frame, and blemishes by the battery.”
Currently located in Calabasas, California, this BMW is offered on a clean California title with registration current through July 2025.
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