Please note: This bike is a part of the Northern California Superbike Collection. The anonymous owner is well-known and a long-term friend of both Iconic and Bike-urious. All proceeds will go towards a foundation he and his wife run to further research for sustainable agricultural and agroforestry systems worldwide.
In 1967, BMW created 1,420 examples of their legendary R69S, a machine that had already developed a deserved reputation for being the ultimate /2. Thanks to a compression ratio of 9.5:1, it produced 42 horsepower.
The R69S was BMW’s flagship sports bike throughout the 1960s and although it wasn’t the fastest machine on the roads (top speed was still a very respectable 110 mph), it was renowned for its superbly smooth handling, reliability, build quality and finish as well as its classic clean looks. 11,317 units were produced throughout the 60s with hardly any updates as the original design was so successful.
Based around a 594cc air-cooled boxer motor, the top-of-the-range model featured added luxuries like plush Earles fork and a steering damper as standard. The R69S was, and remains, a prestige motorcycle and has been described as a ‘work of mechanical art.’ Some classic fans still considered it to be the ultimate BMW production motorcycle.
This example is VIN: 664525, Engine #: 664525. The seller acquired it in 2024 from MAX BMW through a Mecum auction.
The odometer shows 19,606 miles.
The original owner converted it into a touring bike and it has spent time exploring the Isle of Man.
Maintenance:
The sale listing in 2024 notes the following maintenance:
– New points, condenser and coil
– Compression and leak down test within specification
– Replacement clutch with pressure plate, diaphragm spring and felt ring
– Recently detailed with seat, cases and fairing removed
– Polished air intakes, metal pieces, handlebars and damper knob
– Correct horn
– New turn signal relay, adjusted and secured turn signals
– Repaired wiring
– Adjust and secure hand levers
– New battery
– Recent engine oil, final drive oil and gear oil change
– Valve adjustment
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean/sync the carbs, install a new battery, rebuild the fuel system (new petcocks), and replace pushrod seals on both cylinder head banks. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK HAS LINER
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: SHAFT
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Front Ok, Rear not Installed/Present
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Not Functioning
Kill Switch: N/A KEY ONLY
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: DRUM
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: DRUM
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: PDC
Tire Date Code Rear: PDC
Tire % Remaining Front: 95
Tire % Remaining Rear: 95
Tire Press. Front: 28
Tire Press. Rear: 32
Battery Standing Voltage: NEW 6.06
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 6.85
Running Condition: Running
Test Ride Completed: NO
Test Ride Distance: NA
Modifications:
The previous listing states that all of these modifications were done by the original owner when the bike was new:
Avon fairing.
Craven saddlebags and trunk.
Hella turn signals.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Heidenau tires with date codes of 3923 and 3923.
The sale includes one key and a spare Gustaffson Plastics windscreen for the Avon fairing (19.5″ tall).
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this BMW is offered on a clean Montana title. Do you have any R69S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
