Additional photos of this BMW R69 are available here for your perusal.
In the mid 60s, BMW had an impressive touring offering with the R69S. Cycle World called it “a near perfect choice in a machine for serious traveling” because of the reliability and feature set. But Baby Boomer youngsters with money weren’t interested in reliability and styling that had remained the same for decades. So BMW offered US-specific variants of the R50, R60, and R69 – they were called the R50US, R60US, and R69US, and the primary difference was the use of telescoping forks (as opposed to the usual Earles leading link units).
Other small changes included a wider rear tire and lower gearing for better acceleration.
The rest of the package was the same, including the 42 horsepower, 594cc boxer twin engine. Top speed was a claimed 109 miles per hour, with 60 mph attained in 7.5 seconds. Cycle magazine tested this bike through the quarter mile and saw 15.3 seconds at 103 mph.
Just 956 were built between 1967-1969.
This example (VIN ON TITLE: 664298, Engine #: 664298) is offered by the second owner. He acquired it in November of 1991 from the original owner in Marin County and rode it back home on the Pacific Coast Highway.
He estimates that he put approximately 3,000 miles on it during his ownership, with maintenance handled by Black Kat Motorwerks. The odometer now shows 52,647 miles.
It is equipped with several period factory accessories:
Denfeld seat.
Denfeld rear rack.
Rear passenger seat.
Low mirror.
Headlight guard.
Engine guard.
Bar end turn signals.
It has been sitting for a while, so before this bike went up for auction the seller asked us to make it a runner. We cleaned the carb and installed a new battery, tires, Magura right hand grip, air filter, and fork gaiters. We also diagnosed and repaired a fault with the main power switch.
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for a viewing), this R69 is offered on a clean California title with non-op registration.
The seller kept this bike in his living room, but he’s renting his house out so this BMW needs a new home. Have any R69 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments below!
