Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
Although BMW is a staple of the modern motorcycle scene, this wasn’t always the case — back in the 1960s, the German marque almost left the game entirely. The /2 simply couldn’t keep up with the competition, so BMW either had to bow out or come up with a significant redesign.
Instead of ditching the classic boxer twin, BMW worked to improve the package. In practice, this meant that they focused on reducing weight and increasing power, developing a lighter tubular steel frame, fitting a set of Sachs telescoping forks, and swapping out the cast-iron cylinders for lighter, iron-lined alloy units. Output also grew from 32hp in the R60/2 to 46hp in the R60/5.
Come 1974, BMW refined its boxer bikes yet again, introducing updated models under the /6 series designation. While the R60 retained its front drum brake (other models in the range got treated to a single disc), it benefitted from a larger battery and a five speed transmission.
This example is VIN: 2923705.
The odometer shows 60,211 miles.
We imported this bike as Adam enjoyed his time on Abhi’s BMW R100CS and thought a classic BMW could be an interesting 2-up bike for him and his wife at their home in Rhode Island, but they have since sold that home (more on that later) and no longer have a need for this bike.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the oil and oil filter, clean and sync the carbs, replace the transmission oil, and replace the final drive oil. We also replaced the spark plugs, adjusted the valves, and installed new Metzeler Roadtec 01 tires with date codes of 4122 and 4722.
Yonni did the work, he notes the following in his condition report:
Tire Years – Front/ Rear: 2022
Tire % Front/ Rear: 100%
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 36PSI
Brake Life – Front/ Rear: 80%
Engine Oil – Level: Ok; Quality: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.34V
Test Ride: 2 mile test ride, bike operates as intended.
Finally, one of the original keys broke, so we had a replacement made.
Modifications:
Keihan stainless steel mufflers.
LED headlight.
Heated grips.
Aftermarket side stand.
Inside of the tank:
The sale includes three ignition keys, three secondary keys, as well as three luggage keys.
The sale also includes a set of Krauser side cases, a pair of spare mirrors, the original owner’s manual, some assorted BMW literature, and a binder full of service records.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this BMW is offered on a clean Oregon title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any R60/6 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
