1964 BMW R69S

When most people think of vintage or classic sports motorcycles they don't think of BMW. But from 1960 through to 1969 the R69S was the sports model from Bavaria. The R69 offered from 1955. gained the S in 1960 when it bumped the compression ratio from 7. 5:1 to 9. 5:1 raising the 35hp of the R69 to 42hp for the R69S.

All BMW's from 1955 through to 1967 came with the Earle's Forks designed by the Englishman by the same name. The swing arm front-end was designed to keep the wheelbase of the motorcycle the same even under compression. What they created was a comfortable ride as a solo and also when a sidecar was attached. The R69S has larger carburettors. and larger intake and exhaust valves. finned exhaust nuts. and a hemispherical combustion chamber that was a popular 'hot rod' design of the time. The R69S also got a crank shaft balancer and roller bearings to address crank flex. that could occur.

The R69S was not going to win any drag races against the British bikes offered at the time but what it was going to do was. start every time. arrive at its destination. return back and not leak oil when it was put away. With BMW's classic shaft drive. this particular model has become highly sought after coming as it does. with its original rev. counter and long-range fuel tank. It also has its correct and original BMW hand-painted pin-striping around the tank.
This was acquired by the vendor in 2007 and is a fascinating example with its sporty 'S' extra 5hp.
It has unfortunately sustained some light damage to the rear mudguard area from a bookshelf.