1961 BMW R69S, 600cc, matching engine/frame, good runner

1961 BMW R69S, 600cc, matching numbers good runner with V5C.

Here is a very original, most probably unrestored example of one of the top motorcycles of the 1960's the BMW R69S.
This example in in excellent runner order. It starts well and sounds great. When warm, it settles to an incredible steady tick-over. There is very little mechanical sound and when revved no smoke. The bike rides really well. Gears and clutch are all good. Front brake is good but rear is poor. I may either need bedding in or new shoes or both. The bike is so so smooth, it pulls really well and is quite “long legged”, ideal for the high speed distance touring work these bikes were intended for. The electrics are all good, charging properly, lights are good. Speedometer is working, it shows some 4718 miles. I doubt this is correct, possibly the speedo has been rebuilt or changed but you can tell this is in general terms a low mileage bike. There is a “Pinks of Harrow” dealers badge on the rear mudguard.

The bike comes with an up to date V5C registration doc. Registration 897XWH is cannot be transferred to another vehicle. Date of registration in UK is 06/06/1980 and it is declared manufactured 1961. The frame and engine numbers are both matching, 656735. Both are original factory stampings and the original VIN plaque is present and correct on the headstock. The bike is registered for historic class free road tax and is MOT exempt.

Cosmetically the bike is very good all round but looks to be original unrestored rather than restored. The enamel on the frame is mostly very good but there are signs of age in places, e.g. the front swing arm has light rust under the paint. The petrol tank has very good original paint and original pin-striping. There are a couple of storage scratches on top of the tank which have been touched up. The tank is excellent inside still having its original BMW red-oxide colour lining in very good condition. Front wheel rim looks to be the original flanged ally with dull old spokes. The rim could do with a careful clean and polish. Front tyre is an old and quite worn Continental. Rear rim is actually a Dunlop flanged ally in pretty good condition. Rear spokes are also very dull old ones. Rear tyre is a hardly used very good looking Avon Supreme. No broken fins on engine. Seat is a very comfy old Denfeld in very good condition. There are a couple of tiny nicks on it. Centre stand and sidestand are both in very good order. The sidestand is particularly good.

All in all this is a fantastic opportunity to own an unmolested example of BMW's super-bike of the 60's the R69S. It's in great running order but probably due a thorough service before returning to the road in anger as I don't think it's seen a lot of use in recent years.