Beschreibung:

In the early 1950s, BMW concentrated on refining what were essentially pre-war designs, but by 1955 was ready with a brace of new machines, the R50 and R69. Of 500cc and 600cc respectively, the newcomers inherited the up-dated flat-twin engine introduced on the R51/3 a few years previously, but deployed this in all-new cycle parts, the most notable departures from preceding practice being the Earles-type leading-link front fork and swinging-arm rear suspension enclosing the drive-shaft in the right leg - developments first seen on the works racers. A luxury tourer capable of over 100mph, the R69 cost as much as a small family car and sold to discerning enthusiasts to whom expense mattered little when set against the excellence of BMW engineering. The R50/69 were produced until the arrival of the slightly more powerful 'S' versions for 1961. One of only 2,819 R69s made, this example was purchased by the lady vendor's late husband in 1964 from Comerford's Ltd of Thames Ditton, its original supplier back in 1959. The buyer's BSA was taken in part exchange and the 'Beemer', which had had only one previous private owner, cost all of £375 (purchase receipt on file). Its recently deceased owner had been a miner at the Gresford Colliery near Wrexham, where he lost his left arm in an accident. A keen motorcyclist, he did not let this setback deter him and overcame his disability by transferring all the handlebar controls to the right-hand side. Thus equipped the R69 toured the Continent, visiting France, Italy, Austria and Spain. Much loved and well maintained, as evidenced by numerous receipts for parts on file, the machine is described by the lady vendor as in generally good condition. A highly desirable feature, the Hoske large-capacity touring tank was repainted in 2009, together with the mudguards, and new tyres fitted. This well cared for R69 is offered with handbook/repair manual, its original logbook, current road fund licence, MoT to 11th July 2011 and Swansea V5C.