Chassis # 653722
Engine # 653722
Numbers Matching & One-Family Owned From New
Comprehensive & Documented Mechanical Restoration Completed in 2024
Offered With Manuals, Tools & Original Equipment
A Highly Original & Well Preserved Example

HISTORY
The BMW R69 was a series of motorcycles produced by BMW from 1955 to 1969, as high-powered, high-compression sport bikes. The R69 was fitted with an air-cooled 594 cc boxer twin engine with varying horsepower figures depending on the use case. The base R69 was made from 1955 to 1960 with an output of 35 hp. The R69S took over from 1960 to 1969 with 42 hp while the final variant, the R69US, was produced from 1968 to 1969, also with 42 hp.

Out of a total of 14,273 R69s produced between 1955 and 1969, approximately 2,956 examples of those were the non-”S” R69. These have claimed their place as one of BMW’s most iconic motorcycles, and are responsible for bringing about the term “bimmer”, now used to describe any BMW anywhere, anytime. An important and historically significant part of two-wheeled history.

THIS MOTORCYCLE
This particular example, Chassis # 653722, is a 1959 model year, but is titled as a 1960. As it was purchased in 1960 from a motorcycle dealer in Wheeling, West Virginia. The bike had been sitting unsold and eventually was sold to the original owner at a discount. The original owner used it often in the West Virginia, Ohio, and southwest Pennsylvania areas until the mid 1960s when it was replaced by a Vincent Touring Rapide. Then placed in storage, this BMW remained untouched until 2018, when the son of the original owner took possession with the aim of carefully/sympathetically restoring it mechanically but preserving it cosmetically.

After being removed from storage this R69 was sent to BMW specialists Barrington Motor Works of Barrington, NH where it was fully disassembled, inspected, cleaned, rebuilt and reassembled. Each individual piece, nut, and bolt from the engine was inspected, cleaned, and measured before being reinstalled. Everything was done with correctness in mind down to powdercoating the cylinders on the outside and boring and honing to spec on the inside before being paired with new pistons. All aspects of every component were tended to to the furthest degree. The handlebars, brakes, steering, and suspension components were given the same treatment, ensuring that this bike drove like it did when it rolled off the factory floor if not better. Between 2018-2024 nearly $15K was invested in a complete mechanical restoration and careful upgrades throughout to give us the fine example we have today. A mostly original paint and original looking but highly capable and fresh R69.

Final touches include a new stainless steel exhaust and a new set of North American market handlebars. The manual spark advance was also removed, although its control perches are included in the sale. Additional work includes rebuilt wheels with new stainless steel spokes, new tires, and a new single seat for that sporty period look and experience.

The exterior of this BMW R69 was left untouched, striking the perfect balance between visual originality and mechanical perfection. The odometer even shows a mere 8,336 original miles.

As it sits, this is a wonderful single-family owned example of a vintage BMW motorcycle. The mechanically restored but cosmetically preserved status only further sets it apart from the rest, ensuring that it will be an excellent rider for decades to come while looking as original as it ever did. You can be the second owner of this BMW R69 in 66 years, a rare opportunity for the serious connoisseur.

Upon purchase, the new owner will receive the original owner’s books, tools, air pump the mechanical restoration and parts receipts, original seat and other accessories as photographed.

*This Motorcycle is titled as a 1960