BMW Faqs

The 1960s were a slow-growth decade for BMW Motorcycles. As it emerged from near economic extinction, a temporary shift away from motorcycle manufacture allowed the company to aggressively build up its automobile offering. While BMW remained low-profile in motorcycle racing, sales continued to rise based on an impressive competitive track record and some timely innovations and options.

1960 was the year of the R 69 S (”"S”" for “”sport”" model). Considered by many to be the “”classic”" BMW motorcycle, the R 69 S is the fastest Boxer to date, achieving a top speed of 109 mph at 42 bhp / 7,000 rpm. It uses a gear-driven cam and has bearings “”everywhere”".

Also released that year was the R 27 single with its rubber-mounted engine to cut down on vibrations. It would be the last single until the F 650 Funduro, but it sold a healthy 15,000 units in its seven-year production period. The R 50 S is another notable release as it becomes BMW’s highest revving 500 cc engine. However, its bark was worse than its bite and the R 50 S never catches on, with sales at only 1,634 machines after three years.

Another big year for BMW, the R 69 S and competitive racing. After setting a new world 24-hour record of 95.6 mph wins at the Barcelona 24-Hour and Thruxton 500 Mile. The year concludes with more record breaking at Montlhery in the 24-hour (109.34 mph) and 12-hour (109.24 mph) respectively. It’s no wonder the R 69 S’s reputation earns BMW widespread acclaim. In this same year, BMW shifts from handmade cars to assembly line models with the release of the BMW 1500. Another “”classic”" in the BMW stable, the 1500 would pave the way for future BMW automobile fame, and sales in the automobile category begin to skyrocket.