1969 BMW R60/2

1969 BMW R60/2

touring60sGermany

Born in 1969, the 1969 BMW R60/2 is a 594cc twin-cylinder touring motorcycle producing 30hp from BMW.

Specifications

Engine

Type
OHV flat-twin
Displacement
594 cc
Cylinders
2
Power
30 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
42.0 Nm
Compression
Bore × Stroke
72.0 × 73.0 mm
Cooling
Air-cooled
Fuel System
2x Bing carburetors

Chassis & Transmission

Frame
Steel double cradle
Front Suspension
Earles fork
Rear Suspension
Twin shock
Front Brake
Drum
Rear Brake
Drum
Front Tyre
Rear Tyre
Transmission
4-speed
Final Drive
Shaft

Performance

Top Speed
140 km/h (87 mph)
¼ Mile

Dimensions & Weight

Dry Weight
195 kg (430 lbs)
Wet Weight
210 kg (463 lbs)
Seat Height
790 mm
Wheelbase
1430 mm
Ground Clearance
Fuel Capacity
17.0 L

History & Story

In 1969, BMW launched the 1969 BMW R60/2 — a touring motorcycle that would come to define an era of motorcycling. Hailing from Germany, it combined Germany engineering with touring motorcycle appeal.

At the heart of the 1969 BMW R60/2 sits a 594cc OHV flat-twin engine producing 30 horsepower at 5800 rpm. The twin-cylinder powerplant features a twin-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by 2x Bing carburetors. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 4-speed transmission and shaft final drive.

Built around a steel double cradle frame, the 1969 BMW R60/2 suspends its 195 kg (430 lbs) on earles fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on drum at the front and drum at the rear, with a 1430 mm wheelbase providing stability.

Performance-wise, the 1969 BMW R60/2 achieves a claimed top speed of 140 km/h (87 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 17.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for touring motorcycle duties. The seat height of 790 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.

Today, the 1969 BMW R60/2 is considered a respected classic that attracts serious collector interest and continues to appreciate. Parts availability is rated as good, making ownership relatively straightforward. It remains an icon of BMW motorcycling from 1960s.

Known Issues

  • Final drive spline wear on shaft-drive models
  • Pushrod tube seal leaks
  • Rocker arm wear
  • Starter motor brushes wear over time

Fun Facts

  • The 1969 BMW R60/2 was produced in BMW's Germany facilities
  • The 1969 BMW R60/2 featured a steel double cradle frame typical of 1960s design philosophy

Collector Information

Parts Availability
Good
Collector Rating
7/10

Resources & Parts