The R69 (and R69S) are arguably BMW Motorrad’s most iconic two-wheelers of all time. They aren’t the rarest or the most valuable but they possess a crazy wide appeal that extends far beyond just the motorcycling community. When first released, these two-wheeled feats of engineering quickly proved themselves while amassing a loyal legion of followers. They were built from 1955 to 1969 (the R69S was made from ’60-’69) and utilized a 594cc boxer twin engine that became king in its respective time. Though the Munich-built Beemer only made 35hp, it was nonetheless capable of breaking the 100mph barrier.
This beautiful R69S example underwent a complete restoration over the course of three years starting in 1993. The entire restoration endeavor was taken on by renowned mechanic Michael Garb in Darien, Connecticut. In addition to the equally impressive all original 1953 Steib bulletnose S500 Sidecar, this example boasts a suite of other noteworthy genuine period components. A rare 9.5-gallon Heinrich fuel tank and original SS Silencers were included in the restoration. Another great touch is the original Denfeld saddle and pillion-pad. This ’60’s BMW example sits on a set of period-correct original Akront rims with polished stainless steel spokes wrapped in Metzeler rubber.
Furthering this machine’s reportedly being almost entirely original is the fact the R69 and R69S both came from the factory with sidecar lugs on the frame, meaning nothing has to be hacked or chopped up to give birth two this luxury all-German three-wheeler. A Steib sidecar is also a great and natural choice for the R69S. Both are (or were rather) high end German luxury offerings. The S500 was stylish and plush for its time, which is probably well it looks so damn good next to the motorcycle that was sometimes referred to as “the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles.”
This restored example still boasts most of its original OEM parts. While this particular machine has just a hair over 50,000 original miles on it, only 250 of those have been added since the bike’s rebuild in ’95. This example also said to have been the first-place winner at the Lime Rock Connecticut Concourse in 1998. The front and rear brake pads and new gaskets and seals were more recently replaced along with all the bike’s cables, throttle, clutch, and brake which all consist of NOS units. The Bing carbs on this BMW classic have been rebuilt with new floats while the heads were cleaned and cylinders repainted with new valves. The seller points out “the heads have thicker fins and deeper plug seats required by factory specification for sidecar use.”
This ’68 R69S example is wearing original black OEM BMW paint. The Heinrich tank, fenders, nose-cone, and frame are reported to be in excellent condition, all having been fully stripped down before receiving the splash of the OEM black. Hand-painted pinstriping was masterfully laid down and the inside of the tank was also cleaned and released. The original speedo is still in play and is said to be in “fine working condition”, though the seller points out the the glass covering said speedo is slightly cracked.
While this machine looks pretty immaculate in the photos, the seller does point out a few minor flaws that separate this example from perfection. A small dent on tank is hardly noticeable but there nonetheless, same goes with some paint chipping on the attachment arms. The serial numbers on this example are unmatched but for a good reason…the engine has no serial number. The seller explains he doesn’t know what the reason is behind this but he’s had the bike since ’92 and says the previous owner who he asked didn’t know either. He goes go on to ad: “I purchased the bike because I love bikes you can’t ride a serial number,” but in this price bracket where collectors plan to display machinery, the seller’s point may start to become a little bit less valid.
A 1967 BMW R69S with a Steib S501 Sidecar sold at a Bonhams auction in 2011 for $29,702 (or €25,300). A Steib S501 sidecar being offered a la carte was sold at a 2014 Bonhams auction for $2,961 (or £2,300). You can find this all original 1968 BMW R69S with 1953 Steib S-500 Sidecar for sale in Stamford, Connecticut with a buy it now price of $35,000