BMW 1969 R69US 590cc 2cyl OHV 3408

BMW 1969 R69US 590 cc OHV transverse twin frame & engine # 665749

In 1955 BMW introduces a new line of twins with a completely redesigned frame with trailing fork rear suspension and Earles fork front suspension. The final drive shaft is no longer exposed but is enclosed in the right arm of the trailing forks. All three new models, the 500 cc R50, and the 600 cc R60 and R69 have 18 inch wheels in place of the earlier 19 inch ones, twin leading shoes in the front brake, smaller mudguards and larger silencers. The petrol tank is reshaped, and the traditional sprung saddle can be replaced by a stylish dual seat that is an optional extra. The R 69 is a somewhat boosted version of the R60:  with 35 hp it develops an extra 7 horses and it has a higher compression and maximum revs than its brother. In 1960 the R69 is further developed and refined and marketed as the R69S. This is the first production motorcycle to have a hydraulic steering damper. Its engine, which runs up to 7,000 rpm to develop 42 hp, is fitted with a vibration damper on its crankshaft. As with all BMWs, the choice of materials, the excellence of workmanship and the quality of the finish are all of extremely high standard. The engines are also remarkably silent, no intake whirr, no mechanical clatter, no conspicuous exhaust noise. The R69S has a compression ratio of 9.5:1, can reach a top speed of about 175 km/h and weighs a solid 202 kg. Between 1960 and 1969 11,417 machines are sold (source: Bahnstormer, L.K.J. Setright). The R69S becomes very popular in the U.S. A quote from a road test in Cycle World of September 1966: “(…) And then there is the ride. One would expect such a big motorcycle to be a handful, but this is not the case. Once it is rolling, the machine steers lightly and tracks well. We also discovered that it is a very easy machine to ride at a snail’s pace in traffic. Much of this lightness of feel and slow-speed stability is owing to the low centre of gravity offered by the opposed twin design. The soft ride is further enhanced by the big dual seat, comfortable both for rider and passenger. At faster speeds, the machine stays firmly attached to the ground and doesn’t bounce the rider about the way more “competitive”(whatever that means) roadsters do when surfaces get rough or uneven.” From 1967 on new long-travel telescopic front forks, the forerunner of the /5 series front forks, are optional equipment for BMWs on the U.S. market. The model designation for a R69s with these new forks becomes R69US.

This fast and reliable road-registered sports tourer was first registered on April 9, 1969. She has been part of a private BMW collection and has been a sleeping beauty for quite some time, hence some recommissioning will be advisable.