1969 BMW R50/2 – Project
The BMW R50/2 is one of those machines that rewards the patient restorer enormously. Produced between 1960 and 1969, the /2 series represents the refinement of BMW's post-war boxer twin formula, and this 1969 example is from the final year of production, right before the modern /5 series arrived and changed the game. What makes the /2 genuinely special is the Earles leading-link front fork design, a system originally developed for sidecar use that gives the bike a uniquely smooth, deliberate steering character unlike any telescopic-forked machine. Those Earles forks are present here looking straight and undamaged, and the rest of the running gear is all accounted for.
This bike is offered honestly as a project and non-runner. The engine has no spark at present, which could be a simple ignition fault or something more involved, but the sale includes new pistons, new header pipes, and new collars, taking some of the hard work out of the build. The engine is otherwise externally complete: both Bing carburetors are in place, the finned valve covers are intact with no broken fins, the pushrod tubes and boots appear serviceable, and the vendor reports the fuel tank interior is in very good condition with the original red factory coating still present.
Visually this is a proper project piece. The black paint on the tank and bodywork is heavily faded and worn through to bare metal in places, the rubber knee pads are missing from both tank recesses, and the tank badges are absent though the mounting holes are present. The headlight nacelle paint is similarly deteriorated. Chrome throughout is tarnished but appears structurally sound, the spokes are intact, and the wheels are true. The seat is in reasonable condition with cream piping intact and what looks like a Denfeld badge at the rear, which would be a desirable detail.
The odometer reads 36,574 miles, which is consistent with the speedometer photo showing approximately 36,511 miles, and matching engine and frame numbers are confirmed per the listing.
The shaft drive housing is complete, the Earles fork hardware is all there, and the frame appears straight and solid with no signs of accident damage. For the right restorer this is a tremendous foundation: a complete, numbers-matching, final-year example of one of BMW's most distinctive and technically interesting classic models. These rarely come to market in any form, let alone with parts included. A genuine opportunity.
Key # F28
#CCBikes
Location of item: 18 Paradise Road, Acacia Ridge, QLD, Australia
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
Transport quotes are provided in the bidding centre for delivery to your door or to your nearest depot. Alternatively, you can arrange your own transport, or we can assist with obtaining a quotation for transport to your door prior to bidding. Email [email protected] with your name and lot/stock number and our transport team will be in contact.
Lloyds Auctions advise to use these quotes as a guide only, prices will be variable dependent upon several factors including your location, car value, open or enclosed transport, vehicles sizes and are excluding GST.