1959 R60

[schrader7032]

RE: 654404...In my records, I show a bike with a VIN just a little before this one that was built on 10/13/1959. My guess it was built either the same day or on 10/14/1959.

[Gossamer]

i tried getting the vin # when I got the pictures however due to the nature of their 'hoarding' she couldn't get to the tag and get me the numbers so that I could be 100% sure of what it is I'm looking at.

My father swears it's a 1959, that my Uncle bought it brand new when he was stationed in Germany.

I'm hoping and praying that soon these turd cousins of mine will dig it out so I can acquire it and start the process of restoration.

[Gossamer69]

Had some issues but she's finally in my possession.

Here's a teaser pic

Ok need to shrink the pictures down, but i'll have them soon.

[MikeL46]

....made in '59, titled in '60, with some weird accessories. Your bike will eventually look about like this one.

If anyone can tell me what type of gas tank this is, I'd appreciate.

Kurt will tell us more, but the bike has the old style "VBMWMO" badge on the fender: BMW made the club stop using that version, "copywrite infringement"!!!

That looks like the Heinrich tank. I have the same tank on my sidecar bike.

Mike

[Gossamer69]

It was long time getting to this point.

Unfortunately I'm about to move in the next few weeks so I've not been able to get into it yet. Met a really friendly local guy who owns a couple of classics himself.

First item will be to strip it down and decide which parts are salvageable and what needs repro or just a refinish.

Motor and shaft drive will go to a local shop that specializes in old BMW and let him do his magic.

[miller6997]

Keep that license plate!

Jon

[schrader7032]

According to my limited notes, the bike was built in the summer of 1959.

[pokie]

Wow, an R69 in fairly complete condition, what a find! The sad thing about an R69 is the parts are different from the other models and a bit more expensive. I would suggest to NOT over restore it, nothing can replace the original finish. I, personally, would try to get it running before taking it apart, just to get a feel of the mechanical condition BEFORE having any work done. While taking it apart, don't throw anything away that you feel might be bad, you may not be able to replace it! Keep a junk parts box, anything you don't like the look of, toss the offending part in there. That way you have the old part should you need it as a sample. Cables, gaskets, bulbs, anything the bike needs, keep the old parts as samples. Any time you order parts for it, make sure you include that it is a 1959 R69, don't just call it a 600 as the parts will be very different.

The extra lever on the handle bars is the retard lever, not an advance lever. This was added to be able to manually retard the ignition should the motor start to ping under load. It has no other purpose and was eliminated on later models. There are small parts on the advance unit associated with the retard cable that can't be replaced, so don't lose any of them when you take it apart. If the retard cable is in bad shape, it will take a bit of looking to find another, so DON'T throw it away!

I too have an older R69, but mine is being built up from a lot less than you have!

[Gossamer69]

While I'd love to change the oil and see if she sparks up, I think i'll play it safe and have a pro once over the motor for me.

I'm afraid of hidden debris destroying the engine. I may pull the head's to see what the pistons and cylinders look like.

For those curious, the US Forces plate is still on the bike. After I move I'm going to clean and clearcoat it to hopefully stop any further rusting.

The rest of the plates from '67 to '77 made their way into a shadow box that will go into the motorcycle shrine room(ie the family room) with some other items.

The most impressive was I took the gas cap off and looked inside. I was truly amazed on how good it looked in there.

I know this is all small stuff, but until I really get to start playing with it, which won't be until sometime after Thanksgiving or even the first of the new year I've gotta amuse myself with the small things.

At this point I don't what it'll cost to get running and road worthy. Whether or not I pretty her up or leave it as a rat road for it's history remains to be seen.

[Daves79x]

The cable for the advance/retard lever is still available from Vech, FYI.

Dave