Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

Something doesn't seem right. I have Roland Slabon's book and the R60/2 engine numbers go from 622001 to 629999. Later models had an extra "1" because they ran out of numbers. This website, http://bmbikes.co.uk/chassispages/enginechassisto69.htm, says the same thing. If the engine number is truly 613xxx, that would mean that it is an early '50s R67/2. IIRC, there are three locations for the numbers - RHS engine above the pushrod tube seals, the riveted plate on the headstock, and along the rightside of the headstock, stamped into the frame. Do all three agree?

You might try and write motorrad@bmw.de and provide as much information as you have, not from the paperwork, but from the numbers you find on the bike. Typically, they have records and can provide more information about manufacture date, where it was delivered, and some of the accessories on the bike.

Craig Vechorik in Mississippi has Hella bar-end signals, part no. 63 13 8 054 159. He's a great source for parts and information. His website is http://members.aol.com/vechbmw/.

Kurt in S.A.

... Paperwork shows it to be a 1959 R60/2... my VIN# does not match anything, R60 or R50. Mine starts with 613xxx...
The R60 ended in 1959 and the R60/2 started in 1960.
613xxx only goes with the R67/2 (612001 to 616226, 1952-1954)
Your photo lookes like an R50/2 or R60/2, 1960-1968.
The saddle seats came on European bikes and the wide crossbar handlebars came on US-spec bikes, so they look odd together to me.
The air cleaner came painted but some where chromed at owners request, and many restorations are chromed because the parts can't be separated for painting.
The mufflers look aftermarket and are probably louder than stock.
When you get to adding turnsignals, I can send you some helpful instructions to supplement what's on Vech's site.
I have a black plastic cover to fit around the greenish battery - $20 shipped, may take minor cutting and filing:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roundel/se ... 139744470/

...
I have a black plastic cover to fit around the greenish battery - $20 shipped, may take minor cutting and filing:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/roundel/se ... 139744470/

Alan, will your battery cover work on a 1965 R60/2 and do you have another available? The green battery although seemingly predominant from the pictures I have seen in other posts has really bothered me and I was thinking of fabricating a cover myself.

The covers fit the batteries that fit the /2. To fit tightly around the battery inside the tabs on the shelf, and to avoid chafing the strap and possibly to clear a vent hose, the cover will need heating and bending more sharply around the side edges of the battery, trimming the two back edges, and notching the top edge for the strap and hose. Tools required are a heat gun or hair dryer, tin shears or hacksaw, a file, and coarse sandpaper on a sanding block.

When you get to adding turnsignals, I can send you some helpful instructions to supplement what's on Vech's site.

Hi Allan,

If you have more detailed instructions for the Hella bar end turn signals, I would love to have them. I finally got my horn to work, so now its time to wire the signals. My email is phil.mcnamee@gmail.com

Thanks!

Phil

I have been using a maintenance free 6-volt battery on all my slash-2s:



http://tinyurl.com/2eqzw2

It is black, inexpensive, and available at any Batteries Plus. It's a little short, so a small added pad underneath is needed. The main reason I use it is convenience. It is maintenance free, which pleases my wife, who is tired of acid stains. It unplugs easily for maintenance, etc. However, if you are going for concours, then get a regular black battery such as Vech sells or Tim Stafford uses.

Allan -- does your battery cover work with the battery above?

I'm new to this site and new to vintage BMWs. I bought a R60 last week and have some questions. Paperwork shows it to be a 1959 R60/2 but looking on line my VIN# does not match anything, R60 or R50. Mine starts with 613xxx, motor and frame numbers match.
It does not have turn signals, I have been looking at bar-end style, is this a good way to go?
Here is a link to a picture of mine.
http://toyanvil.smugmug.com/photos/116884082-S.jpg
Thank you for any help.