Vintage BMW Motorcycle Owners

Heads Up. A lovely original Dover White R69S is on Bring a Trailer. Currently at $10K. Should be twice (see:only original once)

What am I missing? This appears to be a clean, unrestored original with under 4000 miles. Why did it stall at $14K?

There were several other old BMWs going at the same time. How many buyers can there be?

Auctions are a gamble with odds in favor of better prices but not always. Who knows why the bike only sold for 14K.

I watch BAT every day and it amazes me the prices stuff sells for sometimes. I would love a /2 bike but prices are so far out of my range now I doubt it will ever happen. St.

Actually it didn't sell - didn't meet reserve. Probably a smart move by the seller. They really pressure you to list with no reserve, for obvious reasons.

Dave

I don't do auctions much or I should say not at all. I sure wouldn't have one without a clear reserve price and understanding of the auction house's cut of the action. St.

I was surprised to see this special bike only bid to $14.5K. Your good news is that It's still available from the dealer, Route 36 Motor Cars in Dublin, Ohio. It's a one owner, never lived in the rain, 3,500 mile original Dover White. It's practically unblemished and untouched. The dealer's not stupid and won't consider anything under low $20'sK. My take is it's a once and only opportunity to own the ultimate original /2.

I wonder if this bike would actually need a slinger service. Given its very low mileage (if authentic), it obviously had to sit for long periods between rides, which (I would think) could lead to more sludge formation than otherwise expected-unless the owner was religious about oil changes on a time (vs. miles) basis.

Adam

Slingers don't fill from sitting, they fill from running. Key is if the bikes have had religious oil changes and sump cleanings, something rarely verified. Some slingers fill quickly from assorted engine problems and poor maintenance, some last 30K miles or much more even, with good engine health and maintenance. But most guys don't think it's worth the chance and just do the tear-down.

Dave