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2010 Shannons Sydney Spring Classic Auction
Lot
3

1968 BMW R69US Motorcycle

$11,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine Four stroke two cylinder flat twin 594cc
Gearbox 4 Speed
Colour Black

Description

This lot is no longer available

From 1955 to 1969, 15,347 of these 594 cc shaft-drive, opposed twin motorcycles were built. The 35 hp (26 kW) R69 was produced from 1955 to 1960, the 42 hp (31 kW) R69S was produced from 1960 to 1969,and the 42 hp R69US was produced from 1968 to 1969.These models were designed as relatively high powered, high compression sport bikes.

The sport-oriented R69S, R69US, and R69 succeeded the plunger-framed 1951 to 1955 R68 which had an engine very similar to that in the later R69.

The R69US models, with telescopic forks, which were used later on the BMW R-/5 series motorcycles, were introduced in the United States for the 1968 model year and then continued for 1969. Front and rear side reflectors, demanded by the U. S. Department of Transportation, were introduced only for the 1969 model year, along with a DOT sticker that was placed on the rear fender. The previous Earles forks continued to be offered during these years.

Ask any motorcyclist what he considers to be the two-wheeled equivalent of the Rolls-Royce and you will almost certainly be told "BMW".The BMW has attributes that make it unique, and it has acquired a reputation that makes it a "prestige" motorcycle - even among people who ordinarily don't give two wheelers a second glance. These earlier models are keenly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts the world over, renowned for their advanced engineering features.