No matter where you live in the U.S., the weather is just about perfect right now, so I thought I would highlight a classic motorcycle as my Pick of the Day.
I have owned a number of classic bikes: a Brough Superior SS80, six different Norton Commandos, five Harleys, and more than 20 BSAs and Triumphs, as well as Ducatis and Moto Guzzis. Of all the classic motorcycles out there, the most reliable, easiest to ride, and simplest to maintain are BMWs.
The classic bikes from BMW are well built, feel more modern than many of their contemporaries, have great parts support, and are amazingly reliable. To me, they are also an iconic part of motorcycle history.
My Pick of the Day from ClassicCars.com is a motorcycle from BMW’s great postwar era that was, at the time, the company’s top-of-the-line bike: a 1959 BMW R69.
You may note that I have not named this bike an R69S. That is because it is not an R69S, but rather an R69. You see, BMW introduced their highest-displacement (600cc) postwar motorcycle, which was tuned higher than their 600cc R60. This allowed the R69 to reach speeds in excess of 100 mph – quite fast for a motorcycle in the 1950s. The fact that it was also amazingly reliable just adds to its allure.
An innovation BMW incorporated into the R69 was the front swingarm suspension developed by Englishman Ernie Earles, called the Earles Fork. This front suspension was revolutionary at the time, as it provided incredible roadholding combined with a supremely comfortable ride. It also brought the added benefit of not having any fork dive under hard braking. What is interesting is that every BMW R-series bike since 1994 has had a similar front fork, called the Telelever.
From the many photos provided, this specific R69 looks to be in amazing condition. The seller states that it is a completely numbers-matching example (frame, engine, and transmission) and has been owned by one family from new.
It is also important to note that, according to the seller, this R69 had a comprehensive and fully documented mechanical restoration completed in 2024. This is important, as BMW bikes from this era are getting a bit old and, lacking any kind of an oil filter, they rely on “slingers” on the crankshaft to clean the oil. Over time, those can become pretty gummed up and lead to problems. Any R69 that has received a comprehensive mechanical restoration has had these attended to. Pro tip: If you have one of these bikes, simply change the oil every 1,000 miles to avoid this happening.
The bike includes its tool kit and a full set of manuals, as well as keys and accessories. In addition, this bike looks like it may even have a lot of its original paint, something that makes me like and want it even more. The seller also has a few period photos of the original owner with the bike, something pretty rare these days.
Sure, you can buy a used R69 for around $12,000, but when you factor in the cost of getting it up to speed mechanically (as this one seems to be), you are likely to go way over the $28,000 (OBO) asking price for this example.
If you love the idea of a vintage motorcycle and hate hassles, this 1959 BMW R69 would be a great one to pick.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
