The speedometer reads 81,115 miles on this 1958 500cc BMW R50 but it hasn’t been ridden in a long while – possibly since 1997 looking at the final tax disc.
Most, if not all of those miles, were ridden by the same owner who bought the BMW from AFN in Isleworth for £274 in February 1960. The original sales receipt is even included in the extensive paperwork.
That owner – Wm Hale according to the sales receipt – rode the BMW on holidays around the UK and Europe, using it for what the boxer twins were really good at. That’s covering lots of miles, comfortably and reliably.
The boxer twin, with horizontal cylinders, is an engine layout that BMW has ever since its first motorcycle, the R23, produced in 1923. Before that BMW was a maker of aircraft engines and the BMW logo represents a spinning propeller.
The ‘R’series of R50, R60 and R69 were launched in 1955 and fitted with swing arm rear suspension and Earles type front forks, a type of leading link forks.
The auctioneer, H&H, said, “It’s not clear if the bike has ever been restored, but it is presented in very authentic and original looking condition.
“The bike has not been run for a number of years. However, the engine turns over in the kickstart and it comes supplied with its 1960 sales receipt, a few old MOTs, lots of old tax discs and a V5 registration document. Unfortunately, the keys have not been found.”
The BMW R50 will be on sale at the H&H auction on 12 July 2023 at the National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry. It’s offered with no reserve.
Viewing is from 9am on the 12th.
