c.1967 BMW 499cc R50/2

c.1967 BMW 499cc R50/2
Frame no. 642174
Engine no. 642174
• Beautiful Series 2 Boxer BMW
• Full restoration by Tim Stafford in San Diego, CA
• Highly collectible post-war BMW

BMW began as an aircraft engine builder before WW1 but converted to car and motorcycle manufacture afterward. First, they built engines for other manufacturers, then they copied an English Douglas opposed twin and finally introduced the R32 in 1923. The latter was engineered in house and provided the basis for all the following boxer twins. That original boxer concept has been continually improved for nearly 100 years and continues through the present day. Established simultaneously was a 'high level quality' – both in design engineering and manufacture – which, too, has remained with the motorrad company. The /2 series was introduced in 1960 and featured bikes of different displacements until superseded in 1969.

This lovely example is an R50/2 from 1966, midway through the /2 series production run. It is finished in the traditional BMW Dover White – a white shade with a hint of cream, perhaps - with black pin striping. It has all the idiosyncratic features that abound on BMWs – a solo seat, the key that inserts into the headlight, the sidewinder kick starter and the Earles fork. This machine has been the subject of a full restoration by BMW specialist Tim Stafford of Stafford Restoration in San Diego, California whose web site opens with the words 'Restored Perfection.' This R50/2 will provide an owner with years of concours shows and low maintenance riding. And remember that /2s are recognized as the most collectible of post-war BMWs.