|
Make Model |
BMW R 50 |
|
Year |
1955-60 |
|
Engine |
Air cooled, four stroke,
two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. |
|
Capacity |
494 |
|
Bore x Stroke |
68 x 68 mm |
|
Compression Ratio |
6.8:1 |
|
Induction |
2x Bing
1/24/45 - 1/24/46 carburetor, |
|
Ignition /
Starting |
Magneto ignition /
Kick |
|
Clutch |
Single plate saucer spring, dry |
|
Max Power |
26 hp @ 5800 rpm |
|
Transmission /
Drive |
4 Speed / Shaft |
|
Gear Ratio |
1st 5.33 2nd 3.02 3rd 2.04 4th 1.54 |
|
Frame |
Double loop steel tubular frame |
|
Front Suspension |
Long swing arm with suspension units and oil
pressure shock absorbers |
|
Rear Suspension |
Long swing arm with
suspension units and oil pressure shock absorbers |
|
Front Brakes |
200mm drum duplex full hub |
|
Rear Brakes |
200mm drum simplex full hub |
|
Front Tyre |
3.50 -18 |
|
Rear Tyre |
3.50 -18 |
|
Wet-Weight |
195 kg / 429 lb |
|
Fuel Capacity |
17 Litres /
3.73 gal / 4.49 gal US |
BMW's first post war production
twin cylinder motorcycle was the 496cc R51/2 introduced during 1950. This
variant was replaced during 1954 by the R50 which introduced a pivoted fork
rear frame combined with Earles forks at the front. Endowed with great
stamina and a smooth ride the model, although expensive, found favour with
discerning long distance riders and police forces throughout Europe.
Replacing the R51/3 and R68tn
1955 were two new twins, the R50 and R69. These featured front and rear
swtngarm suspension patterned on the RS54 racer. The driveshaft was now
enclosed in the right-side of the swingarm. with the universal joint moved
to the gearbox end. The next year saw a touring R60. but this coincided with
a serious slump in motorcycle sates. During 1957. several German
manufacturers (including Adier. dkw and Horex) disappeared, while BMW's
motorcycle production slumped to less than 5500. There was virtually no
motorcycle development for five years, and BMW faced bankruptcy in 1959. A
rally of shareholders saw the company survive and. during i960, the
motorcycle range was developed and improved
