Beskrivning
This motorcycle is Lot 419 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 419
c. 1968 BMW R50/ 2
Registration no. LEV NC 90 (DE)
Frame no. 686848 (see text)
Engine no. 646848
In the early 1950s, BMW concentrated on refining what were essentially pre-war designs, but by 1955 was ready with a brace of new machines, the R50 and R69. Of 494cc and 594cc respectively, the newcomers inherited the updated flat-twin engine introduced on the R51/ 3 a few years previously, but deployed this in all-new cycle parts, the most notable departures from preceding practice being an Earles-type leading-link front fork and swinging-arm rear suspension enclosing the driveshaft in the right leg - developments first seen on the works racers.
The applied headstock identity plaque shows frame number '646848'. Furthermore, the headstock itself is stamped with two frame numbers: the first illegible (possibly '646848)', and the second (clear stamping) '686848'. According to BMW Archives, the frame number should be '646848', as '686...' is outside the number range. This machine was delivered to the police in Krefeld in 1968 (the green colour is correct for such a police motorcycle). An older restoration (date and details unknown) that still presents well, the BMW has clearly not been used for a considerable period of time and will require careful recommissioning, or potentially more extensive restoration, before further use and thus is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over). Accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to the condition, completeness, authenticity and compatibility of this Lot's component parts prior to bidding. There are no documents with this Lot. Offered with key.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
