Description
This motorcycle is Lot 302 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 302
1965 BMW 594cc R69S
Registration no. KYY 563C
Frame no. 659419
Engine no. 659419
BMW introduced its first post-war twin-cylinder model in 1949; this was the R51/ 2, which was based, as its designation suggests, on the pre-war R51. For the next few years 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 (nominally) 500cc and 600cc respectively, the newcomers inherited the updated, flat-twin engine introduced on the R51/ 3 a few years previously. This heavily revised power unit was deployed in all-new cycle parts, the most notable departures from preceding practice being the 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.
A luxury tourer capable of over 100mph, the R69 cost as much as a small family car and sold to discerning enthusiasts for whom expense mattered little when set against the excellence of BMW engineering. The R50 and R69 were produced until the arrival of the slightly more powerful 'S' versions for 1961. The larger of these, the R69S, produced 42bhp and was good for a top speed of around 110mph. 'Luxury roadster with superb high-speed performance yet docile traffic manners; magnificent steering, roadholding and brakes,' was Motor Cycle magazine's verdict.
The private vendor purchased this R69S from Bonhams' sale of 'The Miklos Salamon Motorcycle Collection' at Stafford in April 2018 (Lot 238). Post acquisition the vendor entrusted renowned marque specialist Bob Porecha to recommission the BMW, since when the machine has been used only sparingly and otherwise dry stored.
Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding.
Accompanying documentation includes the following:
Current V5C
Previous owner V5C
2018 Bonhams' purchase invoice
Bob Porecha invoices
DVLA correspondence
Offered with headlamp key.
£12, 000 - 15, 000
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
