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BMW R 60 (1956-1960) Specs, Performance & Photos

Segment: Clasic
Production years: 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960

BMW R 60 1956-1960 2 Photos
BMW R 60 (1956-1960)BMW R 60 (1956-1960)

The first two motorcycles that featured a full-swing chassis were the R 50 and R 69, released by BMW in 1955. In 1956, in the 600cc series, BMW introduced the R 60, a touring motorcycle that rounded the BMW range and replaced the R 67 sidecar model.

Compared to its predecessor, the engine remained with the same characteristics and provided sufficient power and torque to be used in a sidecar combination. The key innovation of the R 60 model was the full-swing chassis, which instead of the plunger telescopic suspension, the model used a long swingarm that guided the wheel on the rear and on the front featured a slidable swingarm.

An important thing that helped BMW survive in the 1950s and 1960s was the popularity of the R 60 used in a sidecar combination by police forces around the world, so selling to the authorities became an important pillar for BMW in the motorcycle business.

The 1956 BMW R 60 model featured a 594cc flat-twin engine that developed a power output of 28 hp with a peak at 5,600 rpm. With a curb weight of 195 kg (430 lbs), the bike reached a top speed of 145 kph (89 mph).

The model came with standard features such as a single seat, a large headlamp, wire-spoked wheels, large fenders, and a dual exhaust system.

BMW R 60 1956-1960

BMW R 60 594

engine specs
Type:air-cooled, four-stroke, boxer twin cylinder, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:594 cm3
Bore X Stroke:2.8x2.9 in OR 71 mm
Compression Ratio:6.5:1
Horsepower:28/5600 KW(hp)/RPM
Torque:0/- lb-ft/RPM OR 0 Nm/RPM
Fuel System:2xBing carburetors
transmission specs
Gearbox:4-speed, manual
Clutch:dry, single plate
Primary Drive:-
Final Drive:shaft
chassis specs
Frame:steel
Front Suspension:telescopic fork
Rear Suspension:plunger shocks
Front Brake:200mm drum
Rear Brake:200mm drum
dimension specs
Overall Length:-
Overall Width:-
Seat Height:-
Wheelbase:-
Ground Clearance:-
Weight:430 lbs OR 195 kg
Fuel Capacity:4.5 gallons OR 17.0 L
tyres specs
Front:3.50 - S18
Rear:3.50 - S18
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