BMW R 60/5 (1969-1973) Specs, Performance & Photos

BMW relocated the motorcycle production to Berlin because the Munich plant needed to expand its capacity for car production. In 1969 in Berlin, BMW started the production of the /5 series with the R 60/5, R 75/5, and R 50/5 models.

The bigger models, such as the R 60/5 and R 75/5, exceeded all expectations with their performance and price joined in a favorable combination. The combination of the performance and price also attracted government agencies like police forces which were tough customers. Even the BMW management was surprised by the success of the models, which recorded 4,701 units sold until the end of 1969 and 12,287 units sold in 1970.

Overall, the BMW R60/5 was a well-balanced middle-class motorcycle with attractive performance and a matching sales price. The model had at its core a 599cc flat-twin engine with a power output of 40 hp at 6,400 rpm that could push the bike to a maximum top speed of 167 kph (102 mph).

Onto the double-loop steel frame, the model featured a telescopic fork with a hydraulic damper on the front and a long swingarm with spring legs on the rear acting as suspension. The stopping power was handled by a 200 mm duplex hub unit on the front and a simplex hub unit on the rear.

The 1969 BMW R 60/5 rolled off the production line with standard features such as a dual seat, passenger grab rails, a dual exhaust system, a side stand, wire-spoked wheels, a large headlight, and a large 24-liter (6.3-gallon) fuel tank.