BMW R60 motorcycle – stepbrother of grandfather’s “Ural”

BMW motorcycles are often found on Russian roads. As a rule, these are modern bikes, because the German brand continues to produce a wide model line.


But sometimes, mainly at exhibitions, you can see rare motorcycles made in Germany. They are similar in appearance and have much in common with the Soviet M-72, Urals and Dneprs. By the way, BMW motorcycles began to differ radically from their analogues from the USSR around the end of the 70s.

For the average Russian driver, BMW is associated only with cars. Few people know that they still produce bikes. But almost all motorcyclists know that the German brand is one of the leaders in the European two-wheeled equipment market.


Although, it is more likely for the elite. In general, BMW is the European analogue of Harley-Davidson. Not by technical parameters, of course. It's just that the Germans are as stubbornly clinging to their boxer engine as the Americans are to the V-twin.

Is that the manufacturer from Germany is more flexible and has a wider range of models. Although, Harley has also released several atypical bikes in recent years.

It turns out that BMW motorcycles in our country are known only pre-war and after the 90s. The models of the 50-80s somehow remained “behind the scenes”. Today we will talk about the BMW R60. This motorcycle was produced from 1956 to 1969 and is similar in appearance to the Ural or Dnepr.

History of the model

It should immediately be clarified that the development of the European motorcycle industry is closely connected with BMW. At one time, these models proved efficiency, reliability and problem-free operation. German motorcycles were copied by the Soviet Union, and the Americans also borrowed a lot from them.


As for the BMW R60, this model debuted in 1956. The number “60” in the index hints at the engine size – it is almost 600 cm3.
Over all the years of production, the model has been modernized several times. The following modifications were produced:

✅ R60
✅ R60/2
✅ R60U

All motorcycles initially had much in common with pre-war models and were developed with a sidecar in mind. That's why the BMW R60 features high-strength tubular steel frames. The power of the modifications is from 28 to 30 hp. With.

The R series from BMW is not limited to just these models. Buyers were offered lighter and budget versions with 500 cm3 engines. By the way, these models, called BMW R50, were supplied en masse to the police.


For lovers of powerful motorcycles, the R68/69 series was produced. These bikes had engines with the same displacement as the R60, but the engines were already improved, developing from 35 to 42 hp. With. Naturally, the model was more expensive, but it could accelerate to 165 km/h.


Secondly, Danny Liska, a famous motorcycle racer of those years, rode it. He traveled first from Alaska to Argentina, and then from Norway to South Africa. On these trips, the BMW R60 proved to be reliable and trouble-free.

This triggered a wave of demand. By that time, motorcycles in Western Europe and the United States had already ceased to be considered simple vehicles. They turned into a kind of symbol of freedom and independence.


By the way, for the USA, BMW produced the R60 with a classic chopper steering wheel - high. Motorcycles were also sent overseas in more interesting configurations, often with a double soft seat.

Engine

The BMW R60 has a boxer engine. This is a simple four-stroke air-cooled power unit. In modern opinion, the engine is primitive, but it is already overhead valve. By the way, in those years the USSR produced a similar model - the M-61.

There is an opinion that Soviet engineers copied their engine from the Germans, but no documentary evidence of this theory has survived. Moreover, the IMZ M-61 engine has a volume of not 600, but 650 cm3.


If we look at the motors in more detail, one opposed ancestor is immediately visible. But the German engine is definitely made of better quality. It’s not surprising - this is commercial equipment, we had to fight for the buyer in a competitive environment.


Returning to the German engine, it should be noted that it is more powerful than the Soviet one. Despite the smaller volume by 50 cm3, the motorcycle developed 30 hp. With. against 26 “horses”.

Technical features

An old German bike can still surprise. Its 30 l. With. enough for confident acceleration and reaching a speed of 142 km/h. If this doesn't seem like enough, it means you haven't tried riding a motorcycle without wind protection. And if you wear that equipment from the 60s, then driving over “hundreds” is generally quite scary.


The brakes, as befits an old boxer model, are drum brakes on two wheels. The pads are wide, so the BMW R60 stops flawlessly. Soviet bikes cannot boast of such performance of the braking system - those who rode the Urals and Dnepr will confirm these words with a clear conscience.


Transmission to the rear wheel by cardan shaft. This made the motorcycle popular among travelers. Chain models could not then boast of such reliability as they do now. And in general, the cardan does not require maintenance. Even in modern models, it is enough to change the lubricant in this unit once every two seasons.

The BMW R60 engine is started by a kickstarter, as befits any “proper” German motorcycle. There is no “push-button” winding provided here. Maybe it’s for the better - the design is simpler, there are fewer breakdowns along the way.


The motorcycle received a pendulum fork with two hydraulic shock absorbers. Everything looks massive, but it is reliable and perfectly “swallows” irregularities. Previously, this unit was considered the pinnacle of European technical thought.


The first batches of the BMW R60 were equipped with single seats. In the USSR, these were often called “frogs.” There were both single and double versions. Luxury bikes were equipped with single sofa seats. By the way, no others were planned for the US market.

Additional options

In Germany and the USA, BMW R60 motorcycles were positioned as touring models. But the standard package does not provide any accessories for this. Even the front fairing had to be purchased separately.

Third-party manufacturers made specifically for the BMW R60:

✅ Luggage systems for attaching trunks
✅ Bags made of leather and other materials
✅ Safety bars
✅ Tools for maintenance and repair

As standard, the motorcycle received a 17-liter fuel tank. This was enough for 330 km. For travelers, the manufacturer has provided other fuel tanks - 25; 26 and 30 liters.


Nowadays it is difficult to buy a BMW R60, but you can find one or more copies for sale. They are asking 600 thousand rubles for them. But you need to understand that maintaining and repairing such a bike will be difficult and expensive.

For example, a generator with a relay and a coil costs 1,5 thousand euros. And these are far from new details. They still need to be found in Germany.

So it’s much cheaper to restore a Soviet motorcycle from the same years. Moreover, this is our own, dear...