1959 BMW R 60 Specifications

Name: 1959 BMW R 60
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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1959 BMW R 60 Overview

For 1959, BMW offers the R 60 as an all-round motorcycle with 594 cc on tap. The 1959 BMW R 60 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 6.5:1. Out on the road, the R 60 delivers 20.9 kW @ 5600 rpm of peak power. In everyday use, the 1959 R 60 tips the scales at 195 kg and carries a 17-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 6 kg heavier than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 1959 BMW R 60 spec sheet below.

1959 BMW R 60 compared with other bikes in the All-Round category

Measured against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database (up to 146 models, one entry per model), the 1959 BMW R 60 comes out as follows.

With 107 W/kg, the R 60 has the 45th lowest power-to-weight ratio of 136 bikes in the All-Round category, 34% below the category average of 161 W/kg.
Power output of 20.9 kW is lower than that of 87 of the other 145 bikes in the All-Round category.
Narrowing the field to the 10 models within five model years of it, the power-to-weight ratio of 107 W/kg is lower than that of 6 of the other 9.

1959 R 60 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Capable power output: 20.9 kW @ 5600 rpm of peak output puts the R 60 in good company among its rivals.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

Drum rear brake: A drum rear brake is simple and durable, but expect less bite and more fade under hard, repeated use than a disc setup.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

Air cooling on the R 60 keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic hydraulic forks up front and Long swinging arm with strut. 125mm wheel travel at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Shaft final drive on the R 60 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

R 60 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1959 BMW R 60 with its 594 cc all-round should cover the same ground every time: service history, drivetrain condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. This model runs shaft final drive, so ask for proof the shaft-drive gear oil has been changed on schedule - it's easy to overlook since there's no chain to draw attention to it. Now 67 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept R 60 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 60's 594 cc four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. The sump holds 2 l, so budget for that volume of quality motorcycle-specific engine oil. With a 6.5:1 compression ratio, running the octane grade specified in the manual matters more than on a lower-compression engine. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.

Carburetor upkeep

An R 60 that's sat unused is almost always a carb-cleaning job before it runs right again - float bowls and pilot jets first, since they clog before anything else.

1959 BMW R 60 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1959 BMW R 60 have?

The 1959 BMW R 60 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. engine with 594 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.

How much does the 1959 BMW R 60 weigh?

The 1959 BMW R 60 weighs 195 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1959 BMW R 60 make?

The 1959 BMW R 60 produces 20.9 kW @ 5600 rpm of power.

What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1959 BMW R 60?

The 1959 BMW R 60 has a 17-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 283-340 km between stops.

What brakes does the 1959 BMW R 60 have?

The 1959 BMW R 60 uses ∅200mm Drum at the front and Ø200mm Drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1959 BMW R 60 use?

The 1959 BMW R 60 runs 3.50 - S18 front and 3.50 - S18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.

What gearbox does the 1959 BMW R 60 have?

The 1959 BMW R 60 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

How much oil does the 1959 BMW R 60 take?

The 1959 BMW R 60 takes 2 l of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

Key Specifications

Engine

Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Power

20.9 kW / 28 hp @ 5600 rpm

Torque

Not recorded

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

195 kg / 430 lbs

Fuel Capacity

17 liters / 4.49 US gal

Full 1959 BMW R 60 Specifications

Year 1956 - 60

Make BMW

Model R 60

Make Model BMW R 60

Oil Capacity (l) 2.0 l

Oil Capacity (Quarts) 2.1 Quarts

Fuel Capacity 17 liters / 4.49 US gal

Wet Weight 195 kg / 430 lbs

Max Power 20.9 kW / 28 hp @ 5600 rpm

Stroke 73.0 mm

Displacement 594 cc / 36.2 cu in.

Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.

Bore x Stroke 72 x 73 mm

Compression Ratio 6.5:1

Cooling System Air cooled

Fuel Induction 2 x Type Bing 1/24/151 - 1/24/152

Ignition Battery ignition

Starter Kick

Chain Size Shaft

Clutch Single plate, saucer spring, dry

Final Drive Shaft

Gear Ratios 1st 5.33 / 2nd 3.02 / 3rd 2.04 / 4th 1.54:1

Transmission / Drive 4 Speed

Fork Tube Size (mm) 35 mm

Fork Tube Size (in.) 1.38 in.

Suspension - Front Telescopic hydraulic forks

Suspension - Rear Long swinging arm with strut. 125mm wheel travel

Wheel Travel - Front 208 mm / 8.2"

Wheel Travel - Rear 125 mm / 4.9"

Tachometer Standard

Brakes - Front ∅200mm Drum

Brakes - Front Ø200mm Drum

Brakes - Rear Ø200mm Drum

Brakes - Rear ∅200mm Drum

Tyres - Front 3.50 - S18

Tyres - Rear 3.50 - S18

Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis. Spot an error? Let us know.

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