MotoSpecs

1969 BMW R 60/5 Specifications

All-Round • Specs last verified 31 October 2026

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1969 BMW R 60/5 Overview

For 1969, BMW offers the R 60/5 as an all-round motorcycle with 599 cc on tap. The 1969 BMW R 60/5 is built around a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.2:1. Out on the road, the R 60/5 delivers 29.5 kW @ 6400 rpm of peak power and 49 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 1969 R 60/5 tips the scales at 210 kg and carries a 24-litre fuel tank. That's roughly 21 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 1969 BMW R 60/5 spec sheet below.

1969 BMW R 60/5 compared with other bikes in the All-Round category

Measured against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database (up to 381 models, one entry per model), the 1969 BMW R 60/5 comes out as follows.

  • With 210 kg, the R 60/5 has the joint 137th heaviest wet weight of 381 bikes in the All-Round category, 11% above the category average of 189 kg.
  • Torque of 49 Nm is lower than that of 159 of the other 292 bikes in the All-Round category.
  • Narrowing the field to the 12 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 210 kg is heavier than that of 9 of the other 11.

1969 R 60/5 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

  • Strong power output: Peak output on the R 60/5 is 29.5 kW @ 6400 rpm and 49 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
  • Large fuel range: With a 24-litre tank, this isn't a bike you'll be stopping for fuel every hour - a real asset on longer trips.
  • Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive is about as close to maintenance-free as motorcycle drivetrains get.

Considerations

  • Carburetor fuelling: Carburetion is more hands-on than fuel injection - plan on periodic jetting and cleaning as part of routine ownership.
  • 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 60/5 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.

Carburetor maintenance

Being carbureted, the R 60/5 is more sensitive to stale fuel and altitude changes than a fuel-injected bike - a carb clean and rejet restores crisp throttle response after any extended lay-up.

Suspension condition on used examples

Suspension duties are handled by Telescopic hydraulic forks up front and Long swinging arm with strut 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 60/5 removes chain and belt maintenance entirely - the trade-off is a little extra unsprung weight and periodic gear-oil changes.

Frame & chassis check

The Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.

R 60/5 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

A pre-purchase check on the 1969 BMW R 60/5 with its 599 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 57 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 60/5 settles to a smooth idle within seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for the R 60/5's 599 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 9.2:1 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 60/5 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.

1969 BMW R 60/5 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1969 BMW R 60/5 have?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 uses a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine with 599 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 1969 BMW R 60/5 weigh?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 weighs 210 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 1969 BMW R 60/5 make?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 produces 29.5 kW @ 6400 rpm of power and 49 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 1969 BMW R 60/5?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 has a 24-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 400-480 km between stops.
What brakes does the 1969 BMW R 60/5 have?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 uses 200mm Drum at the front and 200mm Drum at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 1969 BMW R 60/5 use?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 runs 3.25 - S19 front and 4 - S18 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 1969 BMW R 60/5 have?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.
How much oil does the 1969 BMW R 60/5 take?
The 1969 BMW R 60/5 takes 2 l of engine oil at a full oil and filter change. Always verify against the dipstick or sight glass after filling.

BMW R 60/5 Spec Evolution

The BMW R 60/5 was produced across 2 model years (1970-1973). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.

Specification 1970 1973
Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.
Fuel Capacity 24 Litres / 6.3 US gal 24 liters / 6.3 US gal
Displacement 599 cc / 36.6 cu-in 599 cc / 36.6 cu in.
Brakes - Front 200mm Drum ∅200mm Drum
Brakes - Rear 200mm Drum ∅200mm Drum
Wheel Travel - Front 208 mm / 8.2 in 208 mm / 8.2"
Wheel Travel - Rear 125 mm / 4.9 in 125 mm / 4.9"
Max Torque 49 Nm / 36 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm 49 Nm / 5.0 kgf-m / 36 ft lb @ 5000 rpm

Key Specifications

Engine

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

Power

29.5 kW / 40 hp @ 6400 rpm

Torque

49 Nm / 36 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm

Top Speed

Not recorded

Weight

210 kg / 463 lbs

Fuel Capacity

24 Litres / 6.3 US gal

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Full 1969 BMW R 60/5 Specifications

Year 1969 - 70
Make BMW
Model R 60/5
Make Model BMW R 60/5
Oil Capacity (l) 2.0 l
Oil Capacity (Quarts) 2.1 qt
Fuel Capacity 24 Litres / 6.3 US gal
Wet Weight 210 kg / 463 lbs
Max Power 29.5 kW / 40 hp @ 6400 rpm
Max Torque 49 Nm / 36 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Stroke 70.6 mm
Displacement 599 cc / 36.6 cu-in
Engine Detail Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder
Bore x Stroke 73.5 x 70.6 mm
Compression Ratio 9.2:1
Cooling System Air cooled
Fuel Induction 2 x Bing slide carburetors
Ignition Battery ignition
Starter Kick
Clutch Dry single plate, with diaphragm spring
Final Drive Shaft
Gear Ratios 1st 3.896 / 2nd 2.578 / 3rd 1.875 / 4th 1.50:1
Transmission / Drive 4 Speed
Fork Tube Size (mm) 36 mm
Fork Tube Size (in.) 1.42 in
Frame Type Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section
Suspension - Front Telescopic hydraulic forks
Suspension - Rear Long swinging arm with strut
Wheel Travel - Front 208 mm / 8.2 in
Wheel Travel - Rear 125 mm / 4.9 in
Tachometer Standard
Brakes - Front 200mm Drum
Brakes - Rear 200mm Drum
Tyres - Front 3.25 - S19
Tyres - Rear 4.00 - 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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R 60/5 Years

1973 1970

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BMW R 60/5 - other years

1973 1970
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