1973 BMW R 60/5 Specifications

Name: 1973 BMW R 60/5
Brand: BMW

All-Round • Specs last verified 13 July 2026

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1973 BMW R 60/5 Overview

The 1973 BMW R 60/5 is an all-round motorcycle built around 599 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 9.2:1. 1973 BMW R 60/5 delivers 29.5 kW @ 6400 rpm of peak power and 49 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 1973 R 60/5 tips the scales at 210 kg and carries a 24-litre fuel tank. Scroll down for the complete 1973 BMW R 60/5 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.

1973 R 60/5 - Pros & Cons

Strengths

Strong power output: 1973 BMW R 60/5 makes 29.5 kW @ 6400 rpm with 49 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Large fuel range: The 24-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
Low-maintenance final drive: Shaft final drive means no chain to clean, lube or adjust - meaningfully less routine maintenance than a chain-driven equivalent.

Considerations

Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.

Wear Points & Servicing Notes

Heat management in traffic

R 60/5's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.

Carburetor maintenance

The R 60/5 uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.

Suspension condition on used examples

Up front, the R 60/5 runs Telescopic hydraulic forks and Long swinging arm with strut at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.

Final drive maintenance

Final drive is by shaft - no chain or belt maintenance at all, though the drive-shaft oil should be changed on the manufacturer's interval.

Frame & chassis check

The frame is Double loop tubular frame with bolt on rear section - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.

R 60/5 - Buying & Maintenance Guide

What to check before buying

When inspecting a used 1973 BMW R 60/5, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained R 60/5 should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.

Oil and filter changes

Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any R 60/5. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.

Carburetor upkeep

Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the R 60/5 has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.

1973 BMW R 60/5 - Frequently Asked Questions

What engine does the 1973 BMW R 60/5 have?

The 1973 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 1973 BMW R 60/5 weigh?

The 1973 BMW R 60/5 weighs 210 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.

How much power does the 1973 BMW R 60/5 make?

The 1973 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 1973 BMW R 60/5?

The 1973 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 1973 BMW R 60/5 have?

The 1973 BMW R 60/5 uses ∅200mm Drum at the front and ∅200mm Drum at the rear.

What tyre sizes does the 1973 BMW R 60/5 use?

The 1973 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 1973 BMW R 60/5 have?

The 1973 BMW R 60/5 is fitted with a 4 Speed transmission.

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 Litres / 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 in
Wheel Travel - Rear	125 mm / 4.9 in	125 mm / 4.9 in
Max Torque	49 Nm / 36 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm	49 Nm / 36 lb-ft @ 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 published by manufacturer

Weight

210 kg / 463 lbs

Fuel Capacity

24 Litres / 6.3 US gal

Full 1973 BMW R 60/5 Specifications

Year 1971 - 73

Year 1972 - 73

Make Model BMW R 60/5

Fuel Capacity 24 Litres / 6.3 US gal

Fuel Capacity 24 liters / 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

Max Torque 49 Nm / 5.0 kgf-m / 36 ft lb @ 5000 rpm

Displacement 599 cc / 36.6 cu in.

Displacement 599 cc / 36.6 cu-in

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

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

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"

Wheel Travel - Front 208 mm / 8.2 in

Wheel Travel - Rear 125 mm / 4.9"

Wheel Travel - Rear 125 mm / 4.9 in

Brakes - Front ∅200mm Drum

Brakes - Front 200mm Drum

Brakes - Rear ∅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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