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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. That's roughly 21 kg heavier than the average all-round motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 1973 BMW R 60/5 spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
1973 BMW R 60/5 compared with other bikes in the All-Round category
Here is how the 1973 BMW R 60/5 stacks up against other bikes in the All-Round category in our database. Each model counts once, using the model year closest to this one, and the comparison covers up to 381 models.
- Wet weight of 210 kg is heavier than that of 231 of the other 380 bikes in the All-Round category.
- Only 128 of the other 292 bikes in the All-Round category have a lower torque than the 49 Nm of the R 60/5.
- Narrowing the field to the 16 models within five model years of it, the wet weight of 210 kg is heavier than that of 7 of the other 15.
Versus the 1970 model
The figures we track are unchanged from the 1970 model: peak power, peak torque, wet weight and displacement all match.
1973 R 60/5 - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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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.
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Large fuel range: The 24-litre tank is generously sized, translating to extended range between stops - ideal for touring or longer commutes.
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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
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Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
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Drum rear brake: The drum rear brake is adequate but lacks the modulation and fade resistance of a disc setup found on more modern equivalents.
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 with its 599 cc all-round, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the drivetrain for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. 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 53 years old, this all-round is as likely to show age-related wear (perished rubber, seized fasteners, degraded seals) as mileage-related wear. 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 for the R 60/5's 599 cc four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder.. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. 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. 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.
How much oil does the 1973 BMW R 60/5 take?
The 1973 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 / 5.0 kgf-m / 36 ft lb @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Capacity
24 liters / 6.3 US gal
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Full 1973 BMW R 60/5 Specifications
Year
1971 - 73
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 liters / 6.3 US gal
Wet Weight
210 kg / 463 lbs
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"
Wheel Travel - Rear
125 mm / 4.9"
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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