The BMW R50/5 was a popular motorcycle model produced by BMW from 1969 to 1973. It was a part of the “Slash-5” series, which improved upon previous BMW models with a new suspension system and other modifications.
The R50/5 had a 500cc, air-cooled, horizontally-opposed twin engine that produced 32 horsepower at 6,500 RPM, and it had an electric starter along with a kick starter.
The bike’s frame was made of a steel tube, and it had telescopic front forks and twin rear shocks.
The R50/5 was known for its comfortable, upright riding position, and it featured a large, round headlight and a distinctive circular instrument cluster. It was available in several colors, including black, red, silver, and white. The bike’s top speed was around 100 miles per hour, and it had a fuel capacity of about 4.5 gallons. The R50/5 was praised for its reliability and durability, and it remains a popular choice among vintage BMW enthusiasts today.
Technical specifications:
| Make Model | BMW R 50/5 |
|---|---|
| Year | 1969 – 73 |
| Engine | Four stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, pushrod operated 2 valves per cylinder. |
| Capacity | 494 cc / 30.1 cu in. |
| Bore x Stroke | 67 x 70.6 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Induction | 2 x Bing carburetors |
| Ignition | Battery ignition |
| Starting | Electric & kick |
| Max Power | 24 kW / 32 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Max Torque | 39 Nm / 4.0 kgf-m / 29 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4 Speed |
| Final Drive | Shaft |
| Frame | Double loop steel tubular frame |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork with hydraulic shock absorber |
| Rear Suspension | Long swing arm with suspension units and oil pressure shock absorbers |
| Front Brakes | 200mm Drum, duplex full hub |
| Rear Brakes | 200mm Drum, simplex full hub |
| Front Tyre | 3.25 -S19″ |
| Rear Tyre | 4.00 -S18″ |
| Seat Height | 850 mm / 33.5″ |
| Wet-Weight | 205 kg / 452 lbs |
| Fuel Capacity | 24 L / 6.3 US gal |
| Top Speed | 157 km/h / 97 mp |
