1966 BMW R50/2 with 1952 Steib LS 200 Sidecar

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In 1960 BMW brought a mass of updates to their familiar twin-cylinder, shaft-drive motorcycles (the “slash two” series), most of which focused on improving the bike’s power and reliability. These new models were called the R 50/2 and R 60/2 in touring form, R 50S and R 69S in sport form. The R 50/2 had all the brand’s characteristic attributes: twin-loop steel frame, 494 cc opposed twin engine, shaft drive, link-type front and rear suspensions with hydraulic dampers, and a stateliness of appearance. Over-engineered the German way, their reliability is legend too.

Like beer and pretzels, BMW motorcycles and Steib sidecars seemed made for each other. Josef Steib Spezialfabrik für Seitenwagen could claim to manufacture 92 percent of all sidecars sold in Germany, and was the preferred sidecar supplier to BMW until the company folded in 1957. Britian’s National Motor Museum opined, “BMW plus Steib was considered the most desirable of all outfits for sporting yet civilized sidecar work. Allied to the BMW… was a quality sidecar with a very robust chassis and sprung, trailing-arm suspension of the wheel.” Steib’s sidecars are celebrated and still have a dedicated following.

Highlights

• Desirable combination of BMW R 50/2 motorcycle and Steib LS 200 sidecar

• Engine: Air-cooled opposed two-cylinder 494 cc

  • Bore: 68.0 mm

  • Stroke: 68.0 mm

  • Compression ratio: 7.5:1

  • Power: 26 horsepower at 5,800 rpm

  • Carburetors: Two Bing 1/24/45 and 1/24/46

  • Transmission: Four-speed with shaft drive

  • Clutch: Dry-single plate-cable operated

• Frame number (640123) decodes as:

  • R 50/2 model

• Performance: Zero to 60 mph in 10.3 seconds

• Schorsch Meier narrow double bench seat

• Steib LS 200 sidecar decodes as:

  • Chassis number – 18207

  • Build year ­– 1952

Features

• Frame: Tubular steel double cradle

• Front suspension: Earles type swingarm fork

• Rear suspension: Twin shock swingarm

• Front brakes: 200mm drum, dual leading shoe

• Rear brakes: 200mm drum, single leading shoe

• Ignition: Magneto

• Spark plugs: Bosch W240T1

• Electrics: 6 volt

• Starter: Kick

• Overall length: 83.7 inches

• Width: 26.0 inches

• Original saddle height: 38.6 inches

• Wheelbase: 55.7 inches

• Curb weight: 429.9 pounds

• Fuel tank: 4.49 gallons

• Wheels:

  • Front: 1.85x19 inches

  • Rear: 2.15x18 inches

Known Imperfections

• While this BMW R50/2 runs and drives, it will need work to be fully roadworthy. It should be considered a project due to age and extended storage

• The paint is driver quality and has imperfections as shown in the photos

• The seat has imperfections in the leather from age

• The tires are old and should be replaced

• The engine may need carburetor work

Ownership History

This 1966 BMW R50/2 motorcycle is offered from the collection of Robert W. “Kermit” Wilson, a race car driver, columnist for numerous automotive magazines, and lifelong automotive and motorcycle enthusiast.