BMW R50, R50S, R60 & R69S Instruction Manual (1969–1976)

BMW’s factory Instruction Manual covers the R50 and R60 touring-sport models and the R50S and R69S sport models. The original back cover carries the print marking 90 99 182 5 XI. 64.

PDF Navigation and Wiring Detail

Text search and embedded bookmarks are unavailable. The separate wiring key is legible, while some small terminal markings on the diagram remain difficult to read when enlarged.

The ZIP contains one printable PDF with 162 pages, including the front cover, title page, and back cover. The text is primarily in English, with French and Spanish on selected pages.

Riding, Routine Service, and Sidecar Setup

These selected topics show the range of the manual. It also includes fuel-consumption charts and instructions for long-term storage.

• Controls and running-in cover starting, shifting, center stand use, and speed limits by gear during break-in.
• Engine and drivetrain drawings show the boxer engine, clutch, gearbox power flow, and the enclosed shaft and spiral-bevel final drive.
• Fuel and ignition service covers BING carburetor removal and cleaning, warm-idle adjustment, throttle-cable synchronization, spark-plug inspection, contact-breaker adjustment, and ignition timing.
• Chassis and brake service covers steering and bearing play, front and rear wheel removal and refitting, tire changes, and brake and clutch free play.
• BMW Spezial sidecar setup covers gearing changes, suspension, mounting alignment, lighting connections, and synchronization of the sidecar and rear brakes.
• Lighting and wiring includes a circuit diagram with a separate component key, plus bulb replacement, stoplight-switch adjustment, and headlight aiming.

BMW addresses owners and describes routine maintenance and minor repair using the supplied tool kit. The manual directs sidecar conversion work to a BMW specialist. Full engine and gearbox overhauls require separate workshop literature.

Boxer Engine, Clutch, and Shaft Drive

The engine section describes the one-piece light-alloy crankcase, sectional forged-steel crankshaft, roller-bearing connecting rods, and overhead valve gear. It explains how the gear-driven oil pump draws oil through the sump filter and feeds the crankshaft.

The clutch section shows how the plate spring loads the pressure plate. Gearbox drawings trace power through the constant-mesh gears and show how selector forks, sliding dogs, the shift interlock, and the torque damper work. The rear-drive section shows the universal joint and spiral-bevel gears.

Fuel, Ignition, and Lubrication

The manual distinguishes the sport models by their intake, cylinder heads, exhaust fittings, and crankshaft vibration damper. Carburetor tables identify the left and right BING units by model. The fuel shutoff section identifies the opposing threads at the tank and valve ends of the upper union, a detail that matters when removing the valve for cleaning.

The ignition section describes a timing-light check and a flywheel-mark check. The electrical key distinguishes the magneto from the charging circuit and identifies the connection used for sidecar lighting.

Servicing tables cover fuel grades, lubricant capacities, and separate oil checks for the engine, gearbox, driveshaft housing, and final drive. The maintenance schedule also covers battery care, air-filter service, and inspection of the dynamo brushes and commutator.

Steering, Wheels, and Sidecar Conversion

The solo sport models use a hydraulic steering damper. The touring-sport models and sidecar-equipped machines use a friction damper. A fork section shows the hydraulic linkage, and the service text covers its limit-screw adjustment.

The wheel section covers spoke tension, shim-adjusted bearings, and balancing on the sport models. The front-wheel illustrations show how the brake plate engages the swinging-arm guide during refitting. Secure and support the motorcycle before removing a wheel.

BMW specifies sidecar gearbox ratios for the R50 and R60. The conversion section also covers final-drive bevel gears, stiffer springs, a forward front-swingarm pivot position, and the friction damper conversion on the sport models. BMW also describes factory conversion of the R69S on request.

Valve Clearance and Sidecar Alignment Examples

For all four models, BMW specifies cold valve clearances of 0.006 in. (0.15 mm) at the intake and 0.008 in. (0.20 mm) at the exhaust. The valve service section calls for checking the cylinder-head fasteners before measuring clearance.

For the BMW Spezial sidecar, the mounting drawing specifies 1.2–1.6 in. (30–40 mm) of toe-in with the motorcycle upright. The next drawing shows the loaded camber check, with an approximate 10 mm difference between points C and D when both the motorcycle and sidecar are occupied.