BMW R50-69US Motorcycle Restoration and Service Manual

 As with the earlier versions of the manual, the updated and revised manual covers the 1955-69 BMW R50, R50/2, R50S, R50US,R60, R60/2, R60US, R69, R69S and R69US machines in depth.

A sampling of images from the BMW R50-69US manual are presented here including the manual cover, some of the original drawings, and some sample text pages with photographs. 

As done with earlier versions of the R50-69US manual, the updated and revised 2019 R50-69US manual will be printed in black and white in an 8.5" x 11" format and bound with a Perfect soft binding and scuff-proof covers with French flaps. Bound within the book are nine "hot sheets" which summarize and sequence engine, clutch, transmission and final drive assembly as well as worksheets for transmission shaft and valve rocker support shimming calculations. An R50-69US wiring diagram and exploded diagrams of the final drive, transmission output shaft and hydraulic steering damper linkage part names and numbers are provided as well. These hot sheets are also laminated and provided separately for use in the workshop.

• The addition of many dozens of photographs
  
  
• The enlargement of all photographs
  
  
• The addition of many hundreds of part numbers
  
  
• The addition of many dozens of explanatory sidebars
  
  
• The addition of multiple shop technics developed over the past ten years
  
  
• The addition of more metric measurements to inch measurements where appropriate
  
  
• The addition of more equivalent Centigrade/Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit temperatures where appropriate
  
  
• The addition of an exploded final drive drawing hot sheet with a parts names and numbers reference on the reverse side
  
  
• The addition of an exploded hydraulic steering damper linkage drawing hot sheet with a parts names and numbers reference on the reverse side
  
  
• The addition of an exploded transmission output shaft drawing hot sheet with a parts names and numbers reference on the reverse side
  
  
• The inclusion of an exploded carburetor drawing
  
  
• The inclusion of an R50-69US wiring diagram hot  sheet
  
  
• The inclusion of an R50-60 cylinder head valve rocker support shimming worksheet
  
  
• The inclusion of an R69-69S cylinder head valve rocker support shimmming worksheet
  
  
• The addition of an exploded early shifter mechanism drawing with a parts names and numbers reference
  
  
• The addition of an exploded later shifter mechanism drawing with a parts names and numbers reference
  
  
• Updates of the “Parts, Services and Information Resources” chapter
  
  
• The expansion of “The US Forks” chapter
  
  
• The expansion of the R50S/R69S hydraulic damper information
  
  
• The correction of errors/typos

 Information for ordering the updated manual follows our reviewers comments.

READ THESE REVIEWER COMMENTS OF

THE BARRINGTON MOTOR WORKS 

BMW R50-69US MOTORCYCLE RESTORATION AND SERVICE MANUAL 

After an initial review and proof reading by ourselves and Craig "Vech" Vechorik of Bench Mark Works in Sturgis, MS, a number of Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) were printed and sent out to Tandy Bozeman, Mark Huggett, Stefan Knittel, Rodger Marticke and Richard Sheckler. Joel Rapose shared Tandy Bozeman's ARC as well. The complete texts of our reviewers comments follow.  

"The Barrington Motor Works manual is the most comprehensive independent workshop manual I have had the pleasure of reading. Unlike the factory manual, much detail is given as to various methods, and tools required and how to obtain or make them to get the job done. Chris goes into the nth detail and explains not only how procedures are done, but also as to why. Chris was gracious to all of us in the BMW restoration business, by not only allowing us to review it before publication, but to incorporate our suggestions for improvements in the final product.

Time marches on. All of the original people who had a hand in the design construction of our beloved motorcycles have gone to meet their maker. Those of us who were the young generation of enthusiasts then, and keepers of the knowledge and skills now, are fast rushing toward oblivion. This manual is a great service to those who come after us, in keeping the knowledge and methodology preserved so our beloved machines can be keep in the road, and enjoyed by future generations.

• Craig Vechorik
• Owner, Bench Mark Works"

"A remarkable groundbreaking piece of work; for the breadth of its scope, its clarity and careful attention to detail, and most of all for its consistent readability. The Betjemanns are masters at explaining things clearly. Respected restoration professionals, they share with us their extensive practical knowledge gained from years of hands-on experience restoring vintage BMW motorcycles. The book is an absolute must for anyone who owns or is considering undertaking the restoration of a BMW/2 motorcycle, or just interested in learning more about these fascinating classic motorbikes."

• Tandy Bozeman, Ph.D.
• Major General USAF (ret)
• Owner, 1966 BMW R69S

"My goodness,...what a work of art. I haven't enough hats to take off to show you my amazement. Chris, I have a new respect for you and Bobsie after proof reading your new creation. I have not concentrated on typographical errors though I did notice one or two. My main intention was to check facts and give you my feedback. It has been an honour to be able to give you my feedback.

The comprehensive detail and analytical methodic is without fault as far as I can ascertain. It has been quite an adventure reading through the detail and imagining each step as if I was performing an imaginary restoration. The manual gives an excellent insight into the complexity as well as simplicity of these Bavarian motorcycles, which will earn a new respect by the prospective owners and riders. Definitely the most important investment to be made by every /2 owner.

• Mark Huggett
• Mark Huggett GmbH

"I was lucky when I bought my R 60/2 in 1974 as it was running nicely with no problems to pay attention too. Well, it was only 12 years old then. The BMW was lucky, too, as it turned out. I wanted to build a chopper - yes I a can admit it, now - but did not get the parts and left it alone with its aluminium fenders and the bright red paintjob on the tank. Would I have had your book those 35 years ago, there would have been no stopping me to take the motorcycle apart. It not only seems easy with such support in print, your words leave no aspect out and provide the sort of self-confidence to us non-trained mechanics to go down to the basement and take the tools out. (Only that my /2 has been sold in 1975)

The Munich Boxers for decades enjoyed the image of running for ever. This can still be true but they are getting older with the youngest now turning 30 years of age. To not just let them soldier on and eventually fade away the right sort information is vital (sic!). Reading through the book does not turn you into a mechanic instantly but first it helps to understand the motorcycle and then to keep it working as the makers intended or to bring it back into that condition. Even if the owner or prospective buyer of those BMW motorcycles does not want to do the work himself the information given will make him realize what can and should be done. It is not a /2-bible as it is not strict in any way it leaves options of how to do it or what to achieve. It is just as complete as a source of information right from the workshop floor by the man who has done it all himself before and since a long time can be. And that is much more than any official factory manual could ever be.

• Stefan Knittel
• Author “BMW Motorrader: 70 Jahre Tradition und Innovationen”
• Author “BMW Motorräder: Zweizylinder R51/2-R75/5, 1950-73”
• Co-Author “Illustrated BMW Motorcycle Buyer's Guide”

"The Betjemanns have crafted a remarkable book that captures their decades-long involvement with and respect for BMW/2 motorcycles. Comprehensive and rich in detail, this manual uses clear language and close-up photography to guide the reader through every aspect of the /2 restoration process. The artwork at the beginning of each chapter elegantly evokes a bygone era and will appeal to anyone who appreciates timeless design. This volume is a required addition to the library of all those who own, restore, or maintain a BMW/2; or are considering doing so."

• Rodger Marticke
• Proud owner of four Barrington Motor Works /2 restorations

"The Barrington manual is a treasure of information for both novice and professional restorers, covering each step in a quality restoration. Extensive in-depth technical, resource and restoration tips covered in a logical, yet easy to read format. This is truly the finest, most comprehensive work that is destined to become the standard for all future restorations.

This manual is a bargain and possibly the best spent money for any BMW /2 owner, rider or restorer."

• Joel Rapose
• Oxnard College Professor of Technology emeritus
• Owner, Rider and Restorer
• /2 conversions and restorations
• MZB guy

"More than two years in the works, with this volume, Chris and Barbara Betjemann have presented us with the most thorough, well written and illustrated treatise available on servicing, restoring, rebuilding and understanding our Earles twin BMW motorcycles. Though the title specifies 'SLASH TWO', this work covers all the models built between their beginning in 1955 through their end run in 1969. Most of the section on the engine covers all the twins built from 1951 onward.

The Betjemanns have presented us with a rare opportunity. If you have this book in your hands, you are holding a bargain. Buy it!"

 Richard Sheckler (Editor: BMW VMCA News)

                                                                                                                    ORDERING INFORMATION

The cost of the updated and revised manual remains at $115 plus shipping.  Shipping within the continental United States by USPS Priority Mail is $15.  Shipping to Canada by USPS First Class International Mail is $50 and shipping to all locations outside of the US or Canada by USPS First Class International Mail varies by destination.

Should you wish to purchase more than one manual please inquire by email for the cost of multiple purchases and the shipping cost thereof. Shipping more than one manual within the same package can save considerably.  This is especially true of shipments out of the United States. 

For PayPal payment: brrngmtrwks@metrocast.net 

In order to make purchase without the use of PayPal send your payment by check or money order to:

              Barrington Motor Works Publications
               216 Canaan Back Road 
               Barrington, NH 03825  
               USA 

 

 

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Click here to order the manual online!

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