Details & Info
• Model: R69S
• Manufactured: 1962
• Original delivery detail: Australian Delivered
2022 was a disastrous year in Northern New South Wales, with the region experiencing 3 major flood events within a short period of time. Martin received a call about an R69S that had been stored in a shipping container that became significantly flood damaged, and was offered the opportunity to buy it. Undaunted by the extent of the damage, Martin leapt at the opportunity to bring this piece of history back to life.
Having already purchased an R60/2, Rob was actively looking to buy for an R69S. He was also keen to get involved in the restoration of this forlorn case.
Like other restorations, the bike had to be completely dismantled for repair or replacement. It is amazing how far water can travel, and the damage it causes to everything including cables, suspension and wheel bearings.
Further exploration revealed that this bike, like many of its era, had quite a backstory. According to an Aug 2020, article in classic bike magazine Old Bike Australasia, this “R69S was a worker most of its life in the Victoria Police force, and was one of eight such models purchased on August 7th, 1962 through long-time BMW dealer L.F.(Frank) Pratt especially for escort duties for the Royal Visit that year”. https://www.oldbikemag.com.au/bmw-r69s-ultimate-flat-twin/.
If it was fit for a Royal, it was certainly good enough for Rob.
In his quest for a unique bike, Rob favoured the look of a Hoske tank, which was traditionally found on sidecars for increased fuel capacity. The tank, was in poor condition when sourced by Martin, but after panel beating, fresh paint and pin stripe, and fabrication to fit to the bike, he was able to deliver Rob’s dream of creating an R69S with a difference.
Rob was delighted with the final product and loves the additional horsepower of this R69S upgrade.
