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BMW · 1962

1962 BMW R50 OS

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1962 BMW R50 OS
Auction record
Average sale
$29,833
Sales
3
Low
$24,500
High
$39,000

Specifications

Category
Allround
Displacement
494.0 ccm (30.14 cubic inches)
Displacement (cc)
494.00
Engine details
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
35.0 HP (25.5 kW) @ 7650 RPM
Top speed
160.0 km/h (99.4 mph)
Compression
9.5:1
Bore × stroke
68.0 x 68.0 mm (2.7 x 2.7 inches)
Fuel system
Carburettor. Bing
Fuel control
Overhead Valves (OHV)
Ignition
Magneto
Lubrication
Wet sump
Cooling
Air
Gearbox
4-speed
Transmission
Shaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
Clutch
Dry-single plate-cable operated
Frame
Steel doble cradle
Front suspension
Cartridge
Rear suspension
Twin shock-Swingarm
Front tyre
3.50-18.00
Rear tyre
3.50-18.00
Front brakes
Expanding brake (drum brake). Duplex full hub
Front brake Ø
200 mm (7.9 inches)
Rear brakes
Expanding brake (drum brake). Simplex full hub
Rear brake Ø
200 mm (7.9 inches)
Wet weight
198.0 kg (436.5 pounds)
Height
980 mm (38.6 inches)
Length
2125 mm (83.7 inches)
Width
660 mm (26.0 inches)
Wheelbase
1450 mm (57.1 inches)
Fuel capacity
24.00 litres (6.34 US gallons)
Starter
Kick

The 1962 BMW R50 OS

The 1962 BMW R50 OS sits in the middle of BMW's postwar twin-cylinder range, a touring-oriented machine built for riders who wanted distance-eating comfort over outright sportiness. The shaft-driven flat-twin layout keeps maintenance simple and eliminates the mess and stretch of a chain, which matters if you're planning long rides rather than weekend blasts. Handling is unhurried and stable rather than eager, the kind of bike that rewards a relaxed hand and a willingness to plan ahead rather than chase apexes. It's a machine built for covering ground reliably, not for showing off at stoplights.

The 1962 model carried over without significant mechanical changes from the prior year — buyers comparing it to a 1961 example should focus on mileage, service history, and condition rather than spec differences.

Owners tend to be BMW loyalists or classic touring riders who already understand boxer engines and want an early-1960s example in usable, rideable condition. Collector interest sits at a moderate level, so the 1962 BMW R50 OS attracts buyers looking for honest history over speculative value.

Auction history

DateListingPriceMileageSource
Mar 13, 20221962 BMW R50S$39,000Bring a Trailer
Feb 17, 20221962 BMW R50S$26,000Bring a Trailer
Dec 24, 2019Restored 1962 BMW R50S$24,500Bring a Trailer