1962 BMW R50 OS

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
| Date | Listing | Price | Mileage | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 13, 2022 | 1962 BMW R50S | $39,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Feb 17, 2022 | 1962 BMW R50S | $26,000 | — | Bring a Trailer |
| Dec 24, 2019 | Restored 1962 BMW R50S | $24,500 | — | Bring a Trailer |