R 60

1959 BMW R 60 Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Engineered by BMW for the allround motorcycle segment, the 1959 BMW R 60 utilizes a 594 cc (36.3 cu in) air-cooled two cylinder boxer, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 28 HP (20.4 kW) at 5,600 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 4-speed gearbox and shaft drive (cardan) final drive. With a specific output of 47.1 HP per liter, the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.

On the scales, the R 60 measures 195 kg (430 lbs) dry, translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.14 HP/kg (6.96 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 1,380 mm (54.3 in) wheelbase engineered for quick, flickable steering geometry. The 17-liter (4.5 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 4.2 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 405 km (252 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 145 km/h (90 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's BMW archive, this model family spans 5 indexed model years from 1956 to 1960, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.