BMW Twin-Cylinders 1950/69 from the R51/3 to the R69/S Telescopic and Swing-Arm Generation "magneto"

BMW Telescopic and Swing-Arm Generation "magneto" R67 R67/2 R67/3 R68 R51/3 R50 R60 R69 R50/S R50/2 R60/2 R69S R50US R60US R69US

The "BMW magneto models" are, post-war, the R67/2, R67/3, then the R51/3, R68, and finally the Earles-fork motorcycles R50, R60, R69, R50/S and R50/2, R60/2, R69/S — immortalised by their Earles forks — except for the last ones (US versions) which received a telescopic fork, heralding the future 5-series.

The BMW "magneto" motorcycles are long-distance tourers. A very large number of original or modified examples still travel the world's roads (over 70% of BMW's former motorcycle production is said to still exist across the globe). These motorcycles were exported to 85 countries worldwide.

A new book was needed to provide a comprehensive overview of these machines for their current owners in France. Note that, following the book "BMW à Fourches Earles" 1st edition 1995, this new book does not aim to be a simple classic technical review — excellent ones already exist, as does a workshop manual published by the Munich factory on the subject; it is their complement, a user's guide for the 2nd or even 3rd generation owner, more than 70 years on!

It reveals the various evolutions, visible or otherwise, that the different generations have undergone. A practical guide for enthusiasts of these motorcycles, it is packed with practical advice, tips and tricks, etc., and details the classic faults that may arise, as well as those caused by their advanced age — in order to enable the owner to restore, maintain or overhaul a motorcycle of this generation.