Let me preface this by saying I’ve never driven a motorcycle, never been on one at all and don’t have any plans to. The idea of actually riding one terrifies me. However, I also love the idea of a motorcycle. Sort of how I have a great love for plans, especially old WWII fighters, yet am terrified to actually fly. I like them stationary. However, when it comes to motorcycles, I completely understand the desire for one; the freedom, the open air and that feeling that you’re one with the machine you’re driving, your body is literally part of the motion and balance of the bike. Which is why this 1959 BMW R60 is so appealing to me.
About to go up at the Mecum Auction June 1-2, this 1959 BMW R60 comes with a factory TR500 Steib Sidecar and has been beautifully restored to concours-winning condition.
The BMW R60 is one of the coolest classic Beamers, It sports a 600cc boxer-twin engine with a four-speed transmission and shaft-drive. This specific model only had 3,000 miles on it before its restoration and said restoration has been a full, ground-up job. So it looks pristine and stunning.
As for that factory sidecar, it sports a factory BMW hydraulic brake and Hella lights mounted to factory BMW brackets. It’s also been completely restored, including the leather, which looks like it came from the factory in 1959. It’s a stunning piece and adds some real romance to the idea of adventure that a motorcycle brings.
If you’re looking for a new sports car to drive on the weekends and be your toy, you might want to look at this instead. It will probably fetch the same sort of money as a decent new sports car but it packs so much more character and freedom. Plus, with the addition of the sidecar, you can take long trips with the significant other without having to scare the hell out of them on the back of a motorcycle built more than 50 years ago.
[Source: Carscoops]
