In 1960, at the IFMA (International Bicycle and Motorcycle Exhibition) in Cologne, the mood was not quite good because many motorcycle manufacturers filed for bankruptcy while others were trying to survive.
The BMW motorcycle manufacturer also got hit by the crisis, which was seen in the annual production figures that have fallen from almost 30,000 to a little higher than 8,000.
At the exhibition, BMW presented two slightly modified touring models, the R 50/2 and R 60/2, which replaced the previous models, R 50 and R 60. The released touring models remained in the BMW range until the end of production in 1969.
The 1960 BMW R 60/2 replaced the R 60, which was a popular motorcycle primarily used in a sidecar combination. The /2 designation was used internally while the public continued to sell the model as an R 60.
The model presented at the exhibition packed a 594cc flat-twin engine with a power output of 30 hp at 5,800 rpm, two more than its predecessor, and registered a top speed of 145 kph (89 mph).
The bike came with standard features such as a dual exhaust system, a large headlamp, wire-spoked wheels, a center stand, long fenders, a rear luggage rack, and a small taillight that tipped the scale at 195 kg (430 lbs).