BMWR50 1955 - 1960

　　In early 1955, at the Brussels Motor Show, BMW presented two motorcycles, the R50 and R69, which were the first models built by BMW that had a full-swing chassis. The engine was taken from the R51/3 model which was its predecessor and offered tourers sufficient power with an official 26 hp.

　　On the front, the model's telescopic fork was replaced by a long swingarm with spring struts and oil pressure dampers and instead of the plunger telescopic suspension at the rear, the model also used a long swingarm with spring struts and oil dampers with the cardan shaft neatly supported in the right-hand swingarm.

　　The 1950 BMW R50 model impressed with its chassis and excellent driving stability in all driving situations, either solo or trailered operations. The model was not only popular with the sporty touring community but also preferred by the government agencies like police forces across the world, which ensured the continuity of the BMW motorcycle department in the 1950s and 1960s.

　　The flat-twin engine that powered the R50 model had a displacement of 494cc with a power output of 26 hp with a peak at 5.800 rpm and was equipped with a four-speed manual transmission. Both engine and transmission working together made it possible for the bike to hit a top speed of 140 kph (86 mph).

　　In terms of stopping power, the model packed on the front wheel a 200 mm duplex full hub drum unit and on the rear wheel a 200 mm simplex full hub drum unit.

　　With standard features such as a single seat, wire-spoked wheels, a large headlamp, full fenders, and mid-mounted footpegs, the bike tipped the scale at 195 kg (430 lbs) and with the original BMW sidecar attached at 320 kg (705 lbs).