🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

R50S / R50

Model Variant:

R50S (Sport model), R50 (Standard model)

Chassis Codes:

R50S, R50

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The R50/R50S represented BMW's entry into the larger displacement motorcycle market, aiming to provide reliable touring and sport performance. This manual is crucial for owners seeking to maintain and repair these iconic vintage machines.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against British twins and larger displacement European motorcycles of its era. The R50S, with its higher compression and sportier tuning, targeted riders seeking more performance than the standard R50.

Key Features:

Flat-twin boxer engine, shaft drive, robust chassis design, and BMW's reputation for quality and durability.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, General Information, Transmission, Chassis, Electrical System, Lighting, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels and Tires, Bodywork, Troubleshooting, Maintenance

Estimated Page Count:

200-300 pages (estimated for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine mechanical (top end, bottom end, cooling, lubrication), Fuel system (carburetor tuning, fuel tank, fuel lines), Ignition system (spark plugs, ignition timing, electrical components), Transmission (clutch operation, gearbox overhaul, final drive), Chassis (frame inspection, steering head, swingarm), Suspension (front forks, rear shocks, adjustments), Brakes (drum brake systems, linkage, adjustments), Electrical (lighting circuits, wiring diagrams, battery, charging system), Carburetion (Bing carburetors, jetting, adjustments)

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug inspection), Engine tune-up procedures, Carburetor synchronization and adjustment, Clutch adjustment and replacement, Gearbox oil change and inspection, Wheel bearing service, Brake system bleeding and adjustment, Electrical system troubleshooting and repair, Fork seal replacement, Shock absorber servicing, Engine rebuild procedures (disassembly, inspection, reassembly), Chassis component inspection and replacement, Wiring harness repair

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full mechanical overhauls and electrical system diagnostics. Includes detailed disassembly, assembly, torque specifications, and troubleshooting guides.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans of original documentation, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Printable.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, four-stroke, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder boxer

Displacement:

494 cc (for both R50 and R50S)

Bore X Stroke:

68 mm x 68 mm

Horsepower R50:

26 hp (19 kW) at 5,800 rpm (approx.)

Horsepower R50S:

30 hp (22 kW) at 6,200 rpm (approx.)

Torque R50:

33 Nm (24 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm (approx.)

Torque R50S:

35 Nm (26 lb-ft) at 4,500 rpm (approx.)

Carburetion:

Dual Bing carburetors (typically 1/24/101 for R50, 1/24/102 for R50S)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (appropriate octane rating specified in manual, typically high-octane for R50S)

Ignition System:

Battery and coil ignition with points and condenser

Cooling Method:

Air-cooled

Lubrication System:

Wet sump

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.5 liters (2.6 US quarts)

Oil Specification:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil (as per manual recommendations, consider modern API SG or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

4-speed constant mesh gearbox

Clutch Type:

Single dry plate clutch, operated by cable

Final Drive:

Shaft drive to rear wheel

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 0.5 liters (0.5 US quarts)

Gearbox Oil Specification:

SAE 90 hypoid gear oil (as per manual recommendations)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 2,140 mm (84.3 in) for R50

Width:

Approx. 800 mm (31.5 in) at handlebars

Height:

Approx. 1,030 mm (40.6 in) at seat

Dry Weight:

Approx. 190 kg (419 lbs) for R50

Fuel Tank Capacity:

17 liters (4.5 US gallons)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 1,410 mm (55.5 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

Not applicable (vintage motorcycle, no modern crash ratings)

Active Features:

Drum brakes front and rear, good chassis balance

Passive Features:

Durable frame construction

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Features:

None (basic motorcycle of its era)

Driver Assistance Features:

None (basic motorcycle of its era)

Connectivity Features:

None (basic motorcycle of its era)

Lighting System:

12V electrical system, headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals (optional or specific to market/model variant), ignition light.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,000-5,000 km (2,000-3,000 miles) or annually, as specified in the manual.

Gearbox Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000-10,000 km (4,000-6,000 miles) or annually.

Final Drive Oil Change Interval:

Every 6,000-10,000 km (4,000-6,000 miles) or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Inspect every 3,000 km, replace as needed (refer to manual for specific gap).

Valve Clearance Adjustment Interval:

Every 6,000 km (4,000 miles).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 motorcycle oil (API SG or higher recommended for modern use).

Gearbox Oil Type:

SAE 90 hypoid gear oil.

Final Drive Oil Type:

SAE 90 hypoid gear oil.

Brake Fluid Type:

Not applicable (mechanical drum brakes use grease/lubrication, no hydraulic fluid).

Known Issues:

Leaking crank seals, worn clutch plates, aging electrical wiring, carburation issues (especially with modern fuel), fork seal degradation, shock absorber wear. The manual addresses these common wear-and-tear items.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW has a long history of motorcycle production dating back to the 1920s, known for engineering excellence, reliability, and boxer engine technology.

Model Evolution:

The R50 series, introduced in 1955, was part of BMW's post-war recovery and modernization efforts. It evolved from earlier models, offering improved performance and reliability, leading the way for subsequent boxer twins like the R60 and R69.

Production Years:

1955-1960

Production Locations:

Munich, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The R50 series is widely recognized for its contribution to BMW's reputation for reliable and well-engineered motorcycles, establishing the boxer twin platform for decades. It's a classic in its own right.