This 1955 R50 Was the 464th of the new production twin, pre /2 R50 BMW motorcycles built. The design was new and many new innovations were included that year such as the change from the telescoping liquid damper front fork that was changed over to an Earle’s-swing arm braced front end with a spring/shock absorber combination. The same modification was done in the rear moving from the plunger type rear suspension to the spring/shock combination. Many other changes were made that year also some cosmetic and some things were carried over and changed at a later date.

The photographs used to list the bike when I purchased it in mid December 2020 were not very detailed and it proved to be in worse shape than I expected. Many things had been welded onto the frame to carry accessories and much grinding and welding was needed to bring the frame back to original. New center stand mounts were welded on a new center stand mounted.

The frame, swing arms and Earles front end were all media blasted to bare metal, primed and powder coated Gloss Black.

Tank and fenders and other assorted parts were sent the painter to have holes welded, body work done along with a new hinge for the rear fender. These parts were media blasted to bare metal , primed and painted Avus Black and hand pin stripes applied.

The single cross aluminum rims, levers and all aluminum parts were sent to be professionally polished and the chrome to be re-chromed. Front and rear hubs were media blasted, new wheel bearings properly pre-loaded, stainless steel spokes then laced and trued to the wheels. New Metzler 350×18  “C” block tires and tubes mounted and balanced along with new hub caps.

The motor was totally rebuilt, the crank and cam shafts evaluated and found to be in excellent condition. New slingers, bearings and seals were all replaced with new. FAG or SKF bearings used in the motor, transmission and final drive. The cylinders re-bored and new Schmidt pistons installed, Black Diamond valves and guides were installed in the reconditioned heads. All drive train cases were chemically cleaned, media blasted and sprayed with Eastwood clear satin High Temp, to deter oxidation for many years.

The Bing carbs were totally dismantled, soaked and de-greased. The bodies were media blasted with 9 mil glass bead to achieve a “like new” finish. All jets, gaskets internal parts were replaced with new or like new parts. All rubber parts on the bike were replaced with new.

New wiring harness’ replaced throughout, main, Hi-Lo horn, blinker and tail light harness along with all new switches. A pair of new Hella Bar end signals were installed. The magneto was rebuilt along with some generator re-wiring. New coil, points and condenser were installed on the Mag.

The shocks were re-built and cartridges replaced where needed, new swing arm bearings front and rear replaced along with new seals and the ball steering head bearings replaced with tapered roller steering head bearings.

I installed the later head light mounts for durability. The new mounts are rubber mounted to the Earles front end and are not prone to cracks and damage, as are the old hard mounted brackets. This bike has new headers, mufflers and hangers. The bike was given a pair of Albert Headlight mirrors and head light protection guard.