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| The Lead In January 2002 I got a tip that an early 1950’s plunger twin was for sale. It was identified as an R51/3. I had three vintage BMWs, but no plunger frame bike, so I followed up on the lead. I got a few pictures by e-mail, and immediately recognized the bike as an R51/2 from the shape of the front cover. The bike became much more interesting to me. I made the four-hour drive to see the bike as soon as it could be arranged. It looked like it was complete and mostly original, with the exception of the handlebars and the Bates aftermarket saddle. The original fender rack, toolbox lid and air filter cover had been chrome plated and a brake light had been added, but otherwise the bike appeared to be original. It had the original tool kit, tire pump, and front fork lock, but no tire patch kit or owners manual. I called Vech at Bench Mark Works to see how much trouble the chain driven twin cam engine would be to work on and learned from Elaine that they were working on their own R51/2 project, and had a timing chain in stock if I needed one. With Vech and Elaine there to help me out if I got stuck, I decided to take the plunge! The History The last registered owner of the bike before me purchased it in 1966 from a German fellow who lived in Euless, Texas, now a suburb of Dallas. The buyer in 1966 was told it had been imported from Germany when new. I have the copies of the documentation of the 1966 title transfer, so I know that the bike has spent the last 3 ½ decades in central Texas. The odometer showed 53,000 km. The lack of a European style license plate holder on the front fender fits this story. I contacted BMW Historical Archives and they indicated that the bike was manufactured on August 11, 1950, and delivered on August 14, 1950 to fellow in Weisbaden, Germany. I don’t know if this was an exporter, or if he was in fact the first owner. How long it took to get from Weisbaden to Texas I don’t know for sure and likely will not be able to document. The bike was last registered and licensed in 1973, after which the bike was parked and waited 28 years for me to buy it. I am trying to learn more about the history of the bike and will update this page as I am able. |