Estimated Price: £8,000 - £12,000

• The BMW R69S stands at the pinnacle of BMW’s celebrated /2 series, combining high-performance engineering with outstanding build quality and long-distance capability. Introduced as the sporting flagship of the range, it featured a higher-compression version of BMW’s air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine, delivering smooth yet spirited performance while retaining the marque’s legendary reliability.
• Manufactured by BMW, the R69S was particularly well suited to sidecar work thanks to its robust crankshaft, Earles-type leading-link front forks, and inherently stable chassis geometry. These attributes made it a popular choice with police and military forces across Europe, including the Dutch police, to whom this example was supplied new in 1961. It remained in official service until 1971 before being imported into the UK two years later.
• In 1974, the motorcycle was fitted with a Steib 501 sidecar, one of the most desirable and aesthetically pleasing sidecars of the period. The combination was later sold by Norman Macpherson of Esher to William Ward of Shrewsbury, who undertook a comprehensive restoration between 2001 and 2002. The quality of this work is evidenced not only by the machine’s presentation but also by its numerous awards at shows over subsequent years.
• Purchased by Robin Haigh in October 2017, the BMW has since formed part of an important private collection. The accompanying history file is extensive, spanning over four folders and containing a full photographic record of the restoration, expired MOT certificates, restoration receipts, correspondence, documentation relating to show appearances, and a copy of the factory repair manual.
• Mechanically, the engine kicks over and has good compression, although the outfit has not been ridden for several years and will require careful recommissioning before returning to the road.
• A superbly documented and historically significant BMW/Steib combination, this R69S represents a rare opportunity to acquire a distinguished ex-police motorcycle outfit with proven provenance, award-winning restoration, and enduring collector appeal.