This 1966 BMW R50/2 is a triple numbers-matching example that is equipped with a 1953 Royal-Seitenwagen model RSA sidecar and is said to have been produced and delivered to BMW importers Butler & Smith of New York City in July 1966. The bike and sidecar were acquired out of a Florida collection in 2010 by the seller, who carried out an 18-month refurbishment that was completed in 2012. Work included refinishing the bike in black with white pinstripes and overhauling its 494cc opposed twin, four-speed gearbox, and differential. Equipment includes an Earles fork, a steering damper, Albert headlight mirrors, headlight and taillight guards, a touring fuel tank, a solo saddle, a luggage rack, and two stands. Fluid changes were performed in August 2021. This R50/2 sidecar rig is now offered with service records from current ownership, a sidecar tonneau cover, a vintage suitcase, and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.
The 6.5-gallon Schorsch-Meier fuel tank and both fenders were refinished in Avus Black with white pinstriping. Features include a black rubber Denfeld solo saddle that shows wear along its front edge, chrome headlight and taillight guards, a locking tool box integrated atop the fuel tank, a frame-mounted tire pump, a luggage rack, a hinged rear fender, a factory center stand, and a custom stainless-steel side stand.
Weinmann 18″ high-lip alloy rims with stainless-steel spokes are laced to full-width hubs with polished caps, replacement bearings, and drum brakes. Continental tires are said to have been mounted in 2012. Suspension is provided by an Earles leading-link fork and a rear swingarm, and hydraulic shocks are mounted at both ends.
The sidecar was refinished in black and features chrome trim radiating from a badge with a Royal crest on the rounded nose, as well as a chrome guardrail, a valanced fender with a pair of running lights, a rear luggage rack, gray carpet lining, and a red vinyl seat with padded armrests. Additional equipment includes a 16″ wire wheel with a two-eared knock-off nut and rubber suspension rings.
The adjustment knob for a friction-plate steering damper in the steering stem is situated between pullback risers gripping a chrome handlebar. Albert mirrors are threaded into the headlight nacelle which features a chrome guard and a 120-mph VDO speedometer. The five-digit odometer shows 1,900 miles which have added since completion of the refurbishment, and true mileage is unknown.