BMW R 50/5 (1969–1973) — Specs
Identity
Manufacturer: BMW
Model: R 50/5
Category: Motorcycle
Type: Motorcycle
Years: 1969 → 1973
Engine
Displacement (cc): 497
Cylinders: 2
Power (hp): 32
Power (kW): 24
Torque (Nm): 30
Dimensions
Overall length: 2100 mm
Overall width: 790 mm
Overall height: 1140 mm
Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Ground clearance: 160 mm
Weight (kg): 210
Seat height (mm): 810
Tank (L): 22
Tires
Front tire: 3.25-19
Rear tire: 3.50-18
Front pressure (bar): 1.9
Rear pressure (bar): 2
Drivetrain
Final drive: Shaft drive
Ignition
Spark plug: NGK BP7ES
Plug gap: 0.6 mm
Fluids & Filters
Engine oil: SAE20W-50
Engine oil (with filter, L): 2.25
Engine oil (without filter, L): 2
Oil filter: Hiflofiltro HF161
Air filter: Hiflofiltro HFA7601
Brake fluid: DOT 4
Fuel consumption
Estimated range: ~550 km on a full tank (22.0 L)
Service
Battery: OEM battery specification
Service interval (km): 10000
Service interval (months): 12
Valve check (km): 24000
Parts and consumables for this motorcycle
Data is gathered with care, but without guarantee. Always confirm critical information with your dealer or workshop.
Service notes
Service interval: every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Valve clearance check every 24,000 km. Valve clearance — intake cold 0.15 mm, exhaust cold 0.20 mm. Engine oil: oil grade SAE20W-50, 2.25 L with filter change, 2 L without filter change. Spark plug: NGK BP7ES (gap 0.6 mm). Drive: shaft drive. Tire pressure: front 1.9 bar, rear 2 bar (cold). Tire size: front 3.25-19, rear 3.50-18. Always confirm critical values with the workshop manual or an authorised dealer.
OEM and quality aftermarket parts that fit this bike. Always confirm with your dealer before ordering.
Engine oil
Spec: SAE20W-50, 2.25 L (with filter), 2.0 L (without filter)
- OEM OEM recommended engine oil (SAE 20W-50)
- Premium Motul 7100 4T (100% Synthetic, Ester)
- Premium Motul 5100 4T Technosynthese (Semi-Synthetic)
Which Motul for this bike?
| Motul 7100 4T ✓ | Motul 5100 4T | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Motul 7100 4T — 100% fully synthetic | Motul 5100 4T — semi-synthetic |
| Best for | Sport, Naked, Adventure (600cc+), track | Standard, Cruiser, Scooter, daily use |
| RPM protection | Excellent — ester base, stable under load | Good — for normal riding conditions |
- Standard Repsol Moto Racing 4T (Synthetic)
- Standard Elf Moto 4 Tech (Semi-Synthetic)
Fully Synthetic vs Semi-Synthetic
| Fully Synthetic | Semi-Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Base oil | 100% chemical synthesis (ester or PAO) | Mineral oil + synthetic additives |
| Heat resistance | Excellent — stable at extreme heat & RPM | Good — suitable for normal temperatures |
| Cold start | Better — reaches engine faster when cold | Good — adequate for normal climates |
| Change interval | Longer (up to 10,000 km) | Shorter (5,000–7,000 km typical) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Oil filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HF161
- Premium Hiflofiltro HF161
- Premium K&N KN-161
Air filter
Spec: Hiflofiltro HFA7601
- Standard Hiflofiltro HFA7601
Spark plug
Spec: NGK BP7ES, gap 0.6 mm
- OEM NGK BP7ES
- Premium NGK BPR7EIX
- Standard NGK BP7ES
Front brake pads
Rear brake pads
Front tire
Spec: 3.25-19, 1.9 bar
- OEM OEM 3.25-19
Rear tire
Spec: 3.50-18, 2.0 bar
- OEM OEM 3.50-18
Battery
- Premium Yuasa YTX9-BS or YTZ7S (typical 250-500cc)
Brake fluid
- Standard TotalEnergies HBF4
Coolant
Service interval
Spec: 10 000 km / 12 months
- OEM Engine oil + oil filter change
- OEM Air filter inspection
- OEM Spark plug check
- OEM Brake fluid replacement: every 2 years
Valve check
Spec: 24 000 km
- OEM Intake clearance: cold 0.15 mm
- OEM Exhaust clearance: cold 0.20 mm
Suspension
Spec: 36 mm telescopic fork / 250 ml SAE 5W/10W
- OEM Fork: 36 mm telescopic fork
- OEM Fork oil grade: 250 ml SAE 5W/10W
Drive chain
