In 1969, BMW moved motorcycle production to Berlin, where its Spandau factory would build the all-new /5 series of bikes. Created by Motorrad chief Hans- Günther von der Marwitz and Helmut-Werner Bönsch, the /5 was designed as a solo machine, with telescopic forks and dual shocks at the rear. The engine was allnew, with BMW’s first electric starter. The /5 marked the motorcycle debut of designer Hans Muth, who penned the chrome-sided “toaster” tank on the R 50/5 seen here.

For more pictures and information on this or any other vehicle in the Motorcycles exhibit, check out the exhibition book in our store!