Thursday, April 16, 2015
Today in motorcycle history, April 16, 1956
The sticker price of a new BMW motorcycle takes effect today and Erwin Vogelsong of East Orange, New Jersey is the first American to open his wallet.
Vogelsong purchases a 500cc R-50 for $915.00 (plus tax) from Butler & Smith in NYC. Dealer records show there was no price haggling. Erwin opted for the 6000 mile guarantee over the 6-month warranty. Good call.
The 1956 BMW line-up shows other than the R-50, there was the R-69 Super Sport, a 600cc 35hp machine, for $1,345.00, the 600cc R-50 for $1,145.00 and a 250cc R-26 listed at $715.00. Side kick-stands and dual passenger seats were additional.
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk