BMW Classic Motorcycles

This was the first BMW to feature a single cylinder engine, establishing a tradition that would last until 1967 of there being at least one overhead valve single in the BMW range.
The new model incorporated features found on the twins, including unit construction for the engine and three speed gearbox and shaft drive. A pressed steel duplex frame equipped with pressed steel forks was employed again reflecting the larger machines. Developing 6 bhp the new model would remain in production until 1936 and formed the basis for later, larger displacement singles.

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BMW were already producing a number of popular and highly effective motorcycles, and developed the R75 in response to a request from the German army for a machine more capable in off-road conditions. BMW developed a technically advanced machine in which the third side-car wheel was driven from an axle connected to the rear wheel of the motorcycle, effectively making it a three-wheeled vehicle. Fitted with a locking differential and selectable road and off-road gear ratios the R75 was highly manoeuvrable and capable of negotiating most surfaces. It was even fitted with a reverse gear.

BMW introduced a single cylinder 250cc machine, the R24 in 1948 and followed it with an over head valve, horizontally opposed twin displacing 500cc in 1950, typed the R51. The new machine featured plunger rear suspension and telescopic front forks and was followed in 1951 by a visually identical model displacing 594cc typed the R67. The enlarged model produced a claimed 26bhp at 5,500 rpm compared to the smaller machines 24bhp at 5,800 rpm resulting in an increased top speed from 87 mph to 93mph and would remain in production until 1956, undergoing two revisions during that time.

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250cc.

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250cc. This bike was sold new by Roman Cycle Shop, Inc. on May 10th, 1966 and purchased back off the original buyer in 1969 with 102 actual miles. This is a like new 41 year old bike complete with tool kit, tire repair kit, owners manual, BMW shop rag, and a copy of the original bill of sale.

Picture provided by Roman Cycle Shop, Youngstown, Ohio.

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With the banning of superchargers BMW's horizontally opposed twin cylinder engine struggled to make an impact in solo road racing, although it would meet with considerable success in long distance, endurance based events. However, the design characteristics that hampered its employment in solo competition proved to be an advantage when installed in a combination, particularly so with the appearance of the "kneeler" style chassis. The horizontal cylinders ensured good cooling for the engine and also contributed to keeping the overall height of the engine to a minimum. This enabled the power unit to be mounted in the lowest possible position, to the benefit of the centre of gravity and when employed in a kneeler chassis, ensured that the machines overall height was kept to a minimum. The shaft drive and bevel gear final drive box could deal reliably with the engines high torque output, enabling it to be exploited to the full by the driver, whilst the handling quirks that afflicted solo shaft driven machines were negated by the third wheel.

From 1954 to 1974 BMW powered combinations secured the World Championship 19 times. A consequence of this success at the highest level was that BMW powered outfits began to appear in national and club level races. Powered by the reliable overhead valve road engines instead of the exotic twin overhead cam units employed by the factory supported riders at international level. This example of an overhead valve powered machine benefits from a Rennsport transmission and is housed in a chassis that reflects the designs of those built by Dieter Busch. It is attractively presented in white and black.

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